Vale Farm and Willesden Sports Centre set for major improvements

More welcoming, inclusive and accessible leisure centres are coming to Brent after Cabinet approved a £3.25 million investment package for Vale Farm Sports Centre and Willesden Sports Centre.

The funding will support an overall improvement programme of nearly £4.25 million, modernising facilities, improving fitness spaces and helping more residents enjoy active, healthier lives.

Leisure centres are vital community hubs, welcoming residents of all ages and supporting local schools, while also offering concessions for older people and free swimming for children during the school holidays.

At Vale Farm, major repairs and renewals will protect the building and keep it safe, reliable and fit for purpose, while improvements to the gym, studios and fitness spaces will enhance the overall offer, including the women’s-only gym.

At Willesden, the upgrades will transform the gym and fitness facilities, improving layout, capacity and the people’s experience of using the centre.

Councillor Liz Dixon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, said: “This investment is fantastic news for Brent residents and reflects our commitment to healthier, happier and more connected communities. Our leisure centres are much more than buildings: they are places where children learn to swim, young people stay active, older residents keep fit, disabled people access inclusive activities and neighbours come together.

“As we work towards becoming a Borough of Play, we want everyone to enjoy movement and physical activity in welcoming, modern and accessible spaces. These improvements will help more people feel confident using our leisure centres while supporting our wider active wellbeing ambitions.

“This is practical delivery for residents: investing in local facilities, improving access, supporting health and wellbeing, and making evidence-led decisions rooted in a long-term vision for Brent.”

The package also forms part of Brent’s longer-term leisure plans. A new Built Facilities Strategy is being developed to guide future decisions on physical activity, leisure and sport facilities, and support the council’s transition towards an Active Wellbeing approach focused on prevention, inclusion and healthier communities.

The strategy will help ensure future investment is based on evidence, resident need and long-term value, and will sit alongside a wider programme of positive active wellbeing initiatives being developed in line with the administration’s priorities.

All works will take place while centres remain open, with operators working to keep disruption to a minimum.