Leisure centres gearing up to deliver improved facilities in West Northants

Work is progressing at pace behind the scenes to ensure a smooth and seamless launch of a major new leisure service across West Northamptonshire when the new contract begins on 1 April 2026.

Sports & Leisure Management Ltd (SLM), trading as Everyone Active, has been appointed to operate council-run leisure centres in Northampton and Daventry for the next ten years, delivering significant investment and improved facilities for residents.

Awarded following an extensive competitive procurement process, the new service will enhance local leisure provision, improve quality and deliver better value for residents. It will cover Daventry Leisure Centre, Daventry Sports Park, Moulton Leisure Centre, Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Mounts Baths and Lings Forum Leisure Centre. 

Since the contract award, the Council and Everyone Active have been working closely through a dedicated mobilisation period to ensure everything is in place. This includes detailed planning around staffing, systems, programming and customer experience, ensuring centres are ready to hit the ground running with minimal disruption to services.

The agreement will unlock a comprehensive programme of modernisation and refurbishment, creating high-quality, accessible and welcoming spaces that support healthier, more active lifestyles. This investment forms a key part of West Northamptonshire Council’s long-term commitment to boosting health and wellbeing, increasing participation in physical activity and ensuring leisure facilities continue to meet local needs.

Everyone Active – who already operate Daventry Leisure Centre, Daventry Sports Park and Moulton Leisure Centre – will take on management of the Northampton centres from Trilogy Active, who chose not to bid for the new contract.

Alongside improved facilities, the new service will deliver a strengthened package of social value and inclusion measures including discounted fees for care-experienced young people, carers and support for vulnerable groups as well as Armed Forces personnel, veterans, Emergency Services workers, students and people over state pension age.

“This new leisure service represents a major investment in the future of leisure provision in West Northants. I’m pleased to see the mobilisation work well underway, ensuring Everyone Active are fully prepared to deliver.

“Our focus is on providing modern, inspiring and inclusive facilities while also securing best value for taxpayers. Everyone Active has a strong national track record, and we look forward to building on our partnership to deliver high-quality services our residents expect and deserve.”Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure

“Everyone Active has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with West Northamptonshire Council, which has gone from strength to strength. We are extremely proud to have secured the new contract and are looking forward to working with all our current and new customers for many years to come.”Simon Fearn, Everyone Active’s regional contract manager

Further updates on new facilities and membership options will be announced soon. Residents are encouraged to follow West Northamptonshire Council and Everyone Active on social media for the latest news and announcements.