Vision for future of leisure, health and wellbeing outlined
21 July 2026
An ambitious vision – shaped by local residents – is aiming to help people in North Northamptonshire live healthier, more active, and independent lives.
The report on the future management of leisure services is the culmination of over a year of detailed work examining how North Northamptonshire Council leisure services can best support residents, while ensuring services remain affordable, sustainable and fit for the future.
It will also ensure a stronger focus on health improvement, inclusion, community wellbeing, prevention and early intervention.
Proposals would see all council-owned leisure facilities managed in-house, rather than by multiple operators, when contracts end, through a phased transition during 2027 and 2028. The approach is supported by independent leisure industry specialists, financial modelling, stakeholder engagement, and feedback from the public.
Central to the vision is a new ‘Community Plus’ initiative which reflects the national emphasis on leisure services as partners in improving public health and reducing health inequalities, and was developed following feedback from more than 1,300 residents, leisure users and councillors who participated in a visioning survey.
The report will be presented to North Northamptonshire Council’s Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee on 28 July 2026, before being considered by the council’s Executive on 11 August 2026.
If approved, the future service would deliver a consistent offer across all leisure centres, including:
- A single membership and pricing structure across North Northamptonshire.
- Enhanced health and wellbeing programmes.
- Greater support for inactive residents and priority groups.
- Improved access to physical activity opportunities in rural and deprived communities.
- Clinical rehabilitation programmes, including cardiac, cancer and pulmonary rehabilitation.
- Expanded GP referral programmes and health checks.
- Support for people living with long-term health conditions and musculoskeletal issues.
- Inclusive activities for children and young people, older adults and disabled residents.
- A new concessions scheme designed to improve affordability and accessibility.
Our leisure centres are about far more than gyms and swimming pools. They play a vital role in supporting the physical, mental and social wellbeing of our residents and communities.Cllr Brian Benneyworth, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Housing, Public Health and Leisure
These proposals build on the success of our existing Active Communities and North Northamptonshire Leisure programmes, and reflect our ambition to create a modern leisure and wellbeing service that helps people become more active, supports those living with health conditions, tackles health inequalities and strengthens community connections.
The proposals form part of the council’s longer-term ambition to develop leisure facilities as community wellbeing hubs, bringing together leisure, physical activity, health and community services to support residents throughout their lives.
We are committed to ensuring that our leisure services remain at the heart of our communities, supporting children and young people, families, older residents, people living with health conditions and those who face barriers to participation.Cllr Brian Benneyworth
These proposals represent an opportunity to build on the excellent foundations already in place and create a service that is fit for the future, responsive to local needs and focused on improving health and wellbeing outcomes for everyone who lives in North Northamptonshire.