Ashfield District Council celebrates five years of Everyone Active contract

More residents are getting healthy and taking advantage of improved leisure facilities across Ashfield in the last five years.

Ashfield District Council and award-winning contractor Everyone Active agreed the current contract in 2021 to run the leisure centres across the district, including Kirkby, which opened in 2022; Lammas and Hucknall.

Since then, the centres have seen annual visits grow by 61%, going from 1.08 million visits in the first year to more than 1.73 million by the end of year five.

More people have embraced what they have to offer with 9,220 fitness and health members and 3,384 young people in the swim school programme.

Working with health professionals to support preventative and rehabilitation programmes, the centres currently have 361 active members on the GP referral scheme, with 2,840 referrals received during 2025/26.

Of those referred, 51% remained active after three months. The centres also welcomed 17,914 visits from people with disabilities through this year and generated £6.3 million of social value for the local community.

Community engagement is a big part of the partnership and throughout 2025/26, 480 hours of free community space supported local groups, sports clubs and health partners.

John Bennett, Ashfield District Council’s Executive Director for Place, said:

“This partnership has led to significant health and wellbeing benefits for our residents. Each year we have seen more and more people get involved in our centres and make the most of all they have to offer, as well as enjoy the many events they play host to.

“The council has invested heavily in improving the centres. In 2020, we refurbished and extended the fitness suite at Lammas, we have carried out refurbishment work at Hucknall and most recently we refurbished and extended the fitness facilities and soft play at Kirkby Leisure Centre.

“These upgrades have ensured our centres continue to evolve to meet the needs of our residents. The health and happiness of our residents is a priority for us as a council and this partnership has given more people the tools they need to lead a healthier lifestyle.”

Simon Morgan, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said:

“We are enormously proud to serve local communities in Ashfield, providing the state-of-the-art facilities and activities that inspire people to improve their health and wellbeing. No matter what your age, interests or ability, there is an activity for you at your local leisure centre.

“We look forward to further strengthening our excellent partnership with the council and ensuring the future of leisure in Ashfield remains bright for many years to come.”

Posted on 29 October 2026