North Yorkshire Set for £36 Million Leisure Investment Boost
Major investment plans unveiled to transform leisure centres and promote healthier lifestyles across the county
North Yorkshire Council has unveiled ambitious proposals for a £36 million investment to upgrade and transform leisure and wellbeing services across the county, aiming to encourage healthier and more active communities.
The investment forms part of a long-term strategy to enhance the new Active North Yorkshire service, launched last year, with improvements planned for key leisure hubs in Selby, Skipton, Pickering, and Whitby. These sites are set to benefit from major upgrades including revamped gym facilities, new studio spaces, overhauled swimming pools, improved changing areas, and better accessibility – including Changing Places facilities for people with additional needs.
The Pickering and Whitby sites, currently operated by Everyone Active, are due to come under the Active North Yorkshire banner in 2027.
In addition to the £36 million earmarked for the four flagship sites, a further £3 million is being proposed to upgrade gym and fitness equipment at 12 other council-managed leisure centres across North Yorkshire, as part of a phased programme.
Supporting Health and Wellbeing Across All Ages
Cllr Simon Myers, executive member for culture, arts and housing, said:
“We are committed to making sure that everyone in North Yorkshire has the best opportunities possible to stay active or take up exercise to help promote both physical and mental health and wellbeing.
This proposed investment is a massive statement in providing this commitment, and the plans would see funding made available to key sites across the county.”
The investment proposals will be reviewed by the council’s housing and leisure overview and scrutiny committee on Tuesday, September 23, with recommendations due to be presented to the executive committee in November.
Richmond Pools Set to Reopen After Public Support
As part of the proposed strategy, more than £1 million is also being allocated to fund essential repairs to the Richmond swimming pools, which have been closed since April following a partial ceiling collapse. The pools, part of the Active North Yorkshire Richmond site, have remained shut while the council evaluated options.
A public consultation in June received 2,283 responses, with:
58% of respondents saying they used the pools at least once a week
74% stating it was “very important” that the pools re-open
In response, the council is planning to carry out vital repairs with the aim of reopening the swimming facilities next year. The gym and café at the Richmond site have remained open.
Cllr Myers added:
“We have listened to the public and taken on board their views about the leisure provision in Richmond and understand the importance of not just the swimming pools but the gym facilities too.
It is heartening to see how many people care deeply about these facilities. To ensure the centre remains a key part of the community, I would urge people to continue to use it—and for anyone considering getting more active, now is the time to sign up.”
If approved, this investment marks one of the largest leisure commitments in the county’s history, with the council aiming to create modern, inclusive, and sustainable facilities that meet the needs of communities for years to come.