Wyre Council has today officially welcomed Parkwood Leisure, working in partnership with the charitable organisation Creating Active Futures, as the new operators of the borough’s leisure centres.
The new contract, which begins today, marks the start of a transformational programme designed to modernise facilities, enhance customer experience and support residents to lead healthier, more active lives.
From 1 April, the partnership will manage Fleetwood, Poulton, Thornton, Garstang leisure centres and Garstang Pool, bringing with it a renewed focus on quality, accessibility and community wellbeing.
Residents will begin to see improvements almost immediately, with a coordinated programme of upgrades planned across each centre:
- Thornton Leisure Centre – New indoor adventure activity centre, an upgraded gym and fully refurbished changing rooms
- Fleetwood Leisure Centre – Upgraded gym and sports hall, improved wet side changing areas and external redecoration
- Poulton Leisure Centre – Reopening of the health suite and spa, an upgraded gym and modernised changing facilities
- Garstang Leisure Centre & Swimming Pool – Expanded gym space and a new spin studio
Alongside physical upgrades, customers will see refreshed on‑site information from April, including welcome posters, development boards and digital updates, ensuring visitors know what improvements are coming and when.
Parkwood Leisure will also launch an enhanced Active Wellbeing Programme, including a refreshed exercise referral scheme aimed at supporting inactive and less active residents. This forms a key part of the council’s Wyre Moving More strategy, which prioritises making physical activity easier, more inclusive and part of everyday life.
Over the coming months, customers will benefit from new member journeys, including welcome emails, app support, updated direct debit information and improved communication about changes at their local centre. Centres will also introduce new trial offers and community engagement activities from April to June, helping residents discover what’s available and get involved.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Wyre Council’s 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, 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 are delivering on our commitment to create healthier, more connected communities. Working with Parkwood Leisure and Creating Active Futures, and through our continued focus on the Wyre Moving More strategy, we are creating safe, modern and welcoming spaces for residents of all ages.”
Between April and June, residents can expect:
- Centre development information and welcome campaigns
- A new “three-day trial” offer for prospective members
- Member and swimming lesson referral campaigns
- Digital improvements including app support and automated customer journeys
- Staff engagement and additional customer communications
- Preparations for further investments rolling out later in 2026
These initiatives will ensure the transition is seamless and that residents receive clear, timely information throughout.
For further information about Wyre’s leisure centres, visit www.wyre.gov.uk/sport-fitness/leisure-centres or visit the specific centre websites:
leisurecentre.com/fleetwood-health-and-fitness-centre
leisurecentre.com/garstang-health-and-fitness-centre
leisurecentre.com/garstang-swimming-centre
leisurecentre.com/poulton-health-and-fitness-centre
leisurecentre.com/thornton-health-and-fitness-centre
https://www.adventureplayandbowl.co.uk/