Southwell
Leisure Centre Trust
An Exciting New Chapter for Southwell Leisure Centre
Exciting changes are ahead as Parkwood Leisure prepares to take over the management of Southwell Leisure Centre from 1 April 2026. This next chapter will bring fresh investment, modernised facilities, the reopening of the main pool, and even more opportunities for everyone to stay active, healthy, and connected.
The Centre will continue to operate as usual under Active4Today until March 2026, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for members, staff, and visitors.
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From Wednesday 1 April 2026, Southwell Leisure Centre will be operated by Creating Active Futures, in partnership with Parkwood Leisure and Southwell Leisure Centre Trust. Find out more at www.leisurecentre.com/southwell-leisure-centre
Together, we’re creating a brighter future for Southwell.
Affordable and Accessible Leisure and Health Facilities for All
About Us
Southwell Leisure Centre has been at the heart of the community since the 1960s. Originally built following a pioneering local crowdfunding campaign that raised £40,000 — the equivalent of around £800,000 today — the Centre is a powerful example of what a community can achieve when it comes together.
That original campaign led to the creation of a charitable trust, now known as Southwell Leisure Centre Trust (SLCT). The Trust’s purpose has always been clear: to provide and maintain high-quality leisure and swimming facilities for the benefit of the people of Southwell and the surrounding district.
Over the years, the Centre has grown and evolved to meet changing community needs. Alongside the swimming pool, facilities expanded to include a sports hall, fitness activities, and spaces for classes and social use. Major improvements in the 1980s and again in 2004 — supported by fundraising, volunteers, and Newark and Sherwood District Council — helped ensure the Centre remained modern, welcoming, and fit for purpose.
Like many leisure facilities, the Centre faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Newark and Sherwood District Council stepped in to support the Centre’s operation, with day-to-day management provided by Active4Today (A4T), while ownership remained with the Trust.
In May 2025, Southwell Leisure Centre Trust regained full responsibility for the Centre. Active4Today continues to manage the facility on the Trust’s behalf until March 2026, ensuring stability for members, staff, and visitors.
From 1 April 2026, the Centre will be managed by Parkwood Leisure, a national leisure operator with extensive experience in running community-focused facilities. Parkwood will work in partnership with the Trust to deliver accessible, high-quality services while supporting the Centre’s long-term sustainability and community role.
Southwell Leisure Centre Trust remains firmly committed to its founding values — keeping the Centre community-led, welcoming, and accessible — so it can continue to support health, wellbeing, and active lifestyles for generations to come.
Current Trustees – January 2026
Jo Harbord – Chair of Trust
Andrew Wilson
Alison Berwick
Andrew Worrall
John Lightwood
Jonathan Mitchell
Verdun Webley