Brent Council to close Willesden indoor athletics track for gym redevelopment

Brent Council is preparing to close the indoor athletics track at Willesden Sports Centre, with plans to redevelop the facility into a gym. The decision has raised significant concerns for Track Academy, a youth athletics charity that uses the centre, which states the closure will have an 'existential' impact on its operations.

Impact on Youth Services

Track Academy, founded in 2007 by former international athlete Connie Henry MBE, supports hundreds of young people aged five to 23. The charity runs three sessions weekly at Willesden Sports Centre. Patrik Ewe, who now runs Track Academy, informed MyLondon that the council notified the charity at the start of June 2026 about the impending closure, leaving them with weeks before the track ceases to operate. Mr Ewe expressed worry about the hundreds of children and young people who rely on the service, potentially leaving many without indoor training for over five months annually. He stated that the charity's own assessment indicated severe impacts on young people, particularly those from low-income families and disabled individuals, despite the council proceeding with the scheme. Mr Ewe described the decision as commercially driven, noting the council's view that an indoor gym would attract more users than the track. He added that the charity anticipates a reduction in its numbers due to the closure.

Mr Ewe also referenced an Equality Impact Assessment undertaken by Brent Council, which indicated that the closure would adversely affect girls, disabled young people, and ethnically diverse communities. While Track Academy will still have access to an outdoor athletics track, Mr Ewe warned that the closure could reduce engagement, especially as the charity may struggle to run sessions during winter. He told MyLondon: "From our side, it is existential; it's massive."

Parents using the centre also voiced their distress. Bernard Olive, whose two children attend the sessions, described them as "devastated." He told MyLondon: "It feels safe when they go there; it's a really safe space for them. It's like cutting off their arm; they just got something they enjoy, and they like going to, and it's being taken away from them."

Pearl Williams, whose four sons have been involved with the club over the years, highlighted the rarity of indoor tracks and the impact on her youngest son's ability to compete. She told MyLondon: "Nowhere else around here has an indoor track; it's quite rare. For them to be taking away one of the only indoor tracks, it's not fair."

Council's Rationale and Investment

Brent Council responded to the concerns, stating that the decision was based on site-specific evidence, an independent review, and an assessment of Brent's leisure estate. The council also indicated it has been corresponding with Track Academy regarding winter provision, alternative spaces, and potential financial support. Councillor Liz Dixon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health at Brent Council, explained the rationale behind the redevelopment. She stated that Willesden Sports Centre's gym and fitness facilities have faced capacity and layout constraints. Councillor Dixon said: "This £1.4 million investment will modernise the centre and create much-needed additional capacity so that more Brent residents can benefit." The redesign will include a larger gym, a dedicated spin studio, a flexible multi-use activity space, and improved equipment, aiming to make the centre more accessible and inclusive. She acknowledged Track Academy's work and stated the council is working with them to secure alternative indoor provision within the centre, adding that the outdoor track remains unaffected. Councillor Dixon concluded: "We will continue working hard to give every Brent resident the opportunity to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, and supporting those impacted by the changes in their local area."