Residents across the Sevenoaks District are set to benefit from a £518,000 investment in local leisure services as Everyone Active secures a new five-year contract with Sevenoaks District Council to continue managing three key facilities.

The agreement, which begins on 1 May 2024, will fund significant upgrades at Edenbridge Leisure Centre and Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, ensuring members and visitors have access to state-of-the-art fitness equipment and improved amenities. The contract also includes the continued management of Lullingstone Park Golf Course.

As part of the investment, Edenbridge Leisure Centre will receive a new group cycling studio, a modern Grab & Go food area, and upgraded gym equipment from Life Fitness and Keiser, enhancing the overall fitness experience.

Meanwhile, Sevenoaks Leisure Centre will benefit from new cutting-edge fitness equipment, as well as a brand-new soft play zone to provide an engaging space for families.

Hasan Romel, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Sevenoaks District Council. This half-million-pound investment demonstrates the Council’s commitment to delivering high-quality leisure services and ensuring local residents have access to first-class facilities.

“These upgrades will enhance the leisure experience for everyone, whether they are experienced athletes, families looking to stay active, or individuals prioritising their health and wellbeing. We look forward to welcoming customers into improved, modern spaces designed to support their fitness journeys.”

Cllr Lesley Dyball, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for People and Places, added: “We are very excited to be continuing our successful partnership with Everyone Active. Under their careful management, we have seen a steady increase in the number of people using the District’s leisure facilities, including the one millionth customer at Swanley White Oak.

“Everyone Active recently made a big investment in White Oak Leisure Centre with an extension and upgrades to the popular gym. We can now look forward to more than half-a-million pounds of further improvements at Edenbridge and Sevenoaks Leisure centres, which I am confident will be warmly welcomed by customers.”

The new agreement follows a successful two-year interim management arrangement and includes an option to extend for a further two years beyond the initial five-year term.

Everyone Active already successfully manages White Oak Leisure Centre in Swanley as part of a separate partnership with Sevenoaks District Council.

Everyone Active will continue its inclusive membership programme in the District. This includes complimentary memberships for cared-for children and care-experienced young people (via Council Family Support Team referral), free access for people living with Parkinson's and their carers, plus discounted rates for NHS staff, emergency service workers, full-time carers, and Universal Credit recipients.

Work on the facility upgrades is expected to begin shortly after the new contract commences, with minimal disruption to services planned.