Record-breaking start for Leighton Leisure and Community Centre as memberships and attendance surge

Leighton Leisure and Community Centre has enjoyed a hugely successful start since opening in June, attracting an additional 2,012 fitness members and quickly establishing itself as one of Central Bedfordshire’s most popular leisure destinations. Fitness membership has grown by 57%, making it one of the council’s largest fitness membership bases. Swimming lesson memberships have also risen steadily, growing from 1,546 to 1,735 over the same period.

The centre has seen a significant increase in usage, with monthly visits rising from around 31,000 at the previous facility to more than 57,000 in July and 56,000 in August. This represents over 25,000 additional visits each month and an increase in attendance of 83% in July and 81% in August compared with levels before the new centre opened.

Swimming has proved particularly popular, with attendance reaching 28,774 visits in August, while gym attendance exceeded 18,000 visits in July and August. Group exercise classes have also attracted thousands of participants, highlighting the growing popularity of the new centre among residents of all ages.

Executive Member for Assets, Business and House Cllr. Steve Watkins, said: “We are delighted by the fantastic response from residents to the new Leighton Leisure and Community Centre. Attracting more than 2,300 fitness members in just a few months demonstrates the strong demand for high-quality leisure facilities in the area. These impressive figures highlight the positive impact the new centre is already having on our communities, helping more people to be active, improve their wellbeing and take advantage of the wide range of facilities on offer. We look forward to welcoming even more residents through our doors in the months ahead.”

Gary Foley, Everyone Active’s Contract Manager, said: “We are incredibly proud to operate this centre on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council and it’s great to see how popular it has proved with the local community since launch. I would like to congratulate the site team on their efforts so far.”

“I would encourage local people to come down and enjoy the state-of-the-art facility on their doorstep. No matter what your age, interests or ability, there is an activity for you at Leighton Leisure and Community Centre.”

The council expects swimming lesson memberships and overall usage to continue growing as families return to regular school-term routines, and as the centre further develops its extensive range of facilities and activities.