West Northants contract expanded / Everyone Active

A major new leisure service will deliver significant investment and improved facilities across West Northamptonshire, following the appointment of Everyone Active, to operate council-run centres in Northampton and Daventry for the next ten years.

Awarded after an extensive competitive procurement process, the new service will enhance local leisure provision, improve quality, and deliver better value for residents. It will come into effect on 1 April 2026, covering Daventry Leisure Centre, Daventry Sports Park, Moulton Leisure Centre, Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Mounts Baths and Lings Forum Leisure Centre.

The agreement will unlock a comprehensive programme of modernisation and refurbishment, creating high-quality, accessible and welcoming spaces that support healthier, more active lifestyles. This investment forms a key part of West Northamptonshire Council’s long-term commitment to boosting health and wellbeing, increasing participation in physical activity, and ensuring leisure facilities continue to meet local need. Towcester Centre for Leisure and Brackley Leisure Centre will continue to be operated by Legacy Leisure under an existing contract which runs until 2036.

Everyone Active - who currently operate Daventry Leisure Centre, Daventry Sports Park and Moulton Leisure Centre - will take on management of the Northampton centres from Trilogy Active, who chose not to bid for the new contract.

Among many benefits, the new service will introduce a strengthened package of social value and inclusion measures, including:

• Discounted fees for care-experienced young people, carers and support for vulnerable groups
• Discounted fees for Armed Forces, veterans, Emergency Services workers, students and those people over state pension age

Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “This new service represents a major investment in the future of leisure provision in West Northants. We are committed to ensuring our communities have access to modern, inspiring and inclusive facilities that support healthy, active lifestyles.

“The Council also has a duty to secure best value for taxpayers, ensuring economy, efficiency and effectiveness. With Trilogy Active’s current contract due to end in 2026, it was right to test the market through a full and lawful tender process. Everyone Active has a strong national track record, and we look forward to working with them to deliver the high-quality services our residents expect and deserve.”

The Council will now work closely with Everyone Active and Trilogy Active during a three-month mobilisation period to ensure a smooth, seamless transition for customers and staff. All leisure centres will remain open, and further updates will be provided to members, partners and users over the coming months.

Simon Fearn, Everyone Active’s regional contract manager, said: “Everyone Active has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with West Northamptonshire Council which has gone from strength to strength. We are extremely proud of this partnership and are delighted to have extended it for another 10 years.

“With six sites included in the new service, alongside significant investment, the future is bright for leisure in West Northamptonshire. Serving communities is at the heart of what we do and we are committed to providing the very best experience for local people over the next decade.”