Southwell
Leisure Centre Trust
Exciting changes are ahead as the Southwell Leisure Centre Trust prepares to appoint a new operator to take the Centre forward. This next chapter will bring investment in modern facilities, the reopening of the main pool, and more opportunities for everyone to stay active, healthy, and connected. The Centre will continue to run as normal until March 2026, ensuring a smooth transition for all. Stay part of the journey — sign up to our newsletter for updates.
An Exciting New Chapter for Southwell Leisure Centre
Together, we’re creating a brighter future for Southwell.
Affordable and Accessible Leisure and Health Facilities for All
An Introduction
Southwell Swimming Pool was originally built in the 1960s, following a pioneering community crowdfunding campaign that raised £40,000 – the equivalent of around £800,000 today. The local residents behind this incredible effort established a charitable trust, now known as Southwell Leisure Centre Trust (SLCT), with a clear purpose: to provide and maintain leisure and swimming facilities for the benefit of the public, particularly the residents of Southwell and the surrounding district.
Over the decades, the leisure centre expanded and thrived. By the 1980s, “dry side” activities such as squash, badminton, and fitness classes had become increasingly popular, with participation growing from 1,700 to over 15,000 members a year. In 1982, a major fundraising campaign led by Centre Manager Daphne James and the local Splash Fund supported extensive refurbishments, including upgrades to the pool, a new sports hall, and a lounge bar.
Further improvements followed in 2004, supported by Newark and Sherwood District Council (NSDC). The project delivered a new roof over the main pool, modern reception and viewing areas, meeting rooms, and a children’s play area, ensuring the Centre continued to meet the needs of the growing community.
Like many leisure facilities, Southwell Leisure Centre faced major challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with prolonged closures putting severe pressure on its finances. In response, NSDC entered into a lease with SLCT in October 2021, taking on the day-to-day running and costs of the Centre. The facility was managed by Active4Today (A4T) — NSDC’s leisure arm — while ownership remained with the Trust and Southwell Town Council retained some surrounding land.
In May 2024, NSDC requested to end their lease, and on 21 May 2025, Southwell Leisure Centre Trust officially regained full control of the facility. To maintain stability and continuity for the community, SLCT agreed that Active4Today would continue to manage the Centre on its behalf until March 2026.
In April 2026, the Centre will move under the management of a new operator. While the Centre is currently run by Active4Today (A4T) on behalf of the Trust, A4T has confirmed that their model is not the best long-term fit for Southwell. They will, however, continue to manage the facility until March 2026, ensuring that everything runs smoothly for our members and visitors in the meantime.
This means you can keep enjoying the Centre as usual, with the reassurance that the Trust is working hard behind the scenes to secure the right long-term partner for Southwell’s future.
The Trust remains deeply committed to its founding purpose — ensuring that high-quality, accessible leisure and wellbeing facilities continue to serve the people of Southwell and the surrounding district for generations to come.
Southwell Leisure Centre is owned by Southwell Leisure Centre Trust, charity number 522301. Day to day management is carried out by professional staff. Volunteer group Friends of Southwell Leisure Centre support the Leisure Centre, with a smaller group making up the Southwell Leisure Centre Advisory Group.
Friends of
Southwell Leisure Centre
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support means the world to us and to the future of Southwell Leisure Centre.
Together, we can build a vibrant centre that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit of our community members.
We invite you to join us on this journey and become a founding supporter of the Southwell Leisure Centre Trust.
Southwell Leisure Centre Trustees
When Southwell swimming pool was built in the 1960s a Trust was set up, (now known as Southwell Leisure Centre Trust - SLCT), which is a charity with the express aim of establishment and maintenance of the pool and leisure centre for the public benefit, in particular the inhabitants of Southwell and district.
Southwell Leisure Centre Advisory Group
The trustees have set up an advisory group who have the skills and experience to help make Southwell Leisure Centre a success. The trustees aim to make the Leisure Centre facilities enjoyable for all ages and abilities and will work with this group to do so.
