A state of the art leisure centre built by Mulalley has opened in Forest Gate. The new Atherton Leisure Centre houses a 25 metre, six lane pool and a 20 metre teaching pool, a gym with the latest exercise equipment, two fitness studios, a group cycling studio, café, crèche and soft play area. The teaching pool has an adjustable floor, to increase and decrease its depth and there is a platform lift to help disabled swimmers into the water.

As well as providing a top class leisure facility, the construction of the centre has also provided jobs for local people. Over the life of the contract, Mulalley employed 73 Newham residents during the construction of the site. Eighteen local people have also been hired to work at the centre.

Nishat Riaz, one of the first new members of the leisure centre said: “I’m really impressed by the modern state-of-the-art building. It doesn’t feel like a typical council leisure centre.”

Newham Mayor, Sir Robin Wales said: “Our residents deserve a modern, accessible, state of the art centre. This is what we promised and this is exactly what we have delivered.”

Mulalley Director Eamon O’Malley said: “As a Newham youngster who learnt to swim at the former West Ham Baths, I am delighted to see such a wonderful facility replacing the former building which can also be enjoyed by future generations.”