In February 2023, Ealing Council approved plans for a new £50m leisure centre, featuring a 50-metre swimming pool and expanded fitness and wellbeing facilities to serve the borough for generations to come.

The council-led scheme enhances surrounding open space and integrates mixed-tenure housing, including 100 units of affordable later living accommodation. This enabling approach significantly strengthens project viability.

The later living element generates a land value of £15m (compared to a £4m Red Book valuation), while a further 200 build-to-rent homes deliver an additional £8m in value – unlocking a sustainable funding solution for the new leisure destination.

Facing reduced RFU grant funding, rising construction costs and an unviable land offer, the club was at risk of collapse. After two years of stalled negotiations delivering just a £700k offer, a new approach was required.

By introducing 90 units of affordable later living, Regen unlocked a £13m capital receipt, enabling delivery of:

•  A new 100-bed hotel generating c.£700k per annum
• 105 units of key worker accommodation
• A new diagnostics centre
• A 3,000-seat stand with hospitality provision
• Potential development of a women’s netball centre

WheelPower approached Regen Partner to deliver a new centre of excellence for disability sport, using enabling development to offset capital costs.

Working with Buckinghamshire Council, the scheme includes 100 units of extra care housing (including 10 step-down units), helping to fund upgraded, Grade 5 standard sports facilities and a new 3G training pitch. Aylesbury United FC has been integrated into the site,  strengthening long-term sustainability.

A neighbourhood centre replaces the existing leisure facility, while the Active Care Group will deliver an NHS Health Hub providing physiotherapy, diagnostics and rehabilitation services.