£5 million boost for leisure facilities in Harborough district

A £5 million investment into the district council’s two leisure centres has been secured with councillors agreeing to award the operating contract to Everyone Active at a meeting at Harborough District Council on Monday 11 December 2023.

The investment into the health and wellbeing of local communities is a priority for the council and the new contract focusses on improving the provision of accessible activities for all, including increased gym stations, and pool inflatables for the swimming pools at both centres.

The capital investment will significantly improve and enhance some of the current facilities including the removal and replacement of the aged dome which hosts tennis and netball, subject to planning approval, at Harborough Leisure Centre. A review of the indoor areas will allow diversification of use, to include the dual use of the bowls hall for children’s soft play when the hall is not use, and the installation of a new soft play area at Lutterworth. This will increase the range of activities on offer to encourage more residents to participate in wellbeing opportunities.

Successfully securing the contract has ensured the continuation of leisure centre services for residents, groups, clubs, and schools, in addition to the positive ongoing promotion and participation in sports development for residents’ mental and physical wellbeing.

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “I’m delighted the leisure contract has been awarded in line with our priority of safeguarding leisure facilities for the future generations of our district. Upgrades are planned at both Lutterworth Sports Centre and Harborough Leisure Centre with new, additional outreach opportunities being developed to support the mental and physical wellbeing of residents across the whole district."

Matthew Hopkin, Everyone Active’s Contract Manager, said: “Everyone Active has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Harborough District Council which has gone from strength to strength. We are extremely proud of this partnership and are delighted to have extended it for another 15 years. Serving communities is at the heart of what we do and we believe the council’s significant investment will help us to continue to provide a brilliant experience for our customers.”

The 15 year contract, due to start on 1 April 2024, will welcome improvements at both centres with current facilities being upgraded or replaced. Everyone Active who are the current leisure operator at Lutterworth Sports Centre and Harborough Leisure Centre have developed a strong partnership with the council. Important initiatives already delivered at the centres, such as prehabilitation support, GP referrals, and community wellbeing cafes will continue to provide significant help to the community.