Boost in Berks leisure centres users after investment

Leisure centres in West Berkshire have seen a major rise in usage following a multi-million-pound council investment to upgrade facilities across the district. The improvements at the centres – which are owned by West Berkshire Council and operated by Everyone Active – have ranged from refurbished gyms and modernised exercise studios to a new 3G pitch, as well as resurfaced courts.

At Cotswold Sports Centre, a new 3G pitch, which opened in July 2025, recorded 3,000 uses in its first six months alone. Overall attendance at the centre has risen by 13 per cent, when compared to the previous year, and is now 41 per cent higher than in 2023-24.

Hungerford Leisure Centre, which has seen a new fitness studio being added to its facilities, experienced a 14 per cent increase in fitness usage, while exercise class attendance has risen by 8 per cent. The additional space has also enabled the introduction of three new gymnastics classes.

One of the biggest increases in usage levels has been at Northcroft Leisure Centre, where a £4.6m investment resulted in a major transformation. This included a larger, 80-station gym, a dedicated indoor cycling studio, a new group exercise studio and new changing rooms. A newsoft play area and a café were also added. Following the work, gym visits have surged dramatically – up by 973 per cent – while 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.