Celebrating a new chapter for community sport and sustainability

Salix joined reopening celebrations as Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding helped deliver a modern, low carbon facility for residents a boost for local economy

Celebrations marked the reopening of Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington town centre as the transformed community facility officially welcomed residents back through its doors following a major refurbishment and decarbonisation project.

Representatives from Salix joined Bromley Council, Mytime Active and local residents to celebrate the reopening, which was officially marked by the Mayor of Bromley.

The £17 million facelift has been supported through the Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, delivered by Salix on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. 

Overall, the scheme has provided more than £6 million in grant funding to help install low carbon heating technology at Walnuts Leisure Centre and neighbouring West Wickham Leisure Centre, supporting Bromley Council’s ambitious journey towards achieving organisational net zero carbon emissions.

The Walnuts work have been supported by £3.4m from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, a £296k grant from Sports England and £125k from the London Marathon Foundation.

The Mayor of Bromley Councillor Christine Harris said: “It was wonderful to see residents coming together for the occasion to welcome the leisure centre back to Orpington. 

“Our leisure centres are so important, not only for improving our health but also in creating a sense of belonging for those who use them. 

“I am sure residents will make the most of the impressive new facilities that the council have delivered in transforming this centre, which can now be enjoyed over the summer and into the future.”

At Salix client relationship officer Anna Kuratnikova has supported the project, working closely with the council team.

She said: “It’s fantastic to see local people enjoying the benefits of this newly transformed facility. 

“Working alongside Bromley Council on this project demonstrates how investing in low carbon technologies, such as air source heat pumps, can support ambitious climate goals while delivering high-quality public spaces that will benefit residents for many years to come.”

At Walnuts Leisure Centre, new air source heat pumps have replaced traditional fossil fuel heating systems, helping to reduce carbon emissions while improving the building’s energy efficiency. The scheme is expected to deliver direct annual carbon savings of more than 970 tonnes of CO₂e, with lifetime savings of more than 19,400 tonnes of CO₂e across the project.

Alongside the low carbon heating improvements, visitors can now enjoy a completely transformed leisure centre. The revamp includes:

• A new competition-length swimming pool and training pool
• New reception area and café 
• Refreshed and newly marked sports hall
• A children’s splash wall 
• New sauna and steam room
• Expanded two-level gym, complete with a functional training area and brand-new fitness equipment

The investment forms part of Bromley Council’s wider programme of more than £29 million to modernise both Walnuts and West Wickham leisure centres, ensuring they remain sustainable, accessible and fit for future generations.

Chair of Orpington 1st BID Martin Price said: “I welcome the reopening of the leisure centre. The increase in visitor numbers to the town centre has a direct impact on the economic wellbeing of the surrounding business community and we look forward to working in partnership to realise the benefits to both residents and businesses.”

Salix has worked closely with Bromley Council throughout the project to support the delivery of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding, helping the authority reduce emissions while investing in high-quality community facilities.

Work continues at West Wickham Leisure Centre, where similar low carbon heating upgrades and refurbishment works are progressing as part of the same Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme project.

The Mayor officially opened the Walnuts Leisure Centre in the presence of councillors, Mytime Active staff, local residents and members of the project team as well as the Salix team.

Thank you to the Bromley team for inviting us along to see the impact the refurbishment has had on local people and business.