Ealing Council faces £703k overspend on new Gurnell Leisure Centre
A report indicates significant cost increases before the final budget for the West Ealing project has been approved.
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Ealing Council has reported an overspend of £703,000 on the new Gurnell Leisure Centre development in West Ealing, prior to the final budget being approved. The project aims to replace the old 50-year-old facility, which closed in August 2020 following lockdown and was deemed unsafe.
Rising Costs and Project Delays
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A cabinet report detailing the finances for the Gurnell site outlines the £703,000 overspend. This increase is attributed to rising costs associated with pre-construction agreements, enabling works, and other related expenses. Councillor Gary Malcolm, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition, stated that the Labour-led council has wasted both time and money on the project. He suggested that proactive engagement with developers and the community could have expedited the process and mitigated cost increases, which he noted were widely predicted.
The council has appointed Countryside Properties UK in March 2026 to construct the residential homes on the site. The new Gurnell development is planned to include a 50-metre swimming pool with slides, a gym, play areas, commercial space, and approximately 300 homes, with 35 per cent designated as affordable housing.
Council Response to Overspend Claims
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Ealing Council has rejected claims that the overall cost of the scheme has increased. A spokesperson described the reported overspend as a "technical accounting term." They explained that it relates to the pre-construction phase and works brought forward to prepare the site, which they believe will reduce future costs. The council confirmed its commitment to delivering the new leisure centre and is finalising the project's funding strategy.
Other Council Projects Face Budget Pressures
The refurbishment of Ealing Council's headquarters, Perceval House, is also experiencing budget pressures. This project is forecast to overspend by £853,000. A significant portion of this, approximately £387,000, is related to audiovisual equipment. This cost is expected to be funded internally through reserves designated for democratic services equipment. Council officers are reportedly exploring other available budgets to cover this shortfall.
What Happens Next
Ealing Council is continuing with the Gurnell Leisure Centre project and is planning the next steps, which include finalising the funding strategy. The council has secured planning permission, completed enabling works, and appointed a leisure operator and a residential development partner.
Questions this report answers
+How much has Ealing Council overspent on the new Gurnell Leisure Centre?
Ealing Council has reported an overspend of £703,000 on the Gurnell Leisure Centre project. This figure relates to costs incurred before the final budget has been approved and is described by the council as a technical accounting term.
+What will the new Gurnell Leisure Centre include?
The new Gurnell Leisure Centre in West Ealing will feature a 50-metre swimming pool with slides, a gym, play areas, and commercial space. It will also include approximately 300 new homes, with 35 per cent of these being affordable housing.
+When did the old Gurnell Leisure Centre close?
The original Gurnell Leisure Centre, which had been in operation for 50 years, closed in August 2020. This closure followed the national lockdown and the building was subsequently deemed unsafe and in need of redevelopment.
+Is the refurbishment of Perceval House also facing budget issues?
Yes, the refurbishment of Ealing Council's headquarters, Perceval House, is also forecast to overspend. The projected overspend is £853,000, with a significant portion attributed to audiovisual equipment. The council is looking into internal reserves and other budgets to cover these costs.
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