Chelsea Sports Centre pool to close for £1.3 million refurbishment this July

Fahad Redha

July 1, 2026
2 min read

Chelsea Sports Centre pool to close for £1.3 million refurbishment this July

The historic swimming pool at Chelsea Sports Centre will close from Sunday 12 July while a £1.3 million refurbishment is carried out, with work expected to be completed in November.

The investment by Kensington and Chelsea Council, delivered in partnership with GLL, will modernise the nearly 120-year-old facility while preserving its historic character. The pool first opened in April 1907 and remains an important leisure facility in the borough.

Planned improvements include replacing the pool plant and roof, refurbishing the swimming pool surfaces and reshaping the main pool to allow more flexible use. The project is also intended to reduce water and energy demand.

As part of the refurbishment, the depth of the main pool will be changed to a more standardised gradient of one metre to 1.8 metres, helping support swimming lessons for a wider range of users.

Funding for the scheme comes from Section 106 funding and grant funding, bringing the total investment to £1.3 million.

Councillor Josh Rendall, the council’s lead member with responsibility for leisure facilities, said the project would protect an important part of Chelsea’s history while improving the building’s energy efficiency for the years ahead.

During the closure, Chelsea Sports Centre members will be able to use GLL swimming pools across the UK, including Kensington Leisure Centre, which is around four miles from the site.

The refurbishment also supports the council’s priorities around active and healthy communities, efficient public buildings and the stewardship of the borough’s historic environment.

Residents looking for alternative places to swim while work takes place may also be interested in EyeOnLondon’s coverage of the recognised River Thames swimming area and the Canada Water pool closure, which explore other swimming options and leisure developments across London.

Planning to use another pool while Chelsea Sports Centre is closed? Let us know which London leisure centres you recommend. Read more London community, leisure and public facilities news at EyeOnLondon.

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About Author

Fahad Redha

Fahad is the Content Editor at EyeOnLondon, overseeing the publication’s editorial output across news, culture, and lifestyle. With a background in journalism from the University of the Creative Arts, he brings a broad range of experience from local London reporting in Kensington & Chelsea, where he held roles including motoring, events, and health editor. At EyeOnLondon, Fahad plays a central role in shaping content and maintaining editorial standards. His work spans everything from daily news to feature coverage, with a particular strength in motoring and events. He also incorporates photography into his reporting, adding a visual layer to many of his stories. Fahad joined EyeOnLondon in February 2021.