ACTON CENTRE
Come in…
Acton Town Hall, the Kings Rooms and Acton Baths were
landmarks located at the heart of the community. But they had
become tired and in need of a radical overhaul. Not any more.
T
hese buildings have been
transformed by Ealing
Council into an effective
mix of new and old, utterly
changed by a £19million project
that began work in 2012 – and
which has brought everything
together under one roof. There are
two new swimming pools, a gym,
dance studios, and community
spaces and offices. Acton Library
has also been moved in.
A free open day was held in May to
celebrate the new Everyone Active
Acton Centre and give people
who had not yet visited a chance
to see the new facilities. It included
appearances by Great Britain
Olympic swimmers, such as six-time
world champion Mark Foster.
22
around ealing
Summer 2014
Council leader Julian Bell said:
“The whole site has been upgraded
and modernised, with input from
local people who sat on the ‘Acton
Town Hall Team’. Their input was
crucial to developing plans for the
centre. It is very impressive.
“Heritage has been protected
by retaining and renovating the
best historic features, including the
original façade of the Kings Room
building and the old baths’ chimney,
which are both Grade II listed.”
Internal wall panelling from the
retained section of the town hall
building was carefully cleaned
and restored, while brickwork and
original decoration on columns and
stairwells have been given a fresh
lease of life.