New State-of-the-Art Leisure Centre to Open on Plumstead Library Site Early 2020
The Plumstead Centre is a new facility opening early next year. It is set to become a cultural destination in the Plumstead area, combining health & fitness, performing arts and an extensive library. Managed and operated by Better in partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the centre promises to be a vibrant, state-of-the-art hub for the community, with facilities and activities aimed at all ages.
The Grade II listed public Library was originally built in the early 1900s and has been completely renovated to become the Plumstead Centre. From the side of the building (where you can see the extent of the extension work), everything seems entirely modern. However, many original features have been retained, including the impressive front that faces onto Plumstead High Street, and gorgeous original fireplaces in the meeting rooms.
The Library has dedicated adult’s and children’s rooms, both with wide-open windows for natural light. Additionally, there will be booths for Citizen’s Advice Bureau consultations – a valuable and much-needed service for the local community. Most impressive of all is Book Mountain, the set of giant wooden steps that you can see immediately on the entrance to the centre. Ideal for sitting to read, work, or enjoy great views of the centre.
The 42-capacity soft play facility and café will be most welcome additions to the community. The two-tier structure for children aged 5 & over includes slides, crawl-tubes and climbing nets, as well as an additional toddler’s soft play area with squidgy bricks and colourful wobbly characters for the little ones. With everything needed to tire out even the most energetic child, the café is ideally placed to help rehydrate and refuel. From delicious coffees to deep-filled paninis, healthy snacks to wholesome meals, parents and children alike will love this modern and stylish facility.
Additionally, the centre’s two studios, The Vault and The Triplets, will form the basis for an extensive Performing Arts programme. Classes promised include dance, drama and musical theatre, for adults and children alike. Better also manage the renowned Academy Performing Arts at the Eltham Centre, so no doubt the classes and courses will be of a similarly high-calibre.
Equally, for those who aren’t a fan of performance, the studio will also host a regular fitness class schedule. The Vault’s abundance of natural light will lend itself well to classes such as yoga, pilates and body balance. The Triplets space has sprung flooring and the potential to be transformed into separate areas with the use of partition walls. The leisure centre element of The Plumstead Centre is complete with 33 station gym with top of the range of the latest Technogym equipment. Along with a badminton court, all located within this spacious, modern facility.
The Plumstead Centre will truly be a centre for all the community and a valuable asset to the Royal Borough. Its operators, Better, are a charitable social enterprise who are committed to providing access to quality community facilities at a price everyone can afford.
They already run leisure centres, libraries, children’s centres and performing arts centres throughout The Royal Borough of Greenwich and other areas of London. Which have all felt the benefit of investment in their communities; Undoubtedly, The Plumstead Centre will aim to provide the same level of service to Plumstead and its surrounding areas.
You can register your interest on The Plumstead Centre’s website to receive updates on launch activities and membership, so visit better.org.uk/plumstead to learn more and keep up to date.
You must be logged in to post a comment.