Selby and Tadcaster leisure centres have become the inaugural facilities to launch under Active North Yorkshire, a newly-formed service aimed at enhancing community well-being across the county. The unveiling of the new branding at these centres marks the initial phase in a broader initiative by North Yorkshire Council to consolidate all leisure services under a single in-house entity.
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A unified approach to health and well-being
The establishment of Active North Yorkshire is designed to centralise and improve the delivery of leisure services, ensuring that activities are more accessible and tailored to the needs of local communities. The council’s objective is to support physical and mental well-being by promoting an active lifestyle for all residents. David Watson, Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Sport, highlighted the benefits of this consolidation, noting that it allows for more targeted and localised programming across the county.
Phased integration of leisure services
Currently, leisure centres in the county are operated by five different providers, a legacy of the former district council areas. The transition to Active North Yorkshire will occur in stages, with Selby and Tadcaster leading the way. Despite the changes, customers can expect continuity in services, with familiar faces at their local centres and the same range of classes and activities available.
However, the centres will also offer new, community-focused programs aimed at fostering a more active lifestyle among residents. This initiative underscores North Yorkshire Council’s commitment to making leisure services more inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Exciting developments for the future
Councillor Simon Myers, the executive member for leisure at North Yorkshire Council, expressed enthusiasm about the changes, calling it “an important point in our leisure journey.” He emphasised that the transformation is part of a broader strategy to improve the health and well-being of the county’s population.
In addition to the rebranding, customers will notice updates such as a new app and website, making it easier to engage with the services on offer. The upcoming phases will see other centres across the county adopt the Active North Yorkshire identity, with the next transition scheduled for the facilities in the former Hambleton and Craven council areas this autumn.
By spring 2025, services in Harrogate and Richmondshire will also come under the new umbrella. The final phase of the transition, involving centres currently managed by Everyone Active in the former Ryedale and Scarborough areas, is planned for 2027.
Key points of the transition
- Phased transition: Leisure centres across North Yorkshire will gradually adopt the Active North Yorkshire brand.
- Continued service: Customers will retain access to existing classes and facilities, with added community-focused activities.
- New identity: The centres will feature updated signage, staff uniforms, and digital tools like a new app and website.
This significant shift in how leisure services are delivered in North Yorkshire reflects the council’s commitment to creating a healthier, more active community for all.
