Two landmark moments in the construction of the Romford Leisure Centre took place on Monday, as the final swimming pool tile and first ice rink seat were installed.
Council leader councillor Roger Ramsey placed the last tile in the new building’s 25m eight-lane lane main pool, before councillor Melvin Wallace, cabinet member for culture and community engagement, fixed the first seat in place in the ice rink gallery.
The multi-storey £25m complex in Western Road is uniquely designed, with the ice rink on the floor above the swimming pool, and is only the third complex of its kind in the UK.
The rink’s structure, which will have capacity for more than 1,200 skaters and will be one of east London’s main ice rinks, was finished earlier this month – its ice will be 35mm thick and is due to be installed slab by slab in December.
The centre is scheduled to open in April.
Cllr Ramsey, who was joined at the event by other councillors and representatives from Willmott Dixon Construction, said: “I’m pleased with how far the development has come.
“The new leisure centre is looking amazing with contemporary facilities and will be a brilliant facility for all across the borough.
“We’re looking forward to a successful completion and opening next year so that everyone can start to benefit from one of our biggest investments to date.”
Cabinet members were also treated to a sneak preview of the centre’s new fitness area with two studios.
Cllr Wallace has urged Havering residents to use the new centre when it opens.
He said: “Sporting investment in Havering is an important aspect of the council’s plans to ensure residents remain healthy and happy, and I encourage all residents to make full use of these facilities when available.”
Due to immense interest on social media about ongoing work at leisure centres across the borough, Havering Council will be holding a Twitter chat tomorrow Friday, October 27, to answer any and all questions people might have about leisure facilities.
Residents are encouraged to join in from 2.30pm to 3.30pm using #HaveringTalks.
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