Norwich’s activity strategy drives 1.34 million visits to leisure centres

The Greater Norwich Growth Board (GNGB) has said that residents are getting more active, more often – delivering the goals of the physical activity strategy it launched in 2022.

In its third annual update of its Greater Norwich Physical Activity and Sport Strategy (PASS) – revealing data for 2025 – GNGB said activity levels were rising among both adults and young people, while council-owned leisure centres received 1.34 million visits during the year. GNGB said the figures reflect increasing demand for affordable, accessible activity spaces.

According to the report, 2025 also saw significant investments being made in facilities and activity programmes. These included £5m for improvements at Framingham Earl Sports Centre, three inclusive padel courts at The Nest and planned enhancements at Woodrow Pilling Park – including an outdoor gym, sprint track and pump track upgrades. Inclusive programmes were also expanded,from All to Play For to the Community Engagement Van, helping residents who face barriers to getting active.

Mike Stonard, Chair of the GNGB, said: “It’s inspiring to see so many projects supporting residents to be active in ways that suit them. These improvements are only possible through strong partnership working across Greater Norwich.”

PASS sets out a shared ambition to support happier, healthier and more active lives across the area. The strategy brings together partners to tackle inactivity, reduce inequalities and provide places to be active. The GNGB comprises Broadland District, Norwich City, South Norfolk and Norfolk County Councils.

Future plans include delivering new facilities, expanding parkrun opportunities, developing new leisure centre information materials and allocating Place Universal Offer funding to support innovative community-based approaches to increasing activity.