From gyms to swims - more West Berkshire residents are enjoying improved leisure centres

West Berkshire's leisure centres are celebrating a major rise in usage following multi‑million‑pound Council investment to upgrade facilities across the district. Improvements ranging from refurbished gyms and modernised studios to a new 3G pitch, resurfaced courts, and enhanced family spaces are helping more residents get active and enjoy their local centres.

At Cotswold Sports Centre, the new 3G pitch, which opened in July 2025, recorded almost 3,000 uses in its first six months alone. Overall attendance at the centre has risen by 13 per cent compared to 2024/25 and is now 41 per cent higher than in 2023/24, reflecting strong and sustained growth.

Investment at Hungerford Leisure Centre has also delivered clear benefits. A new fitness studio has helped drive a 14 per cent increase in fitness usage, while fitness class attendance has risen by 8 per cent. The additional space has also enabled the introduction of three new gymnastics classes, expanding opportunities for younger residents.

At Kennet Leisure Centre, the refurbished gym and squash courts have led to a significant uplift in participation. Total attendances are up by 22 per cent, with squash participation rising by an impressive 86 per cent. Fitness class attendance has increased by 17 per cent, while gym visits have more than tripled.

A significant refurbishment at Northcroft Leisure Centre has also delivered striking improvements in attendance. Comparing July to December 2025 to 2024, total attendance has risen by 42 per cent. Gym visits have surged dramatically, up by 973 per cent! While fitness class attendance has grown by 14 per cent. Family-focused activities have also seen exceptional growth, with soft play usage up by 494 per cent and children's parties increasing by 103 per cent.

The positive trend has continued at Northcroft Lido, where last season's attendance rose by 37 per cent compared to the 2024 season. Significant increases were seen across a range of sessions, including family swims, which rose by 37 per cent, and lane swimming, up by 36 per cent. SEN swimming sessions more than doubled, while the number of quiet swims also rose 15 per cent.

People are also really enjoying the newly refurbished café at Northcroft, and you don't have to be a gym user to enjoy a great cup of coffee there.

Councillor Nigel Foot, Executive Member for Leisure, Sport and Countryside, said:
 

"These brilliant results show just how much our residents value having access to first‑class leisure facilities. Our ongoing investment, from new studios and refurbished gyms to modern pitches and courts, is clearly inspiring more people to get active and enjoy the fantastic centres we have across West Berkshire.

"My thanks go to everyone involved in delivering these improvements, and to residents for embracing them with such enthusiasm. We're committed to ensuring every community has access to leisure facilities they can be proud of."