 |
Long-term leisure partnerships set to strengthen health and wellbeing across Adur and Worthing
08 Jul 2026
South Downs Leisure has confirmed the extension of its leisure contracts with both Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council to 21 years, marking a major long-term commitment to community leisure, health and wellbeing across the area.
The renewed partnerships will support the continued delivery and development of services across Lancing Manor Leisure Centre, Southwick Leisure Centre, Wadurs Swimming Pool, Splashpoint Leisure Centre, Worthing Leisure Centre and Field Place Manor House & Barns.
Since launching its partnership with Adur District Council in 2020, and through its long-standing work with Worthing Borough Council, South Downs Leisure has played a vital role in helping local people lead healthier, happier and more active lives. In 2024/25 alone, leisure centres across Adur and Worthing welcomed more than 1.5 million visits, demonstrating the importance of these facilities in supporting physical activity, wellbeing and community connection.
Duncan Anderson, CEO of South Downs Leisure, said: “This is a really positive step forward for South Downs Leisure, our council partners and the communities we serve across Adur and Worthing. Extending these agreements to 21 years provides the continuity and consistency needed to keep improving local leisure services, while giving us the confidence to plan, invest and deliver long-term benefits for residents. Leisure centres play a vital role in helping people live healthier, happier and more connected lives. These partnerships will allow us to build on the progress already made and continue creating inclusive, sustainable facilities that support our communities for many years to come.”
The extended agreements also reflect a shared commitment to sustainability, inclusion and social impact. South Downs Leisure has received national recognition for its work with the Leisure Loop initiative, recycling swimming equipment and helping divert pool waste from landfill. Investment in solar panels at Wadurs Swimming Pool and Splashpoint Leisure Centre has already helped significantly reduce carbon emissions, with further work underway to connect Splashpoint Leisure Centre to the Worthing Heat Network.
As part of the renewed partnership in Worthing, South Downs Leisure are investing £2 million into Worthing Leisure Centre to modernise key areas, improve the visitor experience and ensure the facility remains fit for the future. Additional improvements will include repairs to the 3G football pitch and the respraying of the running track.
All South Downs Leisure sites across Adur and Worthing have also joined the councils’ community toilet scheme, improving public access to facilities and further demonstrating the role leisure centres play as welcoming, inclusive community spaces
The 21-year extensions provide a strong foundation for continued investment, innovation and partnership working, ensuring leisure services across Adur and Worthing remain sustainable, accessible and community-focused for decades to come.
back
|
| Latest member news |
 |
|
GLL Literary Foundation marks first year success at the House of Lords
Charitable social enterprise GLL brought together invited guests from across
Parliament, local government, national sector bodies, cultural organisations, the
literary community and sports bodies at a celebration to mark the successful first
year of the GLL Literary Foundation.
read more...
New brochure explains the benefits of the charitable trust model as part of local government reorganisation
Community Leisure UK has produced a new booklet for Local Authorities who are in
the process of becoming a Unitary Authority. Titled “How Charities and Social Enterprises can deliver
efficient, effective and people-focused public leisure and culture services” it features case studies from
CLUK’s membership including Lincs Inspire, Horizon Leisure Trust and Circadian.
read more...
South Downs Leisure begins major £2 million Worthing Leisure Centre redevelopment
South Downs Leisure (SDL) has officially begun a major £2 million redevelopment of
Worthing Leisure Centre, with the first phase of works now underway at the popular
multi-purpose facility.
read more...
Newport Live’s Aspire Programme a ‘game-changer’ for young people
Newport Live’s Aspire programme has celebrated another successful year with its
Annual Record of Achievement event, held at The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre. The event recognised
the achievements of students within the Aspire programme which is Newport Live’s alternative education
programme delivered in partnership with Newport City Council.
read more...
|
|
Barnsley Premier Leisure Chair awarded MBE for services to the community in Barnsley
Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL) is proud to announce that its Chair, Valerie Mills,
has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition
of her outstanding services to the community in Barnsley.
read more...
Edinburgh upgrade set to strengthen athletics
A major improvement project at Saughton Sports Complex will help safeguard
athletics provision in west Edinburgh and create a stronger future for local
clubs, schools and community users.
read more...
Care-experienced young people represent Newport at national football tournament
Care-experienced young people supported by Newport City Council recently took part
in a national football tournament at MK Dons Stadium in Milton Keynes, enjoying a
memorable opportunity to compete at a prestigious venue.
read more...
Abbeycroft work with partners to ensure Dementia Hub expands
The Dementia Hub, run by Memories Are Golden at Haverhill Leisure Centre, has been
extended, increasing weekly capacity from 60 to 90 people.
read more...
Long-term leisure partnerships set to strengthen health and wellbeing across Adur and Worthing
South Downs Leisure has confirmed the extension of its leisure contracts with both
Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council to 21 years, marking a major
long-term commitment to community leisure, health and wellbeing across the area.
read more...
|
| Business partner news |
|
|
|
|
07 Jul 2026
X-Club gears up to open its flagship site in central London
Luxury boutique Pilates and wellness studio, X-Club, officially launches a
4,000sq ft flagship at
Marylebone on 16 July Built around X-Club’s four pillars of wellness – mind,
movement,
nutrition and therapy – the facility features two group exercise studi
read more...
03 Jul 2026
Industry veterans partner to launch women-only strength brand, LiftHer
An ambitious women’s-only strength and lifting studio concept is set to launch in Dallas this
September, with a wider US rollout already in active development.
read more...
02 Jul 2026
Omnigym collaborates on an outdoor gym for homeless people
Finnish outdoor fitness equipment specialist, Omnigym, has partnered with charity, Emmaüs
Solidarité, to launch an outdoor gym installation at a homeless shelter in Paris.
read more...
02 Jul 2026
Virgin Active opens social wellness club in London's Mayfair
Virgin Active has officially opened its redesigned Mayfair club, unveiling its latest Social Wellness Club and
signalling a significant evolution of its proposition.
read more...
|
|
01 Jul 2026
Steve Nelson promoted to MD of Serco Leisure
Steve Nelson takes up the role of managing director of Serco Leisure today (1 July 2026),
following 18 years with the company where he has progressed through many roles, most
recently director of leisure.
read more...
30 Jun 2026
Myzone report shows importance of longevity and social connection
Longevity is the most important motivator for today’s exercisers and social connection is key,
according to a report by Myzone.
read more...
29 Jun 2026
Industry mourns the loss of Les Mills, a founding father of fitness
Les Mills, whose name became synonymous with one of the world's leading fitness brands, has
passed away peacefully at the age of 91.
read more...
26 Jun 2026
HCM News: Taking GLP-1s is linked to a decline in physical activity
People taking GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound
may be losing weight, but they’re also becoming less physically active, according to new
research presented at the ENDO 2026 annual meeting of the Endocrine Society
read more...
|
|
|
|
| General Meetings & Events |
 |
|
AGM: Glasgow
25 November 2026
|
SERIOUSLY SOCIAL AWARDS
25 November 2026
|
| Regional Meetings |
|
|
Wales
16 July 2026
|
| Special Interest Groups |
|
|
iTrent
3 August 2026
|
Health Scotland
11 August 2026
|
Sales & Retention
18 August 2026
|
|
For more information about Special Interest Group and regional / national members meetings, please contact [email protected]
|
|
