Councillors in North Yorkshire are set to consider plans for a major £40 million investment aimed at improving leisure and wellbeing facilities across the county. Members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive team will discuss the proposals on Tuesday 4th November.
The strategy follows the launch of the new Active North Yorkshire service last year, which aims to make it easier for people to stay active at every stage of life. The next phase focuses on how council facilities can support this goal while creating financially sustainable services.
Cllr Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for culture, arts and housing, said: “The proposed investment is set to represent a real watershed moment for us. It shows the commitment we have to making sure that everyone in North Yorkshire has the best opportunities possible to stay active or take up exercise to help to promote both physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“There has been a great deal of work on these proposals to make sure that we can provide our leisure services as effectively as possible through the new Active North Yorkshire banner. We will consider the plans carefully when they are presented to members of the council’s executive next week.”
Under the proposed strategy, £36 million would be invested in four key sites, including Selby, Skipton, Pickering and Whitby. Pickering and Whitby, currently run by Everyone Active, are set to join Active North Yorkshire in 2027. Planned improvements include upgraded gym facilities, additional studio space, refurbished swimming pools, better changing rooms and more accessible pool access with Changing Places facilities. Reception areas and public spaces would also be enhanced.
An additional £3 million is recommended to upgrade gym and fitness equipment across 12 other council-run leisure sites.
Earlier this month, the executive approved over £1 million in essential repairs at Active North Yorkshire’s Richmond site. Both swimming pools were closed following a partial ceiling collapse in April. The funding will allow repairs to begin ahead of a planned reopening next year, while the gym and café remain open.
More information about Active North Yorkshire hubs is available at www.northyorks.gov.uk/active.
