This comes as the centre undergoes a multi-million-pound transformation.
Images of the anticipated design give residents a taste of the competition-length pool, as well as the leisure centre’s spaces, including the café and reception.
The £17 million refurbishment, funded and delivered by Bromley Council, is set to see the centre reopen in spring 2026.
The centre will have an improved gym and a new exercise studio, with state-of-the-art EGYM smart strength training equipment.
This equipment recognises users’ profiles and adjusts each workout to their body and strength levels.
There will also be reconfigured changing rooms, new showers, and lockers alongside necessary repairs and a completely new heating system.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, executive councillor for renewal, recreation, and housing, said: “I know there is great anticipation for the reopening of this much-loved leisure centre next year and I hope these new designs really give residents a sense of the complete transformation we are delivering for Orpington.
“This refreshed centre will be a huge boost to the borough’s leisure offering and will act as a hub for regional sporting activity while creating a welcoming space for families and visitors to enjoy, all while cutting our future maintenance liabilities on behalf of council taxpayers.”
The transformation of the Walnuts comes as Bromley Council pushes to reduce running costs and future maintenance liabilities.
Mytime Active, the borough’s long-standing leisure provider, has been running a comprehensive programme of alternative leisure services to minimise disruption during the works.
Steve May, chief executive officer at Mytime Active, said: “We have been closely watching as work at the Walnuts continues and are incredibly excited for the launch of the new centre following its multi-million-pound investment.
“The new EGYM equipment has been a huge success at our other centres, The Pavilion and the Spa at Beckenham, and we can’t wait for our Walnuts members to try it out.
“Strength training is incredibly important to build muscle that will help you stay strong, mobile, and independent throughout every stage of life, and with each workout personalised for every user, alongside a gamified screen to guide each movement, it’s like having a personal trainer built into the machine.
“Along with all the other major improvements, the new look centre will offer a vibrant hub for the local community for generations to come.”
The works at the Walnuts are being progressed alongside the creation of a new West Wickham Leisure Centre with the council’s partner contractors Alliance Leisure and sub-contractor Etec Contract Services.
Ruth Ripsher, delivery manager at Alliance Leisure Services, said: “Having supported Bromley Council throughout this project, it is incredibly exciting to see the work now coming off the ground.
“These new designs reflect a vision we have been working toward for some time, and as the development partner, we are proud to be turning those plans into a reality that will serve Orpington for generations.”
Updates about the progress of the leisure centre’s transformation will be provided on the Bromley Council website.
