Update: Save New Malden’s Fitness4Less Swimming Pool!
The ‘Fitness4Less’ swimming pool on Blagdon Road is under threat. The site has been acquired by PureGym, who plan to shut down the swimming pool – one of the last publicly-accessible pools in Kingston borough.
This pool isn’t just water and tiles – it’s a lifeline for families, pensioners, and residents who depend on swimming for their health and wellbeing – and relieves pressure on the oversubscribed Malden Centre.
Now, that’s at risk — and this time, there won’t be another chance to save it.
⚠️ What’s Happening
A new planning application (25/02369/FUL) has been submitted by Grainrent Limited. It asks Kingston Council to remove “Condition 2” from the original planning permission – the clause that says the site must be used as a health and fitness club *with* a pool.
If this restriction is lifted, PureGym can legally remove the pool and convert the space into storage for Lidl. There will be no planning control left to protect swimming on this site. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
🏛️ The Council Owns the Land
The official title deed (SGL673260) proves the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames owns this land. That means the Council is not powerless – it can and should use its role as both landlord and planning authority to stop this closure. But councillors need to hear loud and clear that residents will not accept another loss of community leisure facilities.
💪 The Fight to Keep It Open
Your Independent councillors and campaigners are standing with residents to fight this plan. They’re calling on PureGym and Fitness4Less to keep the pool open, and urging the Council to reject this planning change.
✍️ How You Can Help
This is our last chance to stop the pool’s closure. Every single objection counts. Here’s what to do:
You can write a formal objection to the Council below, or alternatively:
- Go to the Kingston Council Planning Portal.
- Search for 25/02369/FUL.
- Click “Make a Comment” and explain why the pool must stay open.
Mention that the pool is essential for health, accessibility, and community wellbeing – and that Kingston cannot afford to lose yet another swimming space.
Once this planning application is approved, there’s no going back.
Let’s show the Council and PureGym that New Malden stands united.
Hands off our pool!
