press release: GLL
Birtley Leisure Centre to become Better with £250,000 investment
GLL - the charitable social enterprise that operates Better leisure centres in Gateshead – has announced that it will take over the running of Birtley Leisure Centre from Gateshead Council on 1 April 2026.
As part of the transfer, GLL is set to invest over £250,000 to support an extensive overhaul of the facility. The investment will see the introduction of state-of-the-art Technogym cardio and strength equipment, new bikes for the spin studio and an overall upgrade of the interior and existing saunas.
The investment follows on from a programme of major refits at Gateshead's Blaydon, Dunston, and Heworth leisure centres as well as Gateshead International Stadium after the successful transfer of operations from the Council to GLL in 2025. These improvements havedelivered significant savings for the council whilst enhancing the experience of leisure centre visitors.
Programmes such as fitness classes and personal training sessions will initially remain the same, but future plans include the introduction of new sessions and initiatives such as the Healthwise Programme – an exercise referral scheme designed to help inactive people or those with long-term health conditions safely increase their physical activity.
The leisure facility will temporarily close for refurbishment from Wednesday 1 until Tuesday 7 April. Current Birtley Leisure Centre members will be able to access GLL’s Gateshead gyms including Blaydon, Dunston and Heworth leisure centres, and Gateshead International Stadium while the works are being completed.
Councillor Angela Douglas, cabinet member for culture, sport and tourism at Gateshead Council, said: "It’s fantastic to see another leisure centre in Gateshead becoming Better. Our growing partnership with GLL is underpinned by our commitment to provide accessible and affordable opportunities for Gateshead communities to get active.
“By bringing new and state-of-the-art equipment to Birtley, we hope to attract even more members to benefit from the range of classes and activities for all ages. It’s also fantastic to see the Healthwise programme being introduced, which will see people who have never considered the gym as being a space for them welcomed and supported into the Better family.”
Scott Holmes, Gateshead partnership manager at GLL, said: “Birtley Leisure Centre is a hugely valued community facility, and we’re excited to begin this next chapter. Our planned investment will transform the look, feel and functionality of the centre, creating a modern, welcoming space equipped with the very latest Technogym fitness technology.
“We’ve listened to what local people want from their leisure facilities, and this refurbishment is about delivering a high-quality environment that supports everyone – whether they’re new to exercise, returning after a break, or training regularly. By enhancing accessibility, extending opening hours and introducing new programmes over time, we’re ensuring the centre is fit for the future and continues to serve the community for many years to come.”
When the site re-opens, times will also be extended from 7am until 9pm Monday – Thursday and 7am – 7pm on a Friday giving members greater flexibility. In the short-term, weekend hours will remain the same (8.30am – 2.45pm).
Phil Donnay, deputy chief executive & CFRO
• Annodata,
• Physical Company,
• Technogym,
• Change Please, and
• Divine Chocolate.
Local Authorities and Agencies we work with include:
• Greenwich Council,
• Belfast City Council,
• Cardiff City Council,
• Lee Valley Regional Park Authority,
• LLDC,
• ukactive,
• SportsAid,
• SportsAid Wales,
• Mary Peters Trust,
• Swim England, and
• Sport England.
With our positive performance and improved social outcomes during 2024, GLL is well placed to be at the forefront of societal, economic and environmental change.
The future will see us focusing on excellent customer service alongside our social enterprise values and growing our social impact, while new partnerships with Government Departments, NHS, National Agencies and numerous National Charities will support individual wellness and economic outcomes.
"Many bright and talented athletes throughout the United Kingdom are unable to chase their dreams of sporting glory due to lack of funding. We are passionate about helping GSF give equal opportunities to all young people and achieving their dreams of competing on the international stage.
"Our partnership enables both our brands to share the success of the UK’s most aspiring athletes who we are proud to have heard speak in such an inspirational way at our internal Sales Conferences and who have supported our marketing and brand development goals through representation and storytelling both in person and via social media”.
– Rod Tonna-Barthet, chief executive, Annodata
– Daryll Neita, Birmingham Commonwealth Games bronze and silver medalist, GLL Athlete
“These venues are part of the Lee Valley visitor experience and will continue to be so with some of the best facilities and most inspiring settings to be found anywhere. As part of the partnership Lee Valley Regional Park Authority will continue to invest to ensure that they go from strength to strength, delivering real impact for communities.”
– Shaun Dawson chief executive, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
