Leyton News Sport

New Leyton leisure centre officially opened

The New Score Centre has one of the largest sports halls in the country

Council leader Grace Williams cutting the ribbon last Thursday (28th November), with deputy leader Ahsan Khan, and GLL CEO Peter Bundey, Credit: WFC

Leyton’s Score Centre was officially opened on Thursday 28th November in a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by councillors and a former professional rugby player.

On a tour of the facilities, Waltham Forest CEO Linzi Roberts Egan, council leader Grace Williams, deputy leader Ahsan Khan and GLL CEO Peter Bundey were joined by ex-Saracens rugby player Sonia ‘Sonic’ Green at the borough’s most significant leisure opening in years. 

The council says Score Centre’s large capacity means it will have a “transformative effect” on social sports in the borough – allowing “many more clubs and teams” to socialise, get active or compete in tournaments.

Located next to Leyton Orient Football Club in Coronation Square, the Score Centre contains five basketball, netball, volleyball, handball, futsal courts. The courts can be reconfigured as 20 badminton courts or in multiple permutations to provide for exhibition and tournament events for different sports.

The Score Centre is one of the largest new sports halls in the country and will operate at a player capacity of 100, with a spectator capacity of 500.

There are also two studios for pilates, yoga, zumba and more – plus two community rooms available for hire, alongside associated offices. 

Better – the trading name of not-for-profit charitable social enterprise GLL – is managing the facility – alongside 7 other borough centres, in partnership with Waltham Forest Council. 

Speaking at Thursday’s event, GLL’s CEO Peter Bundey said:  “As a charitable social enterprise and staff-owned co-op, our mission is to enhance community health and wellbeing through making facilities and programmes accessible for all. 

“This aligns strongly with Waltham Forest Council’s public health agenda and its wish to see residents improve their health and reduce health inequalities across generations and cultures.

“Waltham Forest has a deserved reputation for producing household name athletes who have honed their winning talents in the borough’s great public leisure facilities.

“So we are delighted to have added the fantastic new Score Centre to our portfolio of centres we manage and operate across London and can’t wait to see which future sports stars call it ‘home’.”

Cllr Ahsan Khan, cabinet member for housing and regeneration said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to be here today and celebrate the opening of The New Score Centre with our partners and the local community.

‘’It’s a facility that defines a clear example of what top quality sports centres look like, one that allows us to serve our residents by giving them the opportunity to access good fitness facilities, breaking down health inequalities in the borough.

‘’The energy and excitement here today reminds us just how important spaces like this are, not just for physical fitness but also for fostering connections, building confidence and strengthening our community.

‘’I have no doubt that it will inspire many of us to lead healthier, and more active lives.’’

Dignitaries also visited the 120 capacity Nappy Gang nursery co-located at the site and toured the facilities to speak to staff and meet the little ones – who helped cut the ribbon on their new facility.

The Score Centre will also gain a cafe in early 2025.

Find out more and book classes here


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