More than 2,000 people visited West Drayton’s new Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre during a free open weekend, giving local families a first proper look at the pools, sports hall, climbing activities and fitness spaces now available close to home.
The Hillingdon Council centre welcomed residents and visitors on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026, just over a month after opening on 20 April. The weekend was designed as a hands-on introduction rather than a formal tour, with people able to try activities before deciding whether the centre fits into their regular routines.
Families tested pools, climbing and indoor sport
The two-day programme included complimentary swimming sessions, access to the splash pool and flume, gym and fitness classes, soft play, clip and climb, basketball, badminton and pickleball.
That range matters in a town where a leisure centre can serve different groups at different times of day: young children using soft play, parents looking for swim lessons, older residents building exercise into the week, and casual players booking courts without travelling further across the borough.
For families, the splash pool and flume were among the most visible draws. For others, the sports hall and gym offered a chance to test whether the new site could become part of a weekly routine rather than a one-off visit.
West Drayton residents described a local meeting point
Veronica Barker, from West Drayton, attended with her nine-year-old daughter Summer and tried the clip and climb activity.
“I think the open weekend is great for the community personally,” she said. “There are people who can’t travel as far so having it local is great and it’s a good opportunity to socialise and meet new people.”
She added that if Summer enjoyed the clip and climb, it could become something they return to weekly or monthly.
Gloria De Decker, also from West Drayton, said the centre gave families a place to come together and see what was available. “The children can play, and it’s affordable,” she said.
Those comments point to the centre’s practical role as much as its sporting one. For many households, the value of a nearby leisure facility depends on repeat use: whether classes fit around school and work, whether children want to return, and whether the cost and travel time feel manageable.
Early sign-ups show demand after the April opening
The Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre is managed by Greenwich Leisure Limited, known as GLL, Hillingdon Council’s established leisure partner.
Since opening on 20 April 2026, the centre has issued more than 1,700 health memberships and signed up 700 swim school members, according to the council. Those early figures suggest demand has moved beyond curiosity from the launch period into regular use.
Swim school enrolment is especially relevant for families because it indicates scheduled, recurring visits rather than occasional attendance. Health memberships also show that the site is being used by residents looking for gym access, fitness classes or structured activity.
Council says the centre is for all ages and abilities
Daniel Kennedy, Hillingdon Council’s Corporate Director of Residents Services, said the early response showed residents were already benefiting from the new facilities.
“It’s so encouraging to hear how residents are already benefiting from these facilities which are intended to support all ages and abilities to live healthy and active lives,” he said.
The centre’s mix of swimming, climbing, indoor games, soft play and fitness space gives it a broader purpose than a single-sport venue. In practice, that means one building can support children’s activities, adult exercise, family sessions and court sports across the week.
How residents can find out more
Residents who want to check timetables, memberships, swim school places or activity availability can find details through Better, the leisure operator brand used by GLL for the Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre.
The council said people can find out more and sign up at www.better.org.uk/platinum-jubilee-leisure-centre.
Source: Hillingdon Council
Source check Source trail
This article is based on Hillingdon Council’s published notice about the Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre open weekend and early membership figures.
- Confirmed the open weekend dates as Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026.
- Checked the stated attendance figure of more than 2,000 visitors.
- Matched the listed facilities and activities to the council notice.
- Verified the named residents and council officer quoted in the source text.
- Source
- Hillingdon Council
- Scope
- West Drayton
- Updated
- 2026-05-28 11:13
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