Olympic star makes a splash at Epping Leisure Centre

James Guy MBE, triple Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer, and EFDC Chairman, Cllr Louise Mead unveiled a commemorative plaque at Epping Leisure Centre.  

The plaque marks the formal opening and was revealed during an event, on Wednesday 18 March, attended by district councillors, project partners, and key contributors involved in delivering the state-of-the-art facility. 

The leisure centre officially opened its doors on Monday 12 January 2026. Since opening, the centre has seen over 55,000 people visit, with 2,200 new fitness members joining and 700 people signed up for swimming lessons. 

It includes a 120-station new gym with a mix of strength and cardio machines, a group cycle studio, 2 studios, squash courts, main swimming pool and learner pool, and a four-court sports hall.  

Olympian meet and greet  

Guy took time during the event to show his Olympic gold medals (2 from Tokyo 2020 and 1 from Paris 2024) to attendees. He took part in a meet‑and‑greet with swimmers from Epping Forest Swim Club and spoke about his inspiring swimming journey and highlighted the importance of local swimming centres in helping young people learn essential life skills. 

Social value commitment 

Pellikaan Construction Ltd has donated £2,500 to the leisure centre as part of their social value commitment. It was also revealed at the grand opening that subcontractors Barrie Beard Ltd, Design Installation Service Ltd, PP Construction Ltd, FT Leisure and ICS Roofing have donated an extra £6,000. 

This will help fund a 12-week programme of swimming lessons for 75 children living in Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) temporary accommodation. 

Cllr Louise Mead, Chairman of EFDC, said: “The centre is buzzing - it’s clear that people of all ages are embracing the space for their health, wellbeing and connection.” 

“It really is a leisure centre for the community. There is something for everyone. A place where friendships form and confidence grows.” 

“I’m proud to see this great venture for Epping Forest truly come to life. Watching the centre thrive as more people build it into their daily routines is incredible, and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow as a valued community asset.” 

Cllr Chris Whitbread, Leader of EFDC, said: “It has been fantastic to see how quickly the community has made the centre their own, since it opened only 2 months ago. From packed classes to families enjoying the pool, the way people are using the space shows just how valuable this investment is for Epping. 

“It has already proved to be more than a leisure centre. It reflects our commitment to providing high quality, accessible facilities that meet the needs of our residents today and into the future.  

“The way the centre is being used is a real tribute to the work and passion that went into delivering it. I want to thank all the partners and those involved throughout the whole project for their dedication and hard work.” 

Dan Walker, Business Development Director at Places Leisure, said: “Since the centre opened its doors in January, we have already witnessed the significant and positive impact it is making across the community. We’ve welcomed residents of all ages and abilities, all embracing the wide range of facilities on offer. It is inspiring to see so many people already leading healthier, happier, and more active lives because of what this centre provides. 

“The official opening has been a truly uplifting moment, bringing everyone together to celebrate a facility that is expanding opportunities for people to be active and connected. We are incredibly proud to be part of this achievement and excited to continue supporting the community as the centre goes from strength to strength.” 

Gert-Jan Peeters, Director, Pellikaan Construction Ltd, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Epping Leisure Centre completed and, most importantly, now open and being enjoyed by the community. As construction partners, the most rewarding moment for us is when a building truly comes to life — seeing people swimming, exercising and connecting in the spaces we have created.  

“We’re delighted to have worked closely with Epping Forest District Council, Places Leisure and the wider project team to deliver a facility that will support health, wellbeing and community life in Epping for many years to come.” 

Collaborative working 

The project was delivered by Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) in partnership with Places Leisure, and construction partner, Pellikaan Construction. Key contributors include chartered surveyors Press & Starkey, Pozzoni Architects, structural engineer company Furness Partnership and mechanical and electrical consultant Martin Tunnicliffe. 

The centre is the most energy-efficient leisure centre in the district. It features advanced digital technologies, cutting-edge air-sourced heat pumps, and the highest levels of insulation to reduce energy consumption and minimize future carbon emissions and operational costs. It is a significant milestone in the council’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.  

Further information 

Visit the Epping Leisure Centre webpage for further information, on memberships, activity bookings and general centre information.