Wyre Council has formally signed a new contract with Parkwood Leisure, working in partnership with the charitable organisation Creating Active Futures, to manage the borough’s leisure centres from 1 April 2026.
The contract signing marks a major milestone in delivering improved, modern and accessible leisure facilities for residents across Wyre. The new partnership will bring a significant programme of investment aimed at helping more people to be physically active, more often.
Under the new arrangements, Parkwood Leisure and Creating Active Futures will oversee the management of facilities in Fleetwood, Poulton, Thornton and Garstang, along with enhanced wellbeing support designed to help residents lead healthier, more active lives.
A series of upgrades will take place across all centres, including:
- Thornton Leisure Centre – a new indoor activity centre and refurbished changing facilities
- Fleetwood Leisure Centre – an upgraded gym and sports hall, improved wet change areas and external redecoration
- Poulton Leisure Centre – the reopening of the health suite/spa and refurbished changing facilities
- Garstang Leisure Centre & Swimming Pool – an extended gym space
In addition, Wyre Council is investing £475,000 in energy‑saving and sustainability measures, including the installation of solar panels, water‑efficiency improvements and upgraded lighting, supporting the council’s climate goals.
Alongside the physical improvements, Parkwood Leisure will launch an enhanced Active Wellbeing Programme featuring a refreshed exercise referral scheme. This will provide tailored support for inactive and less active residents in line with the Wyre Moving More strategy.
Glen Hall, Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure, said:
“We’re excited to get started in Wyre. Our goal is simple: invest in the places people love, and remove barriers so more residents can enjoy being active. Working closely with Wyre Council and Creating Active Futures, we’ll deliver visible improvements from day one and build a programme that supports every community, whether that’s learning to swim, joining a first group exercise class, or taking the next step on a health and wellbeing journey.”
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement, added:
“This new contract marks an important milestone for Wyre. Our leisure centres play a vital role in helping people live happier and healthier lives, and the planned improvements will make a real difference for families, older residents and everyone who relies on these facilities. By upgrading our centres and expanding opportunities to be active, we’re delivering on our commitment to support healthier, more connected communities. Working with Parkwood Leisure and Creating Active Futures, and through our continued focus on the Wyre Moving More strategy, we’re creating safe, modern and welcoming spaces that offer more ways for residents of all ages to get active. It’s a positive step forward for communities across Wyre.”