There are three big changes happening at leisure facilities in the Staffordshire Moorlands this October.
From 1st October, the leisure centres in Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek will be run by a new council-owned company.
In addition, Brough Park Leisure Centre in Leek will be closing for a year and half while an extensive refurbishment takes place.
Meanwhile, new outdoor exercise equipment has been installed at Birchall Recreation Ground in Leek.
More information about the changes can be found below…
MY ACTIVE
The three Moorlands leisure centres will be managed and operated by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s (SMDC) new health and wellbeing company: Alliance Leisure Limited.
The new company will run the centres in the Staffordshire Moorlands, and the four in neighbouring High Peak.
All seven leisure centres will operate under the new MyActive brand.
“The name above the door will change and the staff will be wearing smart new uniforms but I want to reassure everyone who uses our leisure centres that we’ve worked hard to ensure that this transition is a smooth and seamless one,” said SMDC’s cabinet member for leisure and tourism, Cllr Matt Swindlehurst.
“We have some exciting improvements planned for our services and facilities – including the full redevelopment of Brough Park – and we’re looking forward to sharing those plans in due course.”
The council said all memberships would remain the same and will transfer over to MyActive. Direct debit payments will transfer from the previous operator, Parkwood, to MyActive.
A new MyActive website and mobile app is being developed, and the council said these will be available soon.
The leisure centres will close at 6pm on Monday 30th September but will re-open as normal on Tuesday 1st October (apart from Brough Park Leisure Centre which will close for redevelopment).
BROUGH PARK LEISURE CENTRE
Work on a £17m redevelopment of Brough Park Leisure Centre will start in October.
The council said many existing users and groups have already been moved or guaranteed slots at its other leisure centres, and that memberships are valid at these sites.
People with children in swimming lessons have been given the option to switch to either Biddulph, Cheadle or Buxton.
A number of group exercise classes currently running at Brough Park will transfer to Birchall Pavilion – including Zumba, body pump, yoga, pilates and indoor cycle sessions.
Existing members can use Biddulph Valley and South Moorlands leisure centres and have access to the gym, swimming, squash, and classes at those sites as well as the classes at Birchall Pavilion.
New memberships for people who only want to attend the classes at Birchall Pavilion are available for a fee of £25 per month.
Cllr Swindlehurst, said the redevelopment would include new pools, fitness facilities, soft play facilities and a wellness suite.
BIRCHALL RECREATION GROUND
New fitness equipment has been installed at Birchall Recreation Ground – and it’s already proving to be very popular.
The council said the equipment on offer provides an experience that matches an indoor gym but with the added bonus of being outdoors and free to use.
“I’m delighted with this latest addition to the suite of leisure and exercise options we’re providing at Birchall which are free to use and open to everyone,” said Cllr Swindlehurst.
“This outdoor gym complements the work we’ve already done to refurbish the activity track and install the surfaced perimeter path and bench seating.
“Together these new facilities provide more opportunities for people to be active outdoors.”
He said the council wanted to encourage everyone in the Moorlands to move more every day and to enjoy better physical and mental health.
“By investing in high quality public amenities like the ones here at Birchall, we’re aiming to make that as accessible as possible,” he added.
The new fitness area is located near the perimeter path and close to the car park.
There are three cardio machines – a hand bike, a cross trainer and a bike – as well as fixed magnetic bells for strength work and two sets of suspension ropes which support numerous different exercises (some of which are described on information boards near the equipment).
A leg press machine with a fully adjustable weighted system and adjustable seated position is also available plus some fixed items which promote callisthenic exercise.
The council is planning a number of guided sessions in the coming weeks to show people how to use the equipment correctly and safely.
The sessions will be open to all abilities – including people who class themselves as beginners.
