The new facility is operated by charitable social enterprise GLL under its Better brand, in partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Facilities include a two-storey gym, two dance studios, a 30-bike indoor cycling studio and a high-intensity bootcamp studio. There's also an eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a training pool, and a leisure pool with two waterslides and a toddler splash zone.

The centre also has a 3G five-a-side football pitch, a six-court sports hall for badminton, and two squash courts, as well as a crèche, two soft play areas, a party room and a café. A health suite includes a spa, a sauna and therapy rooms.

Sustainability measures include rooftop solar panels, which are expected to generate around 250,000 kWh of energy each year to help heat the building.

Peter Bundey, chief executive of GLL, said the development was an iconic addition to the area: “The new leisure centre is truly state of the art and is already generating significant interest within the community,” he said. “As a charitable social enterprise and worker-owned co-operative, we welcome the opportunity to use Woolwich Waves to widen and deepen employment and social opportunities for local people.”

Councillor Anthony Okereke, leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, described Woolwich Waves as an exemplar leisure centre designed to meet the highest sustainability standards.

The centre’s name was chosen through a public vote, helping to involve the local community from the outset.