Tower Hamlets Council has appointed Guildmore Group to deliver the next phase of the St George’s Leisure Centre redevelopment, marking a major step forward in plans to expand leisure provision, deliver new council homes and improve the surrounding area.
After a competitive tender process, Guildmore Group has been appointed to carry out demolition work and prepare the site, as well as develop the detailed designs for the new facility ahead of construction.
The project forms part of the council’s wider investment into leisure facilities and new homes, helping to improve health outcomes and increase housing provision across the borough.
A new state-of-the-art leisure centre
The redevelopment will replace the existing centre with a modern, high-quality facility designed to support the health and wellbeing of residents of all ages and abilities. The new centre will target BREEAM Excellent standards and deliver both wet and dry leisure facilities, including:
- A 25-metre swimming pool
- Learner pool
- Splash pad
- Play area
- Sports hall, including badminton court
- Fitness suite, including a women-only space
- Fitness studios
The new pool will join four existing pools in the borough that offer free swimming to residents. This includes free access for all women and men over 55, as well as additional free sessions for men over 35 and families.
New council homes
Alongside the leisure centre, the scheme will deliver 30 new council-owned homes, predominantly family-sized, helping to meet the borough’s high demand for affordable social housing. Three homes will be fully accessible, supporting residents with additional needs.
Enhancing the surrounding area
The redevelopment will also deliver significant improvements to the surrounding public spaces, including enhancements to St George’s Gardens. Plans include a new playground, multi-use games area and improved open space.
Investing in healthier communities
At a time when leisure provision is declining nationally, Tower Hamlets continues to invest in services that improve health and wellbeing. Over £8 million has been invested in existing facilities, helping attract more than 30,000 Be Well leisure members, including over 20,000 swimming memberships. The council has also supported over 150 residents to qualify as lifeguards, with the St George’s redevelopment set to further expand access, skills and employment opportunities.
Demolition of the existing building is scheduled to begin in Autumn 2026, with construction expected to start in early 2027. The new leisure centre and homes are anticipated to be completed in 2029.
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said:
“The appointment of a contractor marks an important step towards creating a space that will not only improve access to high-quality leisure facilities but also deliver 30 much-needed new homes.”
“This ambitious project demonstrates how we can make the most of spaces across our borough to meet the wide-ranging needs of our residents. I’m looking forward to seeing it progress, helping to improve health outcomes, deliver new housing and engage our local communities.”
Engin Ertosun, Chief Executive Officer of Guildmore Group, said:
"We are proud and excited to have been selected by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for this project. This scheme will have a real and lasting impact on local residents' lives and we feel the responsibility that comes with that.
We are committed to delivering to the highest standard and ensuring that St George's serves this community well for generations to come."
Posted on Thursday 11th June 2026