Meeting aims to get answers on new leisure centre

Councillors will hold a meeting on Tuesday night to try and get updates on a new leisure centre, which has nearly doubled in cost since the project was first announced.

Plans were first released by Waverley Borough Council in March 2025, including a six-lane 25m (82ft) swimming pool, teaching pool, large gym, two multi-purpose exercise and activity studios, and a cafe at the new Cranleigh Leisure Centre.

It was initially due to cost £20m when plans were first published but a new budget was set by the council of just under £36m in December.

The authority has been approached for comment.

Opposition councillors say residents, retailers, market traders and users from Cranleigh village continue to express concerns regarding delays, the impact of construction, and the practical implications for parking and access.

The existing leisure centre is 55 years old and has "exceeded its life expectancy", a council spokesperson previously told the BBC.

It will be demolished once the new centre is built.

Work on the new leisure centre has not yet started being due to be completed in 2027.

Dave Nicholas said the current leisure centre is "very old and not fit for purpose".

He said: "I would have thought the powers that be would not want to delay it.

"There are some concerns over parking but I would have thought they'd have considered that as part of the plan."

Alison Norrington told BBC Radio Surrey: "A new leisure centre would be very popular and would be used a lot.

"It should be improved but they need to accommodate parking in the new build.

"Inside at the moment it's ok, but it's just dated."

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