The Council opens a brand new fitness centre and nursery

A brand-new state-of-the-art fitness centre and pre-school nursery have opened up in Coronation Square, Leyton.

Leyton residents welcomed the new and improved ‘The New Score Centre’ and ‘Nappy Gang Nursery’ to Coronation Square, which have both been re-imagined, making them bigger and better than they were at their previous sites just around the corner.

The Council’s grand opening event brought much excitement and energy to the area, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a special appearance from Saracens Women club legend, Sonia Green, who praised the centre for its facilities that promote health and well-being in the local community. Waltham Forest residents were also invited along to the 52,215 square foot fitness centre, to enjoy free taster sessions in fitness classes like Pilates and social pickleball.

The Score Centre is one of the largest new sports halls in the country and has capacity for 100 people to play at one time, plus a spectator capacity of 500. There are also two studios for Yoga, Zumba and more, plus two community rooms available for hire.

Cllr Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration said: "It’s been an absolute pleasure to be here today and celebrate the opening of The New Score Centre with our partners and the local community.

‘’It’s a facility that defines a clear example of what top quality sports centres look like, one that allows us to serve our residents by giving them the opportunity to access good fitness facilities, breaking down health inequalities in the borough.

‘’The energy and excitement here today reminds us just how important spaces like this are, not just for physical fitness but also for fostering connections, building confidence and strengthening our community.

‘’I have no doubt that it will inspire many of us to lead healthier, and more active lives.’’

Laurent Plopeanu, Project Director for Taylor Wimpey London, said: "We are delighted that the new Score Centre is open to the public and being used by a wide range of local residents.

"We have worked collaboratively with the London Borough of Waltham Forest to deliver this state-of-the-art new facility for Leyton. Featuring fitness studios, community rooms, offices, and an incredible five basketball courts that can also accommodate 20 badminton courts, this space is truly versatile.

"Our aim is for the new Score Centre to act as a hub for the community that allows people to meet, get active and take part in a wide range of sports that they may otherwise not have been able to."

During the opening event, a London Pulse HUB programme showcase tournament also took place, on court four, where visitors were able to watch a live netball game and cheer on the team.

Speaking at Thursday's event, Greenwich Leisure Ltd. (GLL) CEO Peter Bundey said:  "As a charitable social enterprise and staff-owned co-op, our mission is to enhance community health and wellbeing through making facilities and programmes accessible for all. 

"This aligns strongly with Waltham Forest Council's public health agenda and its wish to see residents improve their health and reduce health inequalities across generations and cultures.

"Waltham Forest has a deserved reputation for producing household name athletes who have honed their winning talents in the borough's great public leisure facilities.

"So we are delighted to have added the fantastic new Score Centre to our portfolio of centres we manage and operate across London and can't wait to see which future sports stars call it 'home'."

The Score Centre and Nappy Gang Nursery is part of the Coronation Square development which will be a vibrant public space with it's own fountain, serving as a destination in Leyton, that will have 796 new homes built at time of completion.

Council representatives and their building partners, Taylor Wimpey, also visited Nappy Gang nursery, located next door to the Score Centre, and toured the facilities to speak to staff and meet the little ones who helped cut the ribbon to officially open the new facility.

The new Nappy Gang Nursery has space for 120 children and features a large enclosed garden for play time.

Cllr Kizzy Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said ‘’I am proud that we have been able to help Nappy Gang move to their new premises here in the heart of Coronation Square. It will give residents access to more high quality childcare services that inspire children, so they benefit from the best start in life. I am particularly pleased with the wonderful sensory room for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

‘’At Waltham Forest we want to ensure that every child and every family are given every opportunity to grow and thrive in nurturing and safe spaces.’’

Coronation Square, built by Taylor Wimpey, in partnership with the Council.