Latest News
Keep up to date with news from Parkwood Leisure
Improving accessibility for the visual impaired
We are proud to be working with the Thomas Pocklington Trust to improve accessibility across our portfolio for people who are living with a visual impairment (VI) or who are registered blind.
Following accessibility audits across all sites and a grant from Lex Leisure, we are so pleased to be working with the Thomas Pocklington Trust to introduce:
- Larger tactile locker numbers with braille
- Larger tactile changing room signage with braille
- Stair nosing and step edging
- Wayfinding signage
- Sight Loss Council collaborations
- VI Awareness training
- Deaf and VI Friendly Swimming training for swim teams
- Disability and VI multi activity days
- VI Lived experience groups
We have been certified to The Active Standard!
We are delighted to share the news that we have been certified to The Active Standard!
The Active Standard is a quality mark for the physical activity sector, developed by ukactive and independently assessed, demonstrating our commitment to provide facilities that are safe, inclusive and compliant.
The Active Standard assesses with a thorough 40-question syllabus against four key areas:
– Health and Safety Compliance
– Safeguarding Facilities
– Data Protection
– Professional Standards
As we continuously improve our services, The Active Standard enables our customers, partners and clients to be confident we will maintain the high standards expected in order to support healthier and happier communities.
Find out more about The Active Standard here – httpss://lnkd.in/ejriVTui
Supporting our colleagues in the workplace
Alexandria is profoundly deaf in both ears and started with us at Crook Log Leisure Centre as a Swimming Instructor in September 2020. Alexandria had non-water proof hearing aids which restricted her ability to be able to teach children in water, she had to remove them before getting in the water which then meant she had to work EXTRA hard to communicate with her classes!
Impressively, Alexandria was successful in being granted an ‘Access to Work’ funding application and was awarded an incredible £5,932.13. Lex Leisure CIC agreed to add an additional contribution of £2,270.47.
The grant allowed her to purchase new, water proof Hearing Aids as well as a Training Course for Hearing Impairment, Roger Pen and Accessories and SwimPix to assist in her delivery of Swimming Lessons.
Alexandria says:
‘This equipment has helped me to be more independent and hear better in surroundings, such as working in and out of the water within the Swimming Pool without worrying about my ears getting wet or my hair getting wet.
Working without my hearing aids is really challenging and tiring because I am having to lip read or keep looking around in my surroundings. I still lip read and watch my surroundings but not as much with my waterproof
hearing aids, which makes a big difference! It allows me to really focus on delivering a positive Swimming Lesson.
My new waterproof hearing aids have made me feel more confident and comfortable in the water. I no longer need to take them off, which when I didn’t have my waterproof hearing aids it made it really hard for me to hear the children talking.
My hearing is still not 100% but it’s still made a big difference!
Being able to get in the water with my hearing aids for the first time in my life felt very strange! It’s a big change for me.
I am really pleased and happy to say, thank you very much Lex Leisure CIC / Crook Log Leisure Centre for putting in the additional funding and support for the equipment! It’s made a big difference and made me more independent!
It has made me so proud to be deaf and use this equipment it’s made me want to show the equipment off, especially my blue hearing aids!
Supporting our local communities
This Christmas, we chose to give back by supporting Droitwich Food Bank, responding to their urgent request for essential food items.
Our head office staff generously donated enough to fill three full trolleys, totalling 86.7kg of much-needed supplies.
But we didn’t want to stop there! Recognizing the ongoing pressures faced by food banks, with around 3 million people in the UK relying on them in 2023/24, we’ve committed to continuing our support throughout the year.
Droitwich Food Bank expressed their deep gratitude for our donation, but the ever-growing demand for their services means they often struggle to meet the need.
To ensure our contribution makes a lasting impact, we’ve set up a donation box in our office and plan to make regular donations every quarter (or even more often). We’re proud to stand by Droitwich Spa Food Bank and do our part in helping those in need, now and in the months ahead.
Find out more about Droitwich Spa Food Bank > httpss://lnkd.in/echQaqiE
Parkwood Health and Fitness Success
Parkwood Health and Fitness Salisbury, the flagship health club, managed by Legacy Leisure, is proud to report a year of success and remarkable growth following significant investment.
The 25,000-square-foot, two-story facility located in the heart of Salisbury in Wiltshire has solidified its position as a cornerstone of the local community, with the club now servicing more than 3,000 members.
Having opened the centre in 2007, Parkwood transformed the space into a key facility within the local area.
Throughout 2023, Parkwood completed over £200k worth of upgrades, to rejuvenate the centre and solidify its position as a premium health and fitness space. Since these upgrades, the site has achieved several key milestones, including launching its own childrens swim school in January 2023, which skyrocketed to 190 members within its first month and now has 250 children enrolled.
Glen Hall, Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure, says, “We’re proud to see how impactful the investment and upgrades have been over the past year. We are committed to constantly improving the facilities and services we offer – including making this the most sustainable centre in our catalogue, following a major upgrade to the Building Management System.”
The centre has made significant upgrades to enhance the experience of members. Since March 2023, new Life Fitness resistance equipment, ICG Cycling bikes and upgraded treadmills have been installed on the gym floor to improve the facility for gym goers and help to get more people moving in the local community.
General Manager of Parkwood Health and Fitness, Gary Sheppard, adds, “We’ve experienced substantial growth and engagement from our members over the past year. The hard work of our team and the unwavering support from the local community has been instrumental in our current achievements. We eagerly anticipate many more years of providing outstanding health and fitness services – we are constantly reviewing our plans to ensure we remain an integral part of the lives of our local community now and in the future.”
The facility boasts a 20-metre swimming pool, a 100-station fitness suite, two dance studios, a group cycling studio, a health and beauty spa, a health suite and licensed cafe bar.
Parkwood Leisure celebrate 1 Year Anniversary of Bingham Arena
Since opening its doors in February 2023, the site has seen a 70% increase in visits since last year.
Swimming has seen a dramatic increase across the Rushcliffe District as a result, with a 128% increase equating to 38,635 visits compared to 16,940 during the same period last year.
The building’s design contributes to a 78% reduction in carbon emissions compared to other leisure centres in the area.
Leading leisure operator, Parkwood Leisure, and subcontractor LEX Leisure, report a hugely impactful first year in carbon emissions, visitor increases and swim memberships for the Bingham Arena.
As part of the Rushcliffe Borough Contract, Parkwood Leisure and LEX Leisure have reported a hugely successful first year of managing Bingham Arena, delivering significant leisure, activity, commercial and sustainability benefits to the local community.
Opening its doors February 2023, the £13 million Bingham Arena has quickly become a cornerstone for health, wellness, and community events for people in the Nottingham community. With 343,000 visits in the first year and an additional 32,000 visits to Toot Hill Sports Centre for dryside activities, the Rushcliffe Contract has seen an increase of over 200,000 visits per annum.
Health and fitness memberships have increased by 200% in the contract and the learn-to-swim programme has grown by approximately 500 participants. Casual swimming has seen a dramatic increase, with 38,635 visits compared to 16,940 during the same period last year.
The building’s design contributes to a 78% reduction in carbon emissions compared to other leisure centres in the area, reinforcing all parties’ commitment to sustainability.
Glen Hall, Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure, said, “We’re incredibly proud of the success we’ve achieved in our first year working with Bingham Arena. The increase in visits, memberships, and community engagement is a testament to the enthusiastic support from the Bingham community. We look forward to continuing this positive impact and providing an exceptional leisure experience for members for years to come.”
Councillor Wheeler of Rushcliffe Borough Council added: “Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler said “It has been a pleasure to witness firsthand the impact Bingham Arena has had on the physical and mental wellbeing of its users . Over the past year, the centre has truly become a staple for the local Bingham community and beyond. We look forward to working with Parkwood Leisure and LEX Leisure going forward to continue promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, and giving people access to state-of-the-art facilities – right on their doorstep.”
The centre features a 25-metre six-lane swimming pool, a teaching pool, an 80-station fitness centre, two group exercise studios, a community hall, and a café. The facilities are designed to cater to a wide range of activities, from fitness classes to community events. The site features Changing Places facilities to support those with disabilities and offers successful Goodboost Aqua sessions.
The community hall, named to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, has become a vibrant hub for local events. It can host up to 300 people and has welcomed a variety of activities, including pantomimes, school productions, Bingham Town Markets, evening music events, and soft play parties.
Erewash Borough Council and Parkwood Leisure strengthen community ties
Erewash Borough Council has agreed a contract extension with leading leisure operator Parkwood Leisure and subcontractor Legacy Leisure, after £1.3million improvements to facilities and activities over the last five years.
Parkwood Leisure and Erewash Borough Council have agreed a five-year contract extension, marking a continued commitment to enriching the community through leisure activities and facilities. For the past five years, Parkwood Leisure and its sub-contractor Legacy Leisure have been instrumental in operating the Council’s leisure centres, investing over £1.3 million to elevate the local leisure experience and ensure all members have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
The investment ensured the complete refurbishment of West Park Leisure Centre’s fitness studio, along with the installation of a bespoke group exercise studio and sky trail. The beloved Rutland Sports Park included the transformational refurb of the fitness studio and changing rooms as well as resurfacing the athletics track and installing a functional training suite.
As well as transforming into premium hubs for physical activity, investment also went towards creating accessible environments for members of the whole family to enjoy. The installation of soft play areas and a cafe at West Park, an Atlantis Splash giant inflatable at Victoria Park and a Giant Olympic Inflatable at Rutland make these the perfect sites for everyone to find something they love.
The impact of the partnership between Parkwood Leisure and Erewash District Council is palpable, with a noticeable increase in community engagement and participation in sports and physical activities. The contract engages with the Access Sport partnership which pilots a game-changing inclusive community sport offer centred around leisure centres.
Enrolments in swimming lessons have surged, surpassing pre-COVID levels, while memberships for fitness and swim facilities have experienced a remarkable resurgence.
Managing Director at Parkwood Leisure, Glen Hall, said: “Our partnership with Erewash Borough Council is founded on a shared vision of promoting community wellbeing and activity. We are excited to continue our partnership with Erewash Borough Council and remain committed to delivering exceptional leisure experiences that enrich the lives of residents across the borough.”
With this renewed partnership, residents can expect an exciting array of new initiatives and enhancements that will further elevate the leisure landscape in Erewash.
Erewash council leader James Dawson added: “The borough is rightly proud of its leisure centres – and the council has just announced exciting plans to make them even better. A huge £3million is set to be invested in eco-friendly improvements. This means the council’s continuing partnership with Parkwood Leisure will be vital as work gets under way and we all look towards a greener future.”
Local Community benefits from investment into Great Dunmow Leisure Centre
Great Dunmow Leisure Centre, operated by 1Life Management Solutions, has unveiled a significant £120k investment in its gym facilities marking a milestone in its commitment to serving the local community.
Uttlesford District Council positively supported the refurbishment works through a PFI partnership agreement with 1Life, continuing the positive working relationship with the operator which now sits under the Parkwood Leisure estate.
The beloved Essex leisure centre has been a cornerstone of the community for over two decades, dedicated to providing local residents with the best facilities to break down barriers in staying active. Members are now able to enjoy their same great centre with new and improved equipment at the same prices as before.
The focal point of this £120k investment was the refurbishment of the gym suite, installing cutting-edge Life Fitness equipment, including SL Console treadmills, Performance Air-Bikes and Olympic Platforms. Members can enjoy a revamped free weights area, functional training zone, and upgraded flooring, ensuring a dynamic and modern workout environment.
“We’re excited to be able to introduce the very latest in fitness technology to members of Great Dunmow Leisure Centre,” says Glen Hall, Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure. “The new equipment lineup is designed to cater to users of all ages and abilities, empowering them to get moving and stay active. We take pride in providing a space where the local community can not only exercise but also find a sense of belonging and fulfilment.”
Great Dunmow Leisure Centre is open for members of the local community to enjoy. For more information head to: www.leisurecentre.com/great-dunmow-leisure-centre
Thousands benefit from Musculoskeletal Hubs in England and Wales
Leading leisure management operator Parkwood Leisure, in partnership with Legacy Leisure, Lex Leisure and 1 Life, has launched Musculoskeletal rehabilitation programmes across 30 leisure centres in England and Wales.
According to recent statistics[1] over 20 million people [roughly a third of the UK population] live with a musculoskeletal [MSK] condition with the NHS currently spending £5 billion on treatments for these conditions every year. Recognising this, Parkwood Leisure has introduced an initiative to integrate community MSK rehabilitation programmes into leisure facilities.
Parkwood Leisure in collaboration with Good Boost, ukactive, Orthopaedic Research UK, ESCAPE-pain, and Arthritis Action aims to grow the role of leisure centres, pools, and gyms as ‘MSK health hubs’ following a successful strategic two-year research project.
The initiative has resulted in the creation of 30 MSK hubs, which have achieved TAS (The Active Standard) Accreditation, ensuring the highest standards in musculoskeletal care. With 1,170 individuals already registered and 1,885 referrals received, the impact is already being felt within the local communities. The sessions are open to anyone with an MSK condition, providing valuable information on active living, pain management, and information on suitable available activities at the leisure centre.
The project has already generated an estimated £400,000 in social value. Two-thirds of participants have already reported that their wellbeing has ‘improved’ up to their MSK condition being ‘no longer a problem’ as a result of accessing their local MSK Hub. Pain reduction has been reported across each patient specific complaint following the Goodboost sessions, demonstrating the positive impact on both individuals and the wider community.
Parkwood Leisure is committed to expanding the MSK hub initiative to create a network of accessible community hubs. 250 staff have completed MSK related training, with 30 staff identified as MSK coordinators across the MSK Hubs.
MSK Hubs incorporate Goodboost rehabilitation and prehabilitation sessions, weekly social MSK sessions in the cafes as well as online nutrition courses to support people with MSK conditions. Parkwood Leisure continues to shape services based on the needs of the local community, supporting the development of local MSK ‘Lived Experience Groups’.
A survey carried out found that 55% of respondents found their MSK condition has affected their working life, 22% have been out of work for over 10 days in the last 12 months because of their MSK condition and 6% suggest their MSK condition has affected their ability to find work.
The MSK hubs are essential in reducing physical pain, improving mental wellbeing and reducing economic inactivity due to MSK conditions.
Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure, Glen Hall, said: “I couldn’t believe the statistics on how many people live with a musculoskeletal condition, so Parkwood Leisure is honoured to lead an initiative that transforms leisure centres into vital community hubs. This MSK project reflects our commitment to inclusivity and creating a positive impact on the lives of individuals in local communities. We believe in fostering, not just physical health, but also a sense of community, making leisure centres truly accessible to all.”
This new initiative goes beyond addressing the physical health needs of individuals with MSK conditions; seeking to tackle the mental health side of the conditions too, the MSK social sessions within the leisure centre cafes have contributed towards an improved sense of community and support among participants.
Hannah Gilday, Head of Healthy Communities & Partnerships at Parkwood Leisure, has said, “It has been a pleasure to witness the success of our MSK hubs in transforming lives and fostering an improved wellbeing among local communities.”
For more information, head over to: www.leisurecentre.com/msk
New scheme at Crosby Leisure Centre for children with Autism
Crosby Leisure Centre in Merseyside, operated by Parkwood Leisure, has introduced a scheme in partnership with Aiming High Short Breaks to give 30 children access to weekly swim and splash sessions for six months.
The scheme kicked off in January 2024 with funding from Equitix Ltd, Waterfront and Parkwood Leisure and has been enjoyed by participants and their families. With access to weekly public swim sessions and monthly Atlantis Splash sessions with the pool inflatables, children with autism have been able to enjoy fun-filled activities in a supportive environment at Crosby Leisure Centre.
Where many children often hesitate to get involved with swimming activities, this scheme provides a safe haven for anyone who may have previously felt isolated. With staff on hand, the children have the support to develop their swimming skills in a comfortable and encouraging environment.
Contract Manager on behalf of Parkwood Leisure, Lee Carnwell, confirmed that the initiative has been met with enthusiasm from the community: “We are delighted with the positive impact the scheme is having on these children. It is amazing that this initiative is not only promoting physical activity and improving mental wellbeing, but helping to alleviate feelings of anxiety and social isolation often felt by children with autism.”
Going beyond improving practical swimming skills, these sessions have helped improve the children’s confidence to explore new activities and develop their social skills further.
John Doran, Assistant Manager of Sefton Councils Aiming High Team, commented: “The Atlantis sessions have been a fantastic addition to the Aiming High programme for many reasons. It has given many of our children, who have been reluctant to join in on swimming and water sessions, the confidence to get involved.”
“The distraction of having so much fun on the inflatable has helped their confidence grow and has diminished the anxiety that a lot of disabled children have over trying new venues and activities. It has also given them a pathway to access public swim sessions to help with their swimming skills and social skills.”
Parkwood Leisure is constantly looking to forge partnerships and relationships that will help towards our goals of promoting inclusion and fostering a sense of community amongst its leisure centres.
Parkwood Leisure and Legacy Leisure extend the North Somerset Contract
Leading leisure operator Parkwood Leisure, and subcontractor Legacy Leisure, have agreed a five-year contract extension with North Somerset Council.
As part of the extension, Hutton Moor Leisure Centre is due to receive a significant funding injection to refresh its fitness equipment and swimming pool changing facilities.
Hutton Moor Leisure Centre is North Somerset Council’s largest leisure centre, with more than 600,000 people using the site every year. It’s currently operated by Legacy Leisure – who also manage Scotch Horn and Backwell Leisure Centres – and the council has recently agreed to extend their contract until 2032.
As well as continuing to provide local people with access to a wide range of recreational facilities, the leisure centre’s swimming pool changing rooms will also be updated to improve people’s experiences at the site. Parkwood Leisure is putting £135k towards this, with the rest of the costs being covered by Section 106 contributions from housing developers.
Hutton Moor’s swimming facilities are very popular with the community, offering casual swimming, swimming clubs, and a swimming lesson programme in which more than 2,200 children are enrolled. The funding will be used to improve the changing rooms, to ensure they are a fresh and inviting space for users.
Parkwood Leisure has already invested £100k in new state-of-the-art fitness gym equipment. They will also invest an additional £100k into the facilities during the contract period.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “I’m thrilled that Hutton Moor Leisure Centre’s wetside facilities are set to receive some much-needed investment.
“We know that many of our residents really value the swimming pool at Hutton Moor, but the changing rooms haven’t been updated for more than 30 years. The fact that we can freshen up these facilities and hopefully expand them to make them more accessible is fantastic news.
“And gym-goers are also set to benefit, with an additional £100k promised for purchasing state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
“It’s great that Parkwood Leisure is putting £235k towards the projects. Congratulations to them and our council officers who negotiated the contract extension, which will see them continue to operate Hutton Moor Leisure Centre until 2032.”
Glen Hall, Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure added: “I am delighted that we have extended our contract and relationship with North Somerset Council. Hutton Moor Leisure Centre is one of our premium centres within the estate and the investment into the site will make it even more of a central hub for the people of Weston-Super-Mare than it already is.”
“I am looking forward to continuing our excellent relationship with the council, working together to build healthier communities in North Somerset.”
Parkwood Theatres Panto season achieves second record breaking year
Parkwood Leisure, which operates four leading theatres across the country, has proven that pantomime season truly is back and better than ever, attracting a record-breaking 100,000 visitors in 2023, with the highest grossing net total ever made by the estate at nearly £1,800,000.
In a triumph for theatre lovers, Parkwood’s results show that the Pantomime tradition is still alive and well, with the theatres reporting hosting more first time family audiences and new and returning schools to experience the joy of the seasonal show at all of its theatres.
The results, achieved at Parkwood’s theatres; The Hawth, Hazlitt Theatre, Castle Theatre and The Playhouse – showcase there is continued demand for the arts to play a crucial role in local community life, especially following the difficult pandemic years.
“Having a second record-breaking year in a row proves that there is value in investing in local arts and high-quality theatre experiences for local communities,” says Tony Doherty, Managing Director of Parkwood Theatres. “Pantomime production involves a whole year of activity in which we invest significant time and resources to create dazzling and joyous performances.. We work closely with our local council authority, incredible production teams and brilliant national and local talent to bring it all to life.”
2023’s collection of pantomimes at the local Parkwood theatres included family favourites with sweeping positive reviews and star-studded casts:
- The Hawth, Crawley – Sleeping Beauty featuring Carrie Hope Fletcher, Andy Day and Michael J Batchelor. Production Company: Evolution Productions
- Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone – Peter Pan featuring David Zachary, Stuart Ash, Ria Turner and Joe Melloy. Production Company: Parkwood Productions
- Castle Theatre, Wellingborough – Cinderella featuring Thomas Griffiths, Hayley Johnston and Francesca McKean. Production Company: Parkwood Productions
- The Playhouse Theatre, Weston-Super-Mare – Dick Whittington featuring Linda Lusardi and Derek Moran. Production Company: Parkwood Productions
“We’re already thrilled to see the sheer volume of pre-sale tickets already booked for this coming year’s shows. Now that’s the power of Pantomime!” Doherty adds.
Since its formation in 1995, Parkwood Leisure has become famous for the development and operation of 75 leisure facilities across the country. The impressive portfolio also boasts a roster of visitor attraction centres, golf courses, heritage sites and theatres, all run on behalf of local authorities. Parkwood Theatres is always on the lookout for relevant sites and production teams to work with on future projects and shows.
To find out more about how you can get involved with Parkwood Theatres, head over to the website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk
Hutton Moor Leisure Centre upgrades save 60 tons of carbon each year
The project, which has been running since November 2023 has reduced Hutton Moor Leisure Centre’s electricity consumption by up to 60,000KWh and gas by 18,000KWh with total carbon emission savings of over 60 tonnes per year.
Hutton Moor Leisure Centre, part of the Parkwood Leisure estate, has made significant strides in sustainability and community engagement, solidifying Parkwood’s commitment to environmental responsibility and improved wellbeing in the local community.
In an exciting move towards improved management and operational control, Parkwood Leisure, in collaboration with North Somerset Council, has upgraded the Building Management System [BMS] at Hutton Moor Leisure Centre. These changes have led to significantly reduced carbon emissions and increases in energy efficiency for the local leisure centre.
The project, which has been running since November 2023 has reduced Hutton Moor Leisure Centre’s electricity consumption by up to 60,000KWh and gas by 18,000KWh with total carbon emission savings of over 60 tonnes per year.
These upgrades mean it is possible for centre staff to monitor the demands of essential functions such as lighting, heating and AC. This system is constantly monitoring the demands of the facility and making real-time adjustments to optimise energy usage, meaning that lights only shine where needed and energy consumption is minimised without compromising the comfort and safety of customers and colleagues.
As part of this project to optimise the facilities, brand-new variable speed pool pumps have been installed which allows the centre to circulate water at lower flow rates for extended periods throughout the day. By allowing the water to circulate at lower flow rates for longer durations, Hutton Moor maximises energy savings without compromising water quality or guest experience.
As a part of Parkwood Leisure’s continued commitment to reducing carbon emissions and saving energy across all its sites, Hutton Moor Leisure Centre will be making further investment into energy efficiency at the site over the course of 2024.
Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure, Glen Hall explains: “This project highlights Parkwood Leisure’s commitment to the environmental responsibility that comes with running leisure facilities. By upgrading the key systems that support the operational running of the centre, we are able to simultaneously improve the experience of the local community while maximising sustainability for a greener future.”
Parkwood Leisure remains key pillar in driving physical activity in Wales
Leading leisure operator, Parkwood Leisure, has continued its commitment to promoting physical activity and community engagement across Wales through substantial grant funding and facility refurbishments.
In partnership with Parkwood’s sub-contractor Legacy Leisure, Barry, Llantwit, Penarth and Cowbridge Leisure Centres in the Vale of Glamorgan received over £1 million in funding to refurbish and redesign the gyms in each leisure centre and upgrade the existing equipment with premium new Life Fitness cardio and strength training equipment. As a result, following the refurbishments, gym memberships increased and footfall across all four leisure centres in the Vale of Glamorgan rose by 29%.
These enhancements reflect Parkwood Leisure’s commitment to providing diverse and high-quality leisure experiences for the Welsh community.
Parkwood Leisure and Legacy Leisure were recently awarded Learn to Swim Provider of the Year 2024 at the SWIM Wales awards. The win recognises the operators delivery and development of the Swim Wales Learn to Swim framework and underscores Parkwood’s commitment to promoting water safety and quality swimming education.
Furthermore, Legacy Leisure clinched the Health Impact Award for its community Musculoskeletal Hubs in the Vale of Glamorgan and at Cardiff International Pool. This award acknowledges the significant positive impact of the Good Boost programmes delivered within MSK Hub facilities, contributing to improved health outcomes for over 1,500 individuals.
Partners Legacy Leisure engage in community grant funding projects by providing financial support to local clubs and initiatives across Wales, demonstrating commitment to promoting accessible swimming and life-saving activities.
Whitmore Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, Barry Beavers Disabled Swimming Club, and Cardiff International Pool & Gym have each received £500 in financial support, empowering them to enhance their offerings and community impact.
Whitmore Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, known for its Nipper Junior section, has benefited from funds allocated towards essential equipment and programme development, promoting inclusivity and skill development within the community. Barry Beavers Disabled Swimming Club has utilised the funding to invest in IT equipment, enhancing their training capabilities to onboard more crucial volunteers. The beloved Cardiff International Pool & Gym used funding to support the participation of Team Wales in the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships, amplifying the facility’s global presence and fostering sporting excellence.
Parkwood not only drives community engagement and healthy lifestyles through its leisure centres, but also through its two prominent outdoor education facilities within Wales. Plas Menai, the National Outdoor Centre for Wales, was added to the portfolio of sites in February 2023 and has already seen a refurbished cafe, implementation of the Learn to Swim programme and renovated fitness room.
Meanwhile, Parkwood’s outdoor education centre, Dolygaer, has seen incredible success after continually innovating the product through renovations and increased accommodation offering. Dolygaer won the award for “Best Day Out” at the Welsh Hospitality Awards 2023, and was highly commended in the “Outdoor Venue of the Year” category. This was the fifth annual Welsh Hospitality Awards ceremony, which celebrates and promotes the highest standards in Welsh hospitality.
Parkwood Leisure’s 3 million upgrades to centres demonstrates commitment to its communities
The leisure management organisation completed significant upgrades to its Vale of Glamorgan and Cherwell contracts in addition to revamping Towcester Centre for Leisure
Parkwood Leisure completed a series of significant upgrades to its leisure facilities in 2023 as £3 million was invested in new equipment and renovations.
Continuing its partnership with premium equipment provider, Life Fitness, Parkwood installed new equipment into over 10 of its centres over the past 12 months.
Towcester Centre for Leisure, which was named Regional and National Club/Centre of the Year at the 2022 ukactive Awards, followed up their success by renovating the centre in a £200,000 project.
As part of the renovation, the gym equipment was replaced by an extensive range of new cardio and strength training equipment from Life Fitness. In addition, the gym underwent a complete transformation, with a full redecoration, new flooring and upgraded LED lighting.
After extending its contract in the Vale of Glamorgan, Parkwood invested £1 million to refurbish and redesign the gyms in addition to adding brand new equipment at Barry, Llantwit, Penarth and Cowbridge Leisure Centres. As a result, following the refurbishments, gym memberships increased and footfall across all four leisure centres in the Vale of Glamorgan rose by 29%.
Finally, in quarter four of 2023, a significant project in Parkwood’s Cherwell contract saw over £700,000 of refurbishments at three prominent leisure sites.
The gym’s at Bicester, Spiceball and Kidlington & Gosford Leisure Centres have been upgraded to feature cutting-edge equipment, redesigned layouts, and a refreshed fitness environment for an unparalleled workout experience. The financial investment to replenish these sites exceeded £700,000, with Spiceball Leisure Centre in Banbury receiving £300,000 with an additional £30,000 invested in state-of-the-art ICG spinning bikes.
Commenting on the investment, Alex Godfrey, Operations Director at Parkwood Leisure, said: “The gyms are at the heart of many of our leisure centres and it’s vital that we continually update our product across our centres.
“Our partnership with Life Fitness continues to go from strength to strength as we continue to bring premium equipment to our sites. The £2 million that we invested into updating the gym spaces last year alone demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with high quality spaces for them to achieve their fitness goals.”