Ashburton Hall and Waddon Leisure Centre to offer a warm welcome this winter

Ashburton Hall and Waddon Leisure Centre in Croydon have been designated a Warm Space by GLL, the not-for-profit charitable social enterprise that operates it on behalf of Croydon Council.

The new initiative has been set up in response to this winter’s cost of living crisis and will offer anyone living in the vicinity of a participating leisure centre a warm welcome, comfortable seating, and the opportunity to charge a phone or device, use the free Wi-Fi or even have a hot shower. In addition, leading wholesale food service company Brakes, has agreed to donate free tea, coffee and biscuits.

The Warm Space will be open to all, both leisure centre members and non-members alike on Mondays and Wednesdays at Waddon and Tuesdays at Ashburton from 1pm – 3pm. The scheme is also being supported by Age UK Croydon who will be helping to promote the campaign amongst their service users and local communities.

Starting from Monday 4^th December, local residents will be able to keep warm, charge a phone and enjoy a friendly chat over a cuppa with our new Warm Spaces Scheme. Feel free to drop-in during the times below and enjoy the company of your community. We'll also be able to sign post to local leisure and sport activities available at the centre.

Commenting on the Warm Spaces initiative Ryan Loughlin, General Manager at Ashburton Hall & Park said: “As a facility at the heart of our local community we quickly became aware that a number of local residents were concerned that they might struggle to heat their homes this winter and as a charitable social enterprise we wanted to help.

Our facilities are ideally suited to serve as warm spaces, they are easily accessible, known to everyone and a natural meeting place. Our staff will be on hand to offer a warm welcome to anyone wishing to make the most of our warm space during the difficult months ahead.”