Walnuts reopening date and weekend plans
Published Thursday 25 June 2026
Plan for the Walnuts reopening, this weekend’s Motor Show, hot-weather precautions and local events.
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Walnuts Leisure Centre reopens on Thursday 2 July
The transformed Walnuts Leisure Centre will reopen on Thursday 2 July after a £17m refurbishment. The Mayor of Bromley will cut the ribbon at midday in the marketplace off Lych Gate Road, with sports activities, stalls, refreshments and entertainment nearby. Residents can explore the centre before normal use resumes from 2pm. See the reopening-day details and new facilities.
Red heat alert: check on people who may need help
A red heat alert is in place across south-east London this week. Older people, young children and anyone with a long-term health condition may be more affected, so check in with neighbours, friends and family who could need help staying cool. Drink plenty of water and avoid direct sun between 11am and 3pm. Read the NHS hot-weather advice.
Orpington Library wants feedback from users
The annual library user survey is open for comments on facilities and services. It is a quick chance to say what works at Orpington Library and what could be improved. Find the survey from the Orpington Library page.
Dates For Your Diary
Saturday 18 July
Priory Live returns to Priory Gardens
The family-friendly music festival returns for ten hours of live music, food, children’s activities and wellness sessions. Professor Green, Republica and Heartless Crew are among the announced acts, and children under 12 go free. Check the Priory Live details and ticket link.
What's On
Saturday 27 June
Orpington parkrun at Goddington Park, 9am. Walk, jog or run the free weekly 5k at Goddington Park. Register before your first visit and bring a scannable barcode if you want a timed result. Check the parkrun course and registration details.
Sunday 28 June
Orpington 1st Motor Show at Walnuts Market Square, 10am-3pm. Vintage, collectable and quirky vehicles will fill Walnuts Market Square for this free town-centre show. Everyone is welcome to browse the displays, and vehicle owners can contact the organiser about taking part. See the Motor Show details.
Roadworks and Transport
Lower Road closure and Sevenoaks Road contraflow: Lower Road is scheduled to remain closed for Openreach works through Friday 26 June. Thames Water is also operating a contraflow on Sevenoaks Road through Friday, so allow extra time on nearby routes.
Leesons Hill closure continues into July: The gas works road closure on Leesons Hill is scheduled to continue until Friday 10 July. Local diversions may affect journeys around St Paul’s Cray, especially at busier school and commuting times.
Southborough Road closes on Tuesday: Southborough Road is scheduled to close for Thames Water works on Tuesday 30 June. Multi-way signals are also planned on Southlands Road that day. Check the Bromley roadworks map before travelling.