New operator set to be appointed for Wyre leisure centres

Parkwood Leisure has been named as the new operator for Wyre’s leisure centres in Fleetwood, Garstang, Poulton and Thornton, replacing YMCA Fylde Coast from April.

The decision by Wyre Council is now subject to a scrutiny call-in period before it is implemented.  

Parkwood Leisure achieved the highest overall score during the evaluation process, aligning with Wyre Council’s commitment to improving leisure facilities and providing opportunities for people to lead healthy and active lifestyles.  

Parkwood Leisure is a well-established UK company with over 25 years’ experience managing leisure, cultural and wellbeing facilities across England and Wales. Their mission is to create healthier, happier communities through high-quality leisure services, strategic partnerships with local authorities and investment in facilities and programmes that promote wellbeing and inclusivity. 

From 1 April 2026, Parkwood Leisure will take over the management of Wyre’s leisure centres, which have been successfully operated by YMCA Fylde Coast for the past 20 years.

Wyre Council wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to YMCA for their outstanding contribution to health and wellbeing in Wyre. YMCA will continue to work closely with the Council and Parkwood Leisure to ensure a smooth and well-managed transition. 

Wyre Council and Parkwood Leisure are set to deliver major improvements across the facilities, backed by over £3.7 million in investment, including: 

• Thornton Leisure Centre – new indoor activity centre and refurbished changing facilities 

• Fleetwood Leisure Centre – gym and sports hall upgrade, improved wet change areas, and external redecoration 

• Poulton Leisure Centre – new spin studio, reopened health suite/Spa, and refurbished changing facilities 

• Garstang Leisure Centre & Swimming Pool – extended gym space and refurbished changing facilities 

In addition, £476,000 will be invested in energy-saving measures such as solar panels, water efficiency improvements, and lighting upgrades, supporting Wyre’s climate change targets. 

Parkwood Leisure will also launch an Active Wellbeing Programme, including a refreshed exercise referral scheme, to help inactive and less active residents get moving. This initiative underpins the Wyre Moving More Strategy, encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles for all. 

Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for leisure services in Wyre. Parkwood Leisure brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to community wellbeing.

‘’Our priority is to ensure a seamless transition and deliver improved facilities and services for residents. We are grateful to YMCA Fylde Coast for their exceptional partnership over the past two decades and look forward to working together during this transition.” 

Glen Hall, Managing Director at Parkwood Leisure, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Wyre Council to lead the leisure services into a new era. We understand how vital the centres and services are to the local community, and we are committed to building on the strong foundations laid by the YMCA over the last 20 years. With significant planned investment, we are eager to breathe new life into the facilities at Fleetwood, Garstang, Poulton and Thornton.

‘’Our focus now is on ensuring a seamless transition for staff and customers, and we look forward to welcoming the community to a healthier, more active future starting in April 2026.”