Active Bolton has officially taken over the management of Bolton’s leisure centres, marking the start of a new chapter for community health, fitness and wellbeing across the borough.
From today, following a successful tendering process, Active Bolton will run leisure services as the managing agent on behalf of Bolton Council.
This will include services in our leisure centres and sessions in our parks and green spaces.
Active Bolton, a registered charity, which has been running the Bolton Arena Community Sports Village for 25 years, is taking over responsibility for the leisure centres at Horwich, Farnworth, and Westhoughton along with Leverhulme Park Community Leisure Centre and the Jason Kenny Centre at Bolton One.
The move aims to make it easier for residents of all ages and abilities to be active, healthy and connected.
The transition has been designed to be smooth for customers, with centres remaining open as normal and existing memberships, bookings and activities continuing during the changeover period.
Active Bolton’s focus will be on community wellbeing, inclusivity and reinvesting surplus income back into local facilities and services for the benefit of Bolton residents.
Neil Hutchinson, Managing Director for Active Bolton said:
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for leisure and wellbeing in Bolton.
“As a locally focused, not‑for‑profit organisation, our priority is to support healthier, happier communities by connecting people to high‑quality facilities and services that are accessible to everyone.
“We are proud to build on the strong foundations already in place and look forward to welcoming customers across all our centres.”
Bolton Council said the change supports its long‑term ambition to improve health outcomes and increase participation in physical activity across the borough.
A Bolton Council spokesperson said:
“This is an important step in strengthening leisure provision in Bolton via our agent Active Bolton.
“They will bring a clear community focus and a commitment to reinvesting in local services, helping us ensure residents can continue to access high‑quality, affordable leisure opportunities close to where they live.”
Active Bolton brings together leisure centres and community facilities across the borough, with a broad offer ranging from swimming and fitness to sports, wellbeing programmes.
As a charitable trust, all surplus revenue will be reinvested to support facilities, staff and community partnerships in Bolton.
Residents are encouraged to continue using their local centres as normal and to look out for further updates as Active Bolton develops its new website and communications.