Southwell Leisure Centre Trust Regains Control
- Southwell Leisure Centre Trust
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
The Future of the Centre Lies with the Community
Southwell Leisure Centre Trust (SLCT) is proud to announce that it has officially regained control of Southwell Leisure Centre, following the recent surrender of the lease by Newark and Sherwood District Council. This important moment marks a new beginning — with the centre now once again in the hands of a local, independent charity that exists to serve the community.
To ensure continuity and stability, SLCT has entered into an agreement with Active4Today, who will continue to operate the centre on the Trust’s behalf until March 2026. Services and facilities will continue as normal while the Trust works with partners and residents to shape a long-term future.
A Centre for the Community — By the Community
SLCT has always had one purpose: to protect and promote leisure, health and wellbeing in Southwell and the surrounding villages. Now, as control returns to the Trust, the future of the leisure centre lies firmly in the hands of the community it serves.
This is your centre. Its future depends on your support.
Whether you swim once a week, visit the gym regularly, attend a class, or simply value the centre’s presence in the town, your involvement matters.
Reopening the Pool — Our Immediate Priority
Our first and most urgent task is to get the swimming pool back up and running as soon as possible. We know how vital this facility is — for families, schools, swim clubs, and everyone who relies on it for fitness and wellbeing. We’re pleased to confirm that repair works are now underway, and we are working closely with contractors to make the necessary improvements and reopen the pool. While we cannot confirm a date just yet, we want the community to know that restoring the pool is our top priority, and every effort is being made to bring it back into service quickly and safely.
Our Vision for the Future
SLCT’s long-term vision is clear:
To provide a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible centre for people of all ages and abilities.
To create a vibrant, community-owned hub for physical activity, social connection, and wellbeing.
To ensure the centre is financially secure and environmentally sustainable for future generations.
To foster partnerships across schools, health services, sports clubs and local groups to enhance what’s on offer.
SLCT Chair Andrew Wilson said:
“We are incredibly proud to bring Southwell Leisure Centre back under local control. But this is just the beginning. The long-term success of the centre depends on our community — on all of us. If we want to keep it open, modern, and thriving, we must use it, support it, and help shape its future together.”
In the months ahead, SLCT will be engaging with residents, users, and local partners to shape the centre’s future. There will be opportunities to volunteer, share ideas, and get involved.
For now, the Trust encourages everyone to continue using the centre, recommending it to others, and taking pride in what we have — together.
For updates, to get involved, or to contact the Trust, please visit https://www.southwellleisurecentre.co.uk/ or email southwellleisurecentretrust@gmail.com
Andrew Wilson
Chair of Southwell Leisure Centre Trust
