Residents across Cambridge are set to benefit from more than £8 million of investment in leisure facilities, more affordable access to activities and expanded health and wellbeing programmes following the approval of a new leisure management contract by Cambridge City Council.
The investment, made up of funding from GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), operating as Better, alongside Section 106 contributions from developers, will support improvements across leisure facilities throughout the city and help more residents become active, stay healthy and enjoy their local facilities.
Under the new contract won by GLL, the operator will continue managing the city's leisure facilities, delivering a programme of investment and community-focused initiatives over the coming years.
Investment is proposed across key sites including Abbey Leisure Complex, Parkside Pools, Kings Hedges Learner Pool, Cherry Hinton Village Centre and Jesus Green Lido. Planned improvements include refurbished changing facilities, upgraded gyms, new wellbeing spaces, improved accessibility and enhancements to outdoor activity areas.
Alongside physical improvements, the contract places a strong emphasis on making activities more accessible and affordable. Plans include concessionary membership and entry prices, targeted offers for families and young people, and initiatives designed to support residents who face barriers to participation.
The investment programme also includes renewable energy and energy efficiency measures across the leisure estate, helping to reduce carbon emissions while improving facilities for users.
The new contract will also extend to working with United Learning and encompass the management and investment in new sports facilities at Trumpington Academy too.
Cllr Mike Todd-Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "This is a significant investment in leisure, health and wellbeing for Cambridge residents.
"Our leisure facilities play an important role in people's lives, whether that's learning to swim, keeping fit, managing a health condition, spending time with family and friends, or simply staying active and connected to their community.
“There is a particular focus on tackling health inequalities in Cambridge with a wide range of concessionary and discounted schemes aimed at people on low incomes and residents in the most disadvantaged parts of our city.
"This investment will improve facilities across the city, make activities more affordable and accessible, and help more people enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of an active lifestyle.
“Also significant are the works to reduce carbon emissions from our pools that will get us close to achieving net zero in the next couple of years.
“It’s important to note that there is no statutory requirement for councils to offer any of these services and I’m really proud that we choose to provide a huge range of leisure facilities and that some of our provision, such as the number of paddling pools and splashpads, is unique amongst local authorities.
"We're pleased to continue working with GLL, who impressed with their commitment to social value, health and wellbeing, and decarbonisation, and look forward to delivering these improvements and maximising the benefits for residents over the coming years."
Philip Donnay, GLL CEO Designate said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Cambridge City Council and build on our shared commitment to providing high-quality, accessible leisure services that make a real difference to local communities.
“This investment of more than £8 million represents an exciting opportunity to enhance facilities across the city, create welcoming spaces for people of all ages and abilities, and encourage more residents to enjoy the benefits of being active.
“As a charitable social enterprise, we believe leisure facilities are at the heart of healthy, connected communities. Alongside investing in our facilities, we’re committed to widening access, supporting people who face barriers to participation and developing programmes that improve health and wellbeing.”
The contract will strengthen links between leisure services, public health and community wellbeing, helping tackle inactivity and health inequalities while supporting more residents to lead active lifestyles and enjoy the wide range of facilities the city has to offer.
Residents will have opportunities to help shape some of the future improvements as individual projects are developed, including consultation on proposals for Jesus Green Lido before designs are finalised.
