Agenda item

To receive a presentation on the progress of One Leisure and Burgess Hall.

By means of a report and presentation by the Interim Head of Leisure (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book) the One Leisure and Burgess Hall Progress Review was presented to the Panel.

Following a question from Councillor Burke, the Panel heard that the One Leisure Active Lifestyles team work closely with Health colleagues to redefine what good health looks like. This includes preventative work, rehabilitation classes and working with partners such as social prescribers. The Panel heard that relationships with health colleagues have developed over time and continue to do so to the benefit of residents. Councillor Burke praised the fantastic work undertaken by the service and noted that this highlighted the importance of partnership working.

The Panel heard, following a question from Councillor Welton, that One Leisure Active Lifestyles classes covered a range of rehabilitation and maintenance classes, which were at a lower price point than regular fitness classes, it was noted that participants have the option to purchase a class pass at a discounted rate and that concessionary rates were also available. It was also noted that some cancer rehab classes were funded by the Hunts Network for the benefit of patients.

Councillor Alban observed the importance and success of Park Runs across the district and queried the status of the athletics track at the One Leisure Outdoor Centre. The Panel heard that this facility is part of the Playing Pitch Strategy and is accredited by UK Athletics.  

It was observed that due to an ageing population within the district, community based activities were thriving.

The Panel were advised that whilst an uptake in memberships is generally expected in January, the figures for this year had been better than anticipated. It was noted that One Leisure offers great value with the Platinum membership including gym, swimming, indoor cycling, fitness classes and off peak courts.

Councillor Shaw enquired how many users paid for sessions on a casual basis and the Panel were advised that this remained static alongside annual memberships. It was further advised that casual customers may benefit from a direct debit membership and that the team regularly undertook work to review this directly with customers.

Councillor Alban observed that some nationwide gym chains had moved into empty retail spaces both within and on the borders of the district and enquired how the team would react to this. The Panel heard that One Leisure have a wider offer than many national gym chains and also a large offer for families, however competitors would continue to be monitored for the benefit of future planning. It was further observed that One Leisure site locations offered the service security and afforded long term planning.

The Panel heard, following a question from Councillor Hunt, that many links were established with young people including pre-schoolers and children with special educational needs as well as a programme working with home schooled children.

Councillor Harvey enquired how the underperformance of group exercise classes was being address, following which, the Panel heard that this area had been affected by a nationwide post COVID trend where users had found alternative ways to access this type of activity. The service has observed a shift in the demographic accessing this activity and continued to monitor this to see what adjustments could be made in the future.

Councillor Alban enquired how admission details had been ascertained and the Panel were advised that this would be shared to the Panel following the meeting.

The Panel heard, following a question from Councillor Alban, that the Courts4Kids programme was available during school holidays and was promoted across a range of mediums.

The Panel thanked the team for their very detailed and insightful presentation.