Leisure transformation project shortlisted for national award

An innovative £24m project to transform leisure facilities across Ashfield has been recognised.

Ashfield District Council and leisure partner Everyone Active have been shortlisted in the ‘Best Efficiency and Transformation Initiative’ category in recognition of the programme which includes building the new Kirkby Leisure Centre.

Kirkby Leisure Centre boasts a four-lane swimming pool with splash pad for younger children and a Poolpod for accessible pool entry; a multi-use sports hall that converts into a community cinema, to provide regular film screenings at a low cost; an 85-station gym, a soft play area and fun climbing wall, a sensory room, to support children and adults with learning and behavioural support needs and a health hub.

The centre has already secured more than 262,000 customer visits in its first 11 months open.

A new teaching pool officially opened at Hucknall Leisure Centre on Saturday 15 July. The centre has also recently installed three new exercise studios, including a multi-purpose exercise studio, indoor cycling studio and Earth studio, as well as a 100-station, accessible, ground-floor gym and a new health hub.

In 2021/22, Lammas Leisure Centre in Sutton saw investment in a refurbished ice rink, a 120-station gym with new equipment and a group cycling studio, in addition to an upgraded front of house and café area, new TAGactive Arena and soft play.

Leader of the Council, Jason Zadrozny, said:

“We’re immensely proud of what we have achieved in transforming our leisure offer. At a time when other councils are closing leisure centres, Ashfield District Council has done the opposite. We promised the people of Kirkby a swimming pool and state-of-the-art facilities and have delivered that and more. Kirkby Leisure Centre is an incredible facility that is a huge asset to the community to improve health and wellbeing across the District. We’re delighted that our hard work has been recognised in being shortlisted for this ‘Public Service Excellence’ award.”

Everyone Active’s contract manager, Lorenzo Clark, said:

“It has been fantastic to play our part in the transformation of the three centres to date. To be nominated for this award alongside the Council is just reward for the hard work of colleagues, who have done a brilliant job supporting Ashfield residents to be more active, so we are delighted to be shortlisted.”

The winners will be announced at the Association for Public Service Excellence Annual Charity Awards on Thursday 14 September 2023 in Belfast.