Local leisure centre is named best in the country

A local leisure centre is celebrating after being named as the country's best at a prestigious industry awards night.  

Stratford Leisure Centre, which is managed by Everyone Active on behalf of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, was named Leisure Centre of the Year on Wednesday (28 June) at the 2017 Flame Awards - the health and fitness sector's largest celebration of innovation and excellence.  

The achievement comes in recognition of the centre's high-quality facilities and commitment to improving health and wellbeing in the local community. Stratford Leisure Centre has continued to improve its facilities after undergoing an extensive refurbishment in 2015, and a recent £250,000 upgrade to its fitness suite means members now benefit from the latest industry technology.  

Everyone Active will celebrate its 30th birthday later this year. The contract with Stratford-on-Avon District Council is the operator's longest-established partnership, making 2017 a particularly significant year for Stratford Leisure Centre to receive this award.  

Gareth Wagg, Everyone Active's contract manager at Stratford Leisure Centre, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be named as Leisure Centre of the Year. There were some great centres on the shortlist, so it is a huge achievement to have won and a testament to the team's tireless hard work.  

"All of our colleagues strive to give customers the best service and experience possible, and we're over the moon that their efforts have been recognised by others in the sector. 2017 is a poignant year for Everyone Active, and I'm delighted that we have been able to mark it by taking home this accolade."    

Everyone Active also scooped the most coveted award of the night, Operator of the Year, which recognises high levels of performance from across the organisation.  

Managing director, David Bibby, added: "We are really proud of the team at Stratford Leisure Centre, and I'd like to thank all of our colleagues for their hard work and dedication.  

"Winning Operator of the Year for the fifth time is a fantastic achievement. As Everyone Active continues to grow, we've maintained high levels of service and continue to bring top-class facilities to communities across the country."  

Cllr Mike Brain, Community and Technical Services Portfolio, said: "This is fantastic news for Stratford Leisure Centre and Everyone Active, and is testament to the investment and refurbishment that has been made at the centre.  

"We are very proud of our leisure facilities across Stratford District and this family facility offers a gym, pools, classes, swimming lessons, climbing wall and much more. The award is apt recognition for the staff who work hard all year round to bring the best services to the people of Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding area."  

Everyone Active is the trading name for Sports Leisure Management (SLM), which operates leisure centres in partnership with local councils across England.  SLM Ltd. was formed in 1987, managing just one leisure centre in the Midlands. Today, Everyone Active manages 140 leisure facilities and cultural services in partnership with 40 different local authorities nationwide. These stretch from the north in Sunderland to Mid Suffolk in the east, Fareham in the south and Plymouth in the south west. Its growth is due to the ability to deliver well managed leisure facilities and an activity offering which is great value for money. Its aim is to increase the participation of local people in leisure activities and advocates a minimum of 30 minutes exercise five times per week. www.everyoneactive.com