Four-time Olympic Medallist, Rebecca Adlington, was at Rainham Recreation Ground on Wednesday 12th January to oversee the start of work on a new leisure centre in the London Borough of Havering.
Adlington was joined by fellow Olympian and Director of ReCreation, Adrian Turner, as well as Councillors from Havering Council and representatives from Everyone Active to make the first cut of earth at the Rainham Recreation Ground.
ReCreation, part of Olympian-led Sporting House Group, will manage the design and build of the new facility. The company uses innovative, modern methods of construction to give more communities across the country access to their own recreational space.
Former Olympic champion Adlington commented: “A centre like this is so important for the local community, not just as a way of staying healthy through exercise but also as a place for people of all ages to meet and socialise.
“Thousands of children will also have the opportunity to learn to swim here for decades to come, which is a vital skill that could save their life. And, who knows, one day a future Olympian might be discovered here, too!”
After the event, Adlington met with pupils from nearby Rainham Village Primary School, showing her Olympic medals and delivering a special question and answer session.
A state-of-the-art facility for the people of Rainham
The new facility will be a state-of-the-art design offering a range of facilities including a dance and spinning studio, 72-station fitness suite and six-lane swimming pool.
Adrian Turner, Director at ReCreation, said: “With two thousand council pools at risk of closure across the UK by 2030, we’re excited to be bringing a brand-new, future-proof leisure facility to the people of Havering.
“Leisure centres are a vital part of any community, offering a place for children to learn to swim and for local residents to maintain a healthier lifestyle for generations to come.”
Rainham Leisure Centre is part of a huge investment in leisure and sports facilities across the borough by the Council and follows the opening of Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre early last year.