Moberly Leisure Centre and Prime Place, Kensal Rise

The existing leisure centre was nearing the end of its life and becoming uneconomical to maintain. Westminster City Council wanted to increase sports provision in the area, but needed a funding model that could deliver new facilities without placing additional pressure on public finances.

Unlocking community facilities through housing

The scheme used a cross-subsidy model, with residential sales receipts and land value helping fund the replacement leisure centre. This allowed the council to retain strategic control while drawing on private-sector development, funding and delivery expertise.

Prime Place, Kensal Rise provided 200 private apartments and townhouses above and around the leisure centre, creating a residential and wellbeing hub in a central London location.

A development agreement provided the governance, commercial and delivery framework for the project, helping align planning, funding, viability, construction procurement, residential sales, asset handover and long-term operational arrangements.

Creating a new wellbeing destination

Moberly Leisure Centre replaced an outdated facility with modern sports and wellbeing provision for local people, including two pools, a 120-station gym, exercise studios, an eight-court sports hall, a boxing gym and a bespoke gymnastics area.

Maintaining access to leisure services was a key priority, with the programme sequenced so provision could continue until the replacement centre opened.

The completed centre delivered a 37% increase in sports provision and welcomed more than 100,000 visitors within its first two months, demonstrating strong local demand for modern, accessible wellbeing facilities.

By combining residential development with investment in community infrastructure, the project created new homes, improved leisure provision and long-term value for Westminster City Council and the local community.