Opened to the public in 1988, the Watefront Leisure Centre in Woolwich will be closing down in December 2025 and the leisure centre relocated to Beresford Square, where it will become Woolwich Waves.

In September 2025, I photographed the centre as it stands, to memorialise a well-known location in the neighbourhood, notably for its snake slide and attractions, before its redevelopment. In and around Woolwich, redevelopment began in 2001 and, according to the Council, will continue into 2030.

With thanks to Greenwich Council and the Better group and staff for facilitating access to the space.

WATERFRONT LEISURE CENTRE

Indoor water park with blue water slide, lazy river, and splash pad area, surrounded by a large pool and brick walls. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
Indoor swimming pool with three large colorful exercise balls (yellow, red, and blue) floating on the water. A striped lane divider is partially submerged. In the background, there are lockers, a clock, a sign indicating the pool is closed, a blue do
Indoor playground with a large white multi-lane slide and stairs on the right side, brick walls, windows, and ceiling beams visible. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
Indoor water slide designed for children, resembling a dragon with an open mouth as the slide entrance, set against a brick wall with high windows. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
Indoor swimming pool storage area with a cart of colorful pool noodles, hula hoops on the brick wall, and various pool equipment and supplies. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
Indoor waterpark with a green alligator sculpture on gravel, rocks, and a large enclosed water slide overhead. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
Indoor water park with a large blue and brown snake-shaped water slide and a reflection of the slide in the shallow pool below, with a spiral staircase and porthole windows in the background. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
Indoor swimming pool with a water slide, ladder, and a sign that says 'No non-swimmers past this point at any time.' There are brick walls, bright lights, a fire alarm, and an emergency exit door. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, England.
Indoor swimming pool with a large pipe overhead and a sign that reads 'No non swimmers past this point at any time'. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
Indoor swimming pool with a blue waterslide shaped like a fish, pool safety signs, and a brick wall background. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
Indoor water slide structure with blue spiral slide, a small white pool area, rocks along the edge, and a small blue and white building, with large glass windows in the background. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
An empty swimming pool with a blue tiled edge and metal railing, a red flotation device hanging on the wall, and signs reading 'beware deep water, '2.0m', and 'no diving'. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
A brick wall with a green chain-link fence on the left and a clock on the right displaying approximately 8:47. The clock has green text in the center that says 'Better'. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
Indoor sports court corner with hanging fabric, basketball hoop, table, and chairs against brick wall. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
An indoor sports court with blue walls, green curtains, and labeled as Court 2 and Court 3. The court floor has various lines for different sports. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
An indoor gymnasium with a brick wall, several empty chairs lined up against the wall, a green curtain hanging from the ceiling, and court markings on the floor. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
Empty indoor gymnasium with volleyball court set up, chairs along the wall, a brick wall with a clock, and a green curtain. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
Indoor hallway with glass doors on both sides leading to squash courts, with a wooden door at the end and a wooden bench in the center. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
Empty squash court with hardwood floor and white walls marked with red lines for gameplay. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.
An empty squash racquetball court with a glass wall, wooden flooring, and a sign indicating the court is for white soled shoes only. Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich, London, England.