£1,850,000 million of investment has been announced for Woking borough’s leisure and sporting facilities, as part of a new ten-year partnership with leisure operator Everyone Active and Woking Borough Council.

The new contract, which began yesterday, Monday 1 December, sees Everyone Active taking over the management of Woking Leisure Centre, Pool in the Park, Eastwood Leisure Centre and Woking Sportsbox.

The new partnership will ensure leisure services are inclusive, high-quality and financially sustainable, with a strong focus on community engagement and innovation.

The investment will be allocated towards extensive refurbishments and expansion efforts across the four facilities, over the course of the contract.

Everyone Active will refurbish fitness suites with the latest equipment suitable for all levels including free weights, strength and conditioning and functional training kit.

Changes and additions will be made to group exercise studios to offer more variety and new classes, alongside a brand-new Reformer Pilates studio.

Focusing on creating a more inclusive environment, Eastwood Leisure Centre will see the installation of sensory lighting, whilst Pool in the Park will benefit from the latest in visual technology to offer improved health and safety.

In line with Woking Borough Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability, decarbonisation measures will be integrated into the refurbishment efforts, aimed at optimising energy conservation.

The new leisure contract also has a strong focus on community outreach, providing a variety of creative and physical activities in local venues such as community halls, churches, centres and outdoor locations to increase accessibility.

Everyone Active will continue to honour concession memberships, offered to those who work for the emergency services, those who serve in the armed forces, full-time carers and many more.

Stuart Mills, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “We are delighted to officially begin our partnership with Woking Borough Council and are looking forward to many successful years ahead.

“The fantastic centres within this contract are so important for health and wellbeing in local communities and, with plenty of exciting developments in the pipeline, we are incredibly privileged to be chosen to manage them.

“The new contract includes a significant investment, amplifying our drive and ambition to prioritise the health and wellbeing of the local community. We look forward to supporting the council’s vision for leisure across Woking, helping as many people as possible to get active.”

Cllr Ellen Nicholson, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure “Our new 10-year partnership means long-term investment in leisure facilities that residents have told us they value and want to see improved.

“From upgraded gyms and studios to inclusive features and sustainability measures, these improvements will provide high-quality spaces that support health and wellbeing.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to sustainability and creating opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active and health.

“I can’t wait to see these improvements take shape and make a real difference for our community.”

Everyone Active will invest significantly in upgrading and enhancing existing leisure and hospitality facilities, including:

• Full refurbishment of the fitness suite at Woking Leisure Centre, improvements to studio spaces and changing areas, and the creation of a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio
• Advanced safety technology and visual enhancements at Pool in the Park, to improve health and safety
• Installation of sensory lighting at Eastwood Leisure Centre to support more inclusive programming
• Equipment upgrades at Woking Sportsbox