Leeds City Council Greenlights Modern Sports and Wellbeing Hub to Replace Fearnville Leisure Centre.
The Leeds City Council’s North and East plans panel has approved a proposal to replace the ageing Fearnville Leisure Centre in Gipton, originally built in the 1980s, with a new state-of-the-art sports and wellbeing hub. This decision paves the way for a significant upgrade in facilities aimed at boosting the health and wellbeing of children, families, the local community, and sports clubs in the area.
The redevelopment project will take place on part of the 28-acre King George V Playing Fields, where the current leisure centre stands. The new facility is set to feature a range of high-quality amenities designed to cater to various interests and ages. The planned facilities include a 25-metre main swimming pool, a learner pool, and interactive water splash pads for children. Additionally, a 120-station gym, an all-weather pitch, and a spin studio will cater to fitness enthusiasts. The centre will also offer a family changing village, soft play areas, party rooms, and a café, ensuring a comprehensive community hub that supports leisure and lifestyle improvements for all visitors.
Construction on the new sports and wellbeing hub at the site of the current Fearnville Leisure Centre is scheduled to start early next year and is expected to take about 18 months to complete. During this period, the existing leisure centre will remain operational to ensure continued access to recreational facilities for the community, before being demolished once the new facility is ready.
The development aims to boost physical activity among residents of Gipton, Harehills, Killingbeck, and Seacroft — areas known for their dense populations and challenges such as low life expectancy and high obesity rates. The new hub is also expected to have a positive impact on the wider community in east Leeds, encouraging a healthier, more active lifestyle across the region.
Active Leeds is an initiative by Leeds City Council designed to enhance the health and wellbeing of residents through a comprehensive range of fitness and sports activities. The program aims to create a healthier, more active community by providing accessible and affordable opportunities for physical activity, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to engage in a more active lifestyle.
Councillor Salma Arif, executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said:
“This is an exciting step forward in the delivery of brand new facility that will provide a significant boost to the health and wellbeing of people in east Leeds. We hope the new centre will be a great source of pride for the local community, offering increased opportunities for physical activities as well as bringing social and mental health benefits to all who use it.
“Improving the health and wellbeing of our residents is one of the foundations of the council’s Best City Ambition and this new facility reaffirms our commitment to ensuring the people who are the poorest improve their health the fastest. We now look forward to progressing to the next phase of the plans and seeing this long-standing ambition become a reality.”
The redevelopment plans for the new sports and wellbeing hub at the site of the Fearnville Leisure Centre include environmentally friendly measures such as tree planting and soft landscaping. These efforts aim to enhance the site’s biodiversity, attracting insects, birds, and other wildlife and providing residents with more opportunities to connect with nature.
Additionally, the need for sports and leisure facilities in the area is expected to increase significantly in the near future. This growth in demand is anticipated due to the construction of thousands of new homes as part of the East Leeds Extension and other related development projects. The new hub is designed to meet these expanding community needs, ensuring ample and modern recreational spaces for new and existing residents alike.
Active Leeds continues to evolve, with plans to expand and enhance its offerings in the coming years. Future developments include the introduction of more outdoor fitness spaces, increased collaboration with local businesses to promote corporate wellness, and the integration of advanced technology to provide personalized fitness experiences.
Outdoor Fitness Spaces: Recognizing the benefits of outdoor exercise, Active Leeds plans to develop more outdoor fitness areas and organize community events like park runs and outdoor yoga sessions. These initiatives aim to make physical activity a more integral part of daily life for Leeds residents.
Corporate Wellness Programs: In partnership with local businesses, Active Leeds will introduce corporate wellness programs designed to improve employee health and productivity. These programs will include fitness challenges, workplace wellness workshops, and tailored fitness plans for employees.
Active Leeds is a vital initiative that significantly contributes to the health and wellbeing of the Leeds community. By providing a wide range of accessible and inclusive fitness programs, engaging the community, and offering comprehensive health support, Active Leeds is making strides towards creating a healthier, more active city.
Whether through innovative fitness classes, supportive health resources, or future developments, Active Leeds remains dedicated to improving the quality of life for all residents www.active.leeds.gov.uk
