Walnuts Leisure Centre Refurbishment
Why is Walnuts Leisure Centre closing?
The Centre is closing due to an exciting and extensive refurbishment programme. The new facility will be updated with modernised facilities throughout the building.
When will the Centre reopen?
The centre is scheduled to reopen in February 2026, however for all the latest build updates, please visit the Bromley Council website.
Where can I find information about the refurbishment?
Bromley Council’s website contains the most up to date information about the refurbishment. Click here to visit the website.
How is the Centre changing and will the facilities remain the same?
The final design hasn’t been made available just yet. At this stage we don’t foresee any service or product being removed. The main change is the teaching pool being moved into the main pool hall with the main pool reducing in size. All other services and products are expected to remain.
Keeping active during the closure – Gym and group exercise classes
How can I continue to exercise during this closure?
We’ve put together an extensive programme happening in new sites in the local area that members of Walnuts continue to have access too, so you don’t have to stop as the refurbishments starts - many of your activities are moving to Crofton Halls & Sports Centre just up the road and will also be available under the Walnuts Community.
Crofton Halls & Sports Centre | Mytime Active
What is the group exercise class programme when Walnuts Leisure Centre shuts?
We have worked hard to bring you a fantastic group exercise programme with your favourite instructors. In fact, we have increased the number of bookable spaces. Most of our new group exercise programme will run at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre, although we’ve also added a new group cycle studio to Darrick Wood Swimming Pool, and additional AquaFit Classes at Biggin Hill Swimming Pool and Darrick Wood Swimming Pool.
You can see the new class timetable starting from the 6th January 2025 on the website with new classes available to book from 27th December 2024.
Crofton Halls & Sports Centre | Mytime Active
What does the new gym look like at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre?
Our new gym setup at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre features 40% of the equipment from Walnuts Leisure Centre as well as a separate, like for like Functional Zone that will be available for workouts and classes. Our team have chosen the equipment to allow for a varied workout.
Where can I find information about and book all the activities available to me?
From 6th January, the Walnuts Leisure Centre app will become the Walnuts Community app. From here you will be able to find and book all the activities available to you in the local area including classes at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre, Biggin Hill Pool, Darrick Wood Pool and other community venues.
When will activities be moving location?
Gym schedule
- From 4th to 6th December - the gym at Walnuts Leisure Centre will be temporarily closed as we focus on recreating a fantastic gym space at Crofton Halls for you.
- 7th December - The Walnuts gym will reopen with a limited selection of equipment until the center's full closure on 5th January. During this period, you will have access to both Walnuts and Crofton Halls gyms.
- 9th December - the Crofton Halls gym officially opens, and we'd love to welcome you there! Our dedicated team will be on hand to show you around, help with your transition, and make sure you feel at home. Health Assessments and inductions will also be available to book.
Group exercise schedule
- 19th December – Join us for the last day of group exercise at Walnuts Leisure Centre. Look out for some special farewell and festive class parties!
- 20th December – No group exercise classes as we prepare for our move.
- 21st December – Group exercise classes kick off at Crofton Halls on a special seasonal holiday timetable.
- 5th January - Our full group exercise timetable launches at Crofton Halls. Enhanced spin and aquafit class timetables launches at Darrick Wood Swimming Pool and Biggin Hill.
Swimming schedule
- Sunday 5th January - Walnuts' pool closes
- Monday 6th January - New pool programmes at Biggin Hill and Darrick Wood commence
Spin studio schedule
- Spin Studio: closing Sunday 5th January at Walnuts with a reduced capacity from 5th December. Plese note there will only be 15 spaces available while we prepare a new studio at Darrick Wood. Darrick Wood Spin classes commence on Monday 6th January.
The remaining areas
- Buzz and Café: closing Sunday 5 Jan at Walnuts with services at Pavilion and Spa continuing. Please note that the kitchen may be closed during December, but drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
- Sports Hall: closing 20 December.
How to do I book classes at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre?
Christmas class bookings – 21st December – 5th January
- Christmas classes will be available to book at Crofton Halls from the 11th December.
- To book via the app, simply select the Crofton Halls tile under group exercise.
- To book online, select Crofton Halls as your centre
New year class bookings – 6th January onwards
- Starting from 6th January 2025, the Walnuts Leisure Centre app will be renamed the Walnuts Community app.
- The new look app will let you find and book activities at local venues like Crofton Halls, Darrick Wood Sports Centre and Biggin Hill Swimming Pool, as well as other community classes.
- You do not need to download or reinstall the Walnuts Community app, this change will happen automatically.
- To book via the app, simply continue to use Walnuts Community app
- To book online, select Crofton Halls or your class location as your centre
In the meantime, please continue to book classes as normal via the Walnuts Leisure Centre app, online or via our contact centre.
Can I get support at the new Gym at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre?
Yes, members will be able to book inductions and Personal Programs to provide guidance and inspiration for using the new gym. Personal training and Health Assessments are also available, and all can be booked via the usual method.
Is junior gym still available at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre?
Junior gym sessions will be available throughout the move and at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre. The last day junior gym session at the Walnuts Leisure Centre is on Sunday 8th December. From 9th December, all junior gym sessions will be at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre.
Junior gym sessions will run at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre between:
- Monday to Friday 15:30-18:30
- Saturday to Sunday 10:30-18:00
- School holidays 10:30-18:00
Crofton Halls & Sports Centre – Centre information
Where is Crofton Halls & Sports Centre and how do I get there?
The address is: Crofton Halls & Sports Centre, York Rise, BR6 8PR.
- The centre is less than 10 minute drive or a safe 20 minute walk from Walnuts Leisure Centre.
- There are good transport links – Crofton Halls & Sports Centre is right next to Orpington Train Station and a bus stop just outside.
- Parking is free and a new parking management system will be installed in the near future.
- Please keep an eye out as you may need to enter your number plate to continue receiving free parking.
What are the opening hours for Crofton Halls & Sports Centre?
- Monday - Friday: 6.30am - 9pm
- Weekends: 7.30am - 6pm
Will showers be available at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre?
Unfortunately, no showers or changing rooms will be available at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre. Shower facilities are available 2.6 miles away at High Elms Golf Course and are available for Walnuts members to use.
Will lockers be available at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre?
Yes, some lockers will be available. The lockers are limited and we recommend keeping belongings to a minimum.
Will there be food and beverage options available at Crofton Halls & Sports Centre?
Our usual hot drink offering will be available. A selection of cold drinks and snacks will also be available from vending machines.
Keeping active during the closure – Swimming and swimming lessons
Where can I swim during this closure?
Mytime Active continue to operate 4 other pools at The Spa at Beckenham, Biggin Hill Pool, Darrick Wood Swimming Pool and The Pavilion as part of the Walnuts Community. Swimming sessions at these centres can be booked via the app, online or by calling our contact centre.
What are the opening hours of Biggin Hill Swimming Pool and Darrick Wood Swimming Pool?
To allow more people to enjoy our pools, we’ve extended the opening hours at Darrick Wood and Biggin Hill Pools.
Darrick Wood Pool opening hours (from 6th January)
- Monday - Friday: 6.30am - 9pm
- Weekends: 7.30am - 6pm
Biggin Hill Pool extended opening hours coming soon.
What if the new swimming times are not convenient for me?
During these periods of closure, the swimming pool space across all Mytime Active facilities is stretched and we are trying to cater for all swimmers including lessons for children, swimming clubs and general swimmers. If you have any feedback on the pool programmes, please let us know and we will review the pools every month from January.
Is there parking available at Biggin Hill Swimming Pool and Darrick Wood Swimming Pool?
There is free parking available at both pools. We also have buggy and scooter parking available for those who will be visiting by foot.
How can my child continue to learn to Swim during this closure?
We are able to move the majority of bookings to an alternative pool at the same time. You will be contacted by the team to let you know your alternative pool i.e. Darrick Wood Pool and Biggin Hill. If you are a new booking, please enquire at the respective site.
Got a question we've not answered? Please fill out of our contact us form or speak to a member of staff, and we'll be happy to help.
