More than £3 million of investment has been announced for the district’s leisure and sporting facilities, as part of a new ten-year partnership with leisure operator Everyone Active and North Herts Council.
The new contract, which began today, Monday 1 April, sees Everyone Active taking over the management of North Herts Leisure Centre, Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre (formerly Hitchin Swim Centre and Archer Fitness), Royston Leisure Centre, Letchworth Lido (formerly Letchworth Outdoor Pool) and Fearnhill Sports Centre.
The investment will be allocated towards extensive refurbishments and expansion efforts across these facilities over the course of the contract.
Everyone Active will be refurbishing the fitness suites with the latest equipment suitable for all levels including free weights, strength and conditioning and functional training kit.
Changes and additions will be made to the group exercise studios to offer more variety and new classes, while enhancements to food and beverage amenities hope to enhance the overall customer experience.
In line with North Herts Council's commitment to environmental sustainability, decarbonisation measures will be integrated into the refurbishment efforts, aimed at optimising energy conservation.
This is in addition to the council's successful application to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will see North Herts Leisure Centre, Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, and Royston Leisure Centre benefitting from modern air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, and cavity and external wall insulation.
The new leisure contract also has a strong focus on community outreach, providing a variety of creative and physical activities in local venues such as community halls, churches, centres and outdoor locations to increase accessibility.
Mark Leahy, Regional Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “We are delighted to officially begin our partnership with North Herts Council and are looking forward to many successful years ahead.
“The fantastic centres within this contract are so important for health and wellbeing in local communities and, with plenty of exciting developments in the pipeline, we are incredibly privileged to be chosen to manage them.
“The new contract includes a significant investment, amplifying our drive and ambition to prioritise the health and wellbeing of the local community. We look forward to supporting the council’s vision for leisure across North Herts, helping as many people as possible to get active.”
Sarah Kingsley, Service Director – Place, at North Herts Council, said: “Our collaboration with Everyone Active makes a significant step towards enhancing leisure services in North Herts. Through strategic investment and shared commitment, we’re revitalising facilities to better serve our communities, ensuring they have access to top-notch amenities that promote health and wellbeing.”
The improvements planned across the leisure facilities include:
- Full gym refurbishment at North Herts Leisure Centre beginning in July 2024, with new equipment and a state-of-the-art look and feel of the space
- Full gym refurbishment at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre in Spring 2025, also complete with new equipment and state-of-the-art look and feel
- New group cycling studio at Royston Leisure Centre this summer
- New gym and dance studio at Royston Leisure Centre in Autumn 2025 (£1million funding by North Herts Council).
Everyone Active already operates leisure facilities in the surrounding areas of Stevenage, East Hertfordshire, and Central Bedfordshire.
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