Woolwich Waves: Residents Choose Name for Borough’s New £multi-million Leisure Centre

Woolwich's brand-new state-of-the-art leisure centre officially has a name — and it's all thanks to thousands of public votes.

With an overwhelming 66.3% of the vote, the new facility will be called Woolwich Waves, following a public naming competition that saw more than 3,500 votes cast. Over 1,000 people voted in just the first 24 hours after the Royal Borough of Greenwich invited residents to help make local history.

A council spokesperson said:

“The opening of our multi-million-pound, state-of-the-art leisure centre later this year will be a major milestone for the residents of Woolwich and those across our borough and beyond.

“It will be a brilliant venue unlike any other in the capital and it is fitting that residents have played a key role in naming it. The name points to the excellent swimming pools that residents will soon be able enjoy, and no doubt the waves that will be created by those sliding down the iconic flumes that pay homage to the Waterfront Leisure Centre that so many of us have fond memories of.

“The countdown to the opening of Woolwich Waves is now on and we’re sure the excitement among residents will continue to grow as we move closer to getting the venue ready to open its doors later this year.”

Set to open later in 2025, Woolwich Waves will feature:

• Two swimming pools and exhilarating water slides

• A two-level gym

• Health suite with spa and sauna

• Five-a-side football pitch

• Sports courts

• Creche and soft play facilities

• Dedicated party space

• On-site café

The new leisure hub forms a core part of the Council’s Our Greenwich strategy, aiming to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce health inequalities by encouraging more people to get active.

The name announcement coincided with another milestone: the final solar panel has now been installed on the 12,800 sq metre, three-storey building’s roof. These panels are expected to generate 250,000 kWh annually, powering an energy centre that will serve not only the leisure centre but also the neighbouring Tramshed and nearby residential apartments once built.

A Council spokesperson added:

“It is an Our Greenwich mission that as a council we play an active role in tackling the climate crisis and improving environmental sustainability. Using renewable energy such as solar, which will help power the building and Tramshed next door, shows how seriously committed we are to being carbon neutral by 2030."

Public vote results:

• Woolwich Waves – 2,340 votes (66.3%)

• Woolwich Active – 915 votes (26%)

• MOVE Woolwich – 270 votes (7.7%)

Please note: The logo used to unveil the name is not the final design that will appear on the building or inside the centre.