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July 2025
LOCAL MP CHAMPIONS BELPER LEISURE CENTRE AS PLACE FOR LOCAL PEOPLE TO LEAD 'HEALTHIER AND LONGER LIVES.'
BELPER LEISURE CENTRE HAS BEEN CHAMPIONED BY ITS LOCAL MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT DURING A RECENT VISIT
Jonathan Davies, the Member of Parliament for Mid Derbyshire, spent time at Belper Leisure Centre which is owned and operated by Trilogy Active. The future of the popular centre was in doubt just two years ago but following a merger and a recent cash injection is now the best it has ever been.
"It was fantastic to visit Belper Leisure Centre and meet with representatives from Trilogy Active to see the results of the recent extensive refurbishment programme, including a wide range of modern exercise machines, facilities, and new exercise classes.” Jonathan Davies MP said.
“We discussed the challenges the leisure centre has faced over recent years and the now positive outlook for the future.”
As well as installing exciting new gym kit, new functional strength and conditioning and CV equipment, Trilogy Active have introduced new flooring and a complete repainting of the gym and gym changing rooms.
"Many residents in Belper were concerned that they would be left without a leisure centre as the future of the site hung in the balance for several years.” Jonathan Davies MP continued. “Following the merger with Trilogy Active, much-needed investment has seen the future of the site become more secure and the leisure centre supported to provide valuable services to the local community.”
Two years after a leisure centre at the heart of the local Belper community was due to close its doors for good, its operators announced the venue "fit for the future".
“Belper Leisure Centre Limited and Trilogy Active recently formally merged with Belper Leisure becoming part of Trilogy Active.” said Trilogy Active Managing Director John Fletcher.
“This formal merger protects the interest of both organisations, reducing duplication, reducing cost, streamlining process and financially stabilising Belper Leisure Centre. It was great to show Jonathan around and explain the real difference that we are making here.”
“We were also able to share that this partnership means improved security for employees, stability for the leisure centre, expansion of the adult and junior programmes and the continued re-investment in the facility,” he said.
"We also discussed the role of leisure centres in allowing residents to lead healthier, longer lives and how Belper Leisure Centre provides much needed support to the NHS in keeping people active, fit, and healthy, which in turn leads to less strain on local health services.” Jonathan Davies MP said following the visit.”
“I look forward to working with Belper Leisure Centre and Trilogy Active to ensure those key services are accessible to Mid Derbyshire residents for the long-term."
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June 2025
FINANCIAL INVESTMENT IS 'VOTE OF CONFIDENCE' IN FUTURE OF BELPER LEISURE CENTRE
BELPER LEISURE CENTRE HAS RECEIVED A CASH INJECTION THAT WILL MAKE THE CENTRE 'THE BEST IT HAS EVER BEEN.'
Belper Leisure Centre is owned and operated by Trilogy Active who operate Cripps Recreation Centre, Danes Camp, Duston Sports Centre, Lings Forum, The Mounts Baths and the Forum Cinema in Northampton as well as Berzerk Active Play Centres in Northampton, Derby and Birmingham.
“We are delighted to announce the completion of a major refurbishment of the Belper Leisure Centre gym.” said John Fletcher, Managing Director of Trilogy Active.
“As well as installing exciting new gym kit, new functional strength and conditioning and CV equipment, we have introduced new flooring and a complete repainting of the gym and gym changing rooms.” he added.
Trilogy Active and its team have been working hard to ensure that during the major works the Centre has remained open for use by the community.
The swimming pool, activity hall, group exercise studio, indoor cycle studio, squash courts and 3G pitch all remained open throughout the refurbishment and a new poolside spectator area has been introduced for parents to watch their children’s swimming lessons.
“Because of the popularity of the Centre, we recognised how important it was that our members and the wider Belper community could still use our services.” John Fletcher continued. “That is why our fitness classes swimming sessions and lesson ran as normal.”
“We are grateful for the patience of our users and are now delighted to open and share our shiny new gym with everyone.” he said.
The new equipment includes an Alpine Runner and Zero Runner in the cardio area of the gym alongside SkiErg, S-Force performance trainer, Turg with a sledge, kettle bells and slam balls in the Functional area of the new gym.
Earlier this year, Belper Leisure Centre Limited and Trilogy Active formally merged, with Belper Leisure becoming part of Trilogy Active.
The new ownership of the Centre came after it was due to close its doors two years ago.
“We are delighted to invest into this great centre.” John Fletcher said.
“It is a further vote of confidence in Belper and its great community.”
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May 2025
FORMAL MERGER FIRMS UP FUTURE FOR BELPER LEISURE CENTRE
TWO YEARS AFTER BELPER LEISURE CENTRE WAS DUE TO CLOSE ITS DOORS FOR GOOD, TRILOGY ACTIVE ANNOUNCES A VENUE 'FIT FOR THE FUTURE'.
On Monday 31st March 2025, Belper Leisure Centre Limited and Trilogy Active formally merged, with Belper Leisure becoming part of Trilogy Active.
“This formal merger protects the interest of both organisations, reducing duplication, reducing cost, streamlining process and financially stabilising Belper Leisure Centre.” said John Fletcher, Managing Director of Trilogy Active.
Since Trilogy Active stepped in during summer 2023 there has been ongoing investment into the leisure centre, with the introduction of a Pool Cover to save energy, LED lighting upgrades, replacement of the pool air handling unit, a refresh of the dance and spin studio and general improvements and a décor refresh around the centre.
“We are delighted to formally announce this merger and with it our commitment to continue to reinvest into the centre with a full gym upgrade and a rebrand planned for the coming months.” John Fletcher continued.
Councillor Chris Emmas-Williams, Leader of Amber Valley Borough Council, said: “This merger is fantastic news for Belper and for the future of the leisure centre. Belper Leisure Centre plays a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our community, and this partnership with Trilogy Active brings long-term stability and a clear vision for the years ahead. The progress made over the past two years has been impressive, and we’re grateful to everyone involved for their commitment to securing a positive future for this vital facility. We look forward to seeing the centre thrive for many years to come.”
Under the partnership over the last two years there has been significant work and development in the background of the management of Belper Leisure Centre with website and social media development, and the planned upgrading of the leisure management software which will improve the customer’s digital journey.
“These important investment changes will enable an improved customer journey for the local community that we serve.” said Managing Director John Fletcher.
“It will also mean improved security for employees, stability for the leisure centre, expansion of the adult and junior programmes and the continued re-investment in the facility.”
With the announcement of the formal merger Trilogy Active have thanked all the key stakeholders and partners of Belper Leisure Centre for their ongoing support which had enabled the facility to develop further and continue to support the community of Belper.
“There is no doubt that the community of Belper has come together and worked together to ensure the future of its leisure centre is secure.” John Fletcher said.
“It is because of that commitment and work that we can announce this merger which firms up the future of the centre.”
Trilogy Active operates Cripps Recreation Centre, Danes Camp, Duston Sports Centre, Lings Forum, The Mounts Baths and the Forum Cinema in Northampton as well as Belper Leisure Centre and Berzerk Active Play Centres in Northampton, Derby and Birmingham.
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May 2025
TRILOGY ACTIVE GETTING SERIOUSLY SOCIAL ABOUT SHOWCASING THE DIFFERENCE CHARITABLE TRUSTS MAKE TO THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE
A NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE SOCIAL VALUE OF CHARITABLE TRUSTS TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UK IS BEING SPEARHEADED IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE AND DERBYSHIRE BY TRILOGY ACTIVE
The health and wellbeing trust, who operate Cripps Recreation Centre, Danes Camp, Duston Sports Centre, Lings Forum, The Mounts Baths and the Forum Cinema in Northampton, Belper Leisure Centre in Derbyshire and Berzerk Active Play Centres in Northampton, Derby and Birmingham, are leading the ‘Seriously Social’ campaign locally.
Seriously Social is a campaign developed to shift the perception of Charitable Trusts and Social Enterprises from deliverers of public leisure and culture to deliverers of social good.
It is estimated that the total social value across the UK is an amazing £1,598,045,306.
“Seriously Social is an influential national campaign that we champion every year.” said Managing Director John Fletcher. “We are proud to highlight the enormous difference and great impact that charitable trusts like Trilogy Active make to the people they serve.”
“During the campaign week we’ll be highlighting each theme and how our work across the communities we serve is making a difference to individuals and families every single day.”
The themes of the campaign are Health and Wellbeing, Community, Inclusion, Employment and Skills and Environment.
“The Better Breathing Course we deliver plays a fundamental role in the health and wellbeing of the local population.” John Flecther said. “Funded by Public Health Northamptonshire and delivered by us at Lings Forum this pilot programme was delivered to explore how we bridge the gap between the NHS pulmonary rehab programme which is delivered by clinicians and an AOR (Activity on Referral) gym membership.”
“The 12-week programme continues with the group exercise element participants took part in during their pulmonary rehab programme and also introduces them to the gym, so they feel confident to move onto an AOR membership with Trilogy Active at the end of the programme and remain active.”
As part of their community work, Trilogy Active has delivered a government-funded programme (HAF) that ensures disadvantaged children and young people have access to healthy food and enriching activities throughout school holiday periods
Over Easter 2025 Trilogy Active delivered 9 days of HAF provision across four locations including Lings Forum, Duston Sports Centre, Thomas Becket School and Berzerk Active Play in Northampton. They recorded a total of 618 attendances and the distribution of 40 one-month Junior Active memberships to 14-16 year olds.
At Belper Leisure Centre in Derbyshire, Trilogy Active delivered 9 days of HAF provision in partnership with Amber Valley School Sports partnership and recorded a total of 157 attendances.
“A key part of our commitment to the communities that we serve is ensuring groups that can find it challenging to access health and wellbeing can use our centres.” John Fletcher, Managing Director of Trilogy Active continued.
“That is why we are proud of our inclusion provision and the popularity, for example, that our SEND sessions at Berzerk Active Play have.”
SEND sessions at Berzerk Active Play are for families with special needs and disabilities. Whilst those families can visit anytime, the specific sessions take place every week and have music with a lower volume and a general quieter and more peaceful environment.
Trilogy Active prioritises investment in its staff and empowering those who want to enter a career of sports, health or fitness get the right employment and skills opportunities with the Trust.
Trilogy Active works with apprenticeship scheme providers to help develop the workforce of the future. “I’ve been a very active person most of my life and therefore I’m passionate about engaging with young people and getting them into sport,” said Mitch Dipple, Community Sport & Health Officer Apprentice at Trilogy Active. “I’m still relatively new to my role but already I’ve gained my RLSS NPLQ lifeguarding qualification and I’m about to start my swim teacher qualification. I love that no two days are the same in my apprenticeship.”
“Our commitment to the environment in which we operate is a fundamental pillar of our wider responsibility to society and during the Seriously Social campaign we’ll be highlighting our efforts on this.” John Fletcher said.
At Belper Leisure Centre in Derbyshire, which Trilogy Active has operated successfully for over a year after the centre was at risk of closing, there are new energy saving LEDs in place, a pool cover to save heat and a new air handling unit.
“These important investment changes will provide a much more environmentally friendly use of our facilities for the local community that we serve.” said Managing Director John Fletcher.
Seriously Social is a social impact marketing campaign developed to shift the perception of Charitable Trusts and Social Enterprises from deliverers of public leisure and culture to deliverers of social good
This is about defining members of Community Leisure UK’s role as part of the social economy and celebrating the social value the sector brings by putting people above profit.
The campaign has been developed with local authorities’ priorities and national political manifestos in mind.
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March 2025
BELPER LEISURE CENTRE TO DELIVER GOVERNMENT FUNDED SCHEME THIS EASTER
BELPER LEISURE CENTRE IS DELIGHTED TO BE DELIVERING THE LOCAL HOLIDAY AND FOOD ACTIVITY (HAF) PROGRAMME IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AMBER VALLEY SCHOOL SPORTS PARTNERSHIP (AVSSP) AND ON BELHALF OF THE UK GOVERNMENT.
The Holiday and Food Activity (HAF) is a government funded school holiday programme that ensures disadvantaged children, young people and families have access to healthy food and enriching activities throughout the school holidays.
Trilogy Active operates Belper Leisure Centre as well as Cripps Recreation Centre, Danes Camp, Duston Sports Centre, Lings Forum, The Mounts Baths and the Forum Cinema in Northampton and Berzerk Active Play Centres in Northampton, Derby and Birmingham.
“This Easter we are really pleased that in partnership with Amber Valley School Sports Partnership (AVSSP), Belper Leisure Centre is offering places for local children as part of the HAF programme.” said John Fletcher, Managing Director of Trilogy Active.
“These places are offered on our Easter Activity Camp and include dodgeball, swimming, Bouncy Castles, Gymnastics and much more.” he said.
“It is great we can do this for the first time at Belper and we recognise the real difference this will make to numerous families in our local community.” John Fletcher continued.
The sessions, being held over the Easter school holidays, will also be available to Trilogy Active Junior Active members as well as the wider public and local community.
Whereas normally the cost is £20 per day per person for non BLC member and £18 per day per person for Trilogy Active Junior members, there is a special introductory offer, as this is the first time it is being delivered at Belper at just £10 per day per person.
“To take part in the HAF programme at BLC, families must be receiving benefits related free school meals and between 5 to 11 years old.” he said.
The Easter Activity Camps at Belper Leisure Centre are fully supervised and delivered in partnership with AVSSP.
HAF is a government-funded programme delivered across the UK that ensures disadvantaged children and young people have access to healthy food and enriching activities throughout school holiday periods has benefited thousands of families across Northamptonshire.
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2024
October 2024
ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF BELPER LEISURE CENTRE PARTNERSHIP MEANS A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY
12 MONTHS AFTER BELPER LISURE CENTRE FOUND ITSELF IN A FINANCIALLY DEFICIT POSITION AND FACING POTENTIAL CLOSURE, ITS NEW OPERATOR AND THE LEADER OF AMBER VALLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL HAVE SPOKEN ABOUT THE BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD FOR THE POPULAR HEALTH AND FITNESS VENUE.
In August 2023, Trilogy Active took over management of the Centre. In that time, it has introduced a business recovery plan which after a great deal of hard work has ensured the leisure centre is now in a financially stable position and focusing on development.
“Just one year ago the future of Belper Leisure Centre was under real threat.” said John Flecther, the Managing Director of Trilogy Active who operates health and fitness venues across the Midlands. “Now twelve months later, working in partnership with local groups, the greatly valued centre has a very exciting future.”
“We could not have done it without the support of our recovery plan from the Leisure Centre team, the local community, Amber Valley Borough Council, Belper Town Council and Belper School and Sixth Form.” he said.
Trilogy Active’s work has focussed on making changes to reduce expenditure, by specifically targeting utilities. They are now concentrating on new income streams and on product development in the gym, the expansion of the swim school and Junior Active membership to ensure the site delivers a positive surplus that will be re-invested into the Leisure Centre.
“Belper Leisure Centre provides valuable health and wellbeing services to our community, and it's fantastic to see the progress made since Trilogy Active took over.” said Cllr Chris Emmas-Williams, the Leader of Amber Valley Borough Council. “It was a difficult time for us all but the hard work over the past year has really paid off, and it's great to see the centre moving towards a bright and sustainable future. We're excited to have been part of that journey and see how it continues to benefit local residents and support active lifestyles for years to come.”
“As a not-for-profit charity and social enterprise our aim is to get more people active.” John Fletcher continued. “In the months ahead, we will continue to work closely with the local community and stakeholders to maximise the use of the centre and ensure the facilities are available for all those who want to come and enjoy them.”
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March 2024
COUNCIL'S SUCCESSFUL SWIMMING POOL FUNDING BID MAKES A BIG SPLASH IN BELPER
BELPER LEISURE CENTRE IS CELEBRATING ANOTHER WELCOME FUNDING VICTORY FOLLOWING A SUCCESSFUL BID BY AMBER VALLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL TO THE GOVERNMENT'S SWIMMING POOL SUPPORT FUND.
The centre has been awarded £175k for investments in energy-saving improvements from the £40m Phase 2 capital round of the SPSF scheme administered by Sport England.
Belper Leisure Centre faced almost certain closure last year when sky-rocketing energy prices helped to create a £360k deficit in the centre’s coffers.
But Amber Valley Borough Council’s new administration jumped to the rescue, pledging £150k of its own funds to help save the struggling facility.
The council then won a further £180k in revenue funding for Belper Leisure Centre from Phase 1 of the SPSF, announced in November by Sport England.
The new grant award will be spent on capital investment for energy efficient management of the sites.
Councillor Chris Emmas-Williams, who spearheaded the drive to save Belper Leisure Centre when he became council leader last May, said: “We were absolutely delighted last year when Sport England approved our bid for revenue funding for Belper Leisure Centre.
“Together with the council’s own funding pledge, it offered an essential lifeline to the thousands of children and adults that have benefited from the centre. Without it, Belper faced almost certain closure, which would have been devastating for so many people.
“Now, with this week’s announcement, the additional award for capital energy-saving improvements, provides the much-needed building blocks on the journey for Belper’s long-term survival."
Following an announcement last summer that Belper Leisure Centre was threatened with closure, the council’s subsequent support encouraged the non-profit charity and social enterprise Trilogy Active Ltd to step in to manage the centre.
Its fortunes looked brighter once Sport England approved a £180,930 revenue funding allocation in November, to be spent on things like utility bills and pool chemicals. The funding came from the £20m Phase 1 of the SPSF scheme, which was set up using Lottery money to help England’s swimming pools survive the nationwide hike in energy costs.
The £40m Phase 2 support package is specifically ring-fenced for capital expenditures that improve the energy efficiency of public swimming pool facilities in the medium to long term.
Despite the fact that Belper Leisure Centre is not a council-run venue, only local authorities were eligible to apply for funding in their areas.
Cllr Emmas-Williams said: “While Belper is not completely out of the woods yet, these successful funding bids will help massively. As a council, we are extremely proud to have helped the team at Belper and everyone who uses the centre.”
In addition to the 25-metre pool, Belper Leisure Centre has a gym with spa, sports hall, multi-purpose gymnasium, squash courts and an outdoor 3G floodlit artificial grass pitch.
As well as offering general public access at the venue in John O’Gaunts Way, the centre is a hugely important facility for groups like Belper Marlin Swimming Club and pupils at the adjacent Belper School & Sixth Form Centre.
Over 500 capital interventions in over 300 facilities with swimming pools have been awarded funding from the Government and Sport England’s £60m SPSF capital investment programme.
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, executive director of Sport England, said: “Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active.
“Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators have battled the challenge of increased energy and wider costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.
“Sport England is proud of the role we’ve played in supporting these facilities through this difficult period. We hope today’s funding announcement will enable more public pools to improve their energy efficiency to be more environmentally and financially sustainable, so they remain available for future generations to enjoy.”
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January 2024
BRIGHT FUTURE FOR BELPER LEISURE CENTRE
THE FUTURE OF A LOCAL LEISURE CENTRE IN THE HEART OF BELPER IS BRIGHT ACCORDING TO TRILOGY ACTIVE WHO TOOK OVER FOUR SHORT MONTHS AGO
After the threat of closure due to economic challenges, Trilogy Active stepped in to keep Belper Leisure Centre open in the summer of 2023 and bring long term stability to the important and popular organisation.
Trilogy Active is a not for profit Charity and Wellbeing organisation that operates a mix of leisure centres, Soft Play facilities, swimming pools, fitness facilities, Community Outreach programmes and a Cinema and which operates in Northampton, Birmingham and Derby.
“We are genuinely encouraged to have made real progress on the long term future of Belper Leisure Centre.” said Managing Director of Trilogy Active John Fletcher. “We recognised what an important role it plays in the local community and have begun our work by implementing our successful business model and Social enterprise model, which includes the expansion of accessible programmes for the local community.”
“It is just four months since Trilogy Active took over the management of the Centre and it is credit to the hard work of the team there that a bright future lay ahead.” John Fletcher continued. “The priority was of course to keep the centre open but also to attract new funding and secure the financial position which we are pleased to have done.”
Trilogy Active have also implemented actions to reduce utility consumption and work with the local community to ensure they have a say in the future of services that are delivered.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Trilogy Active has committed to securing the future of Belper Leisure Centre. Through a formal change of governance Trilogy Active is now the sole company member, with Belper Leisure Centre remaining an organisation that enables a streamlined approach to developing the business in the early stages of this new arrangement.
Trilogy Active will invest in Belper Leisure Centre to ensure its long-term success and development as an organisation. Trilogy Active recognises the significant contribution from Amber Valley Borough Council (AVBC), Belper Town Council and Belper School both financially and through partnership discussion to protect BLC from insolvency.
Trilogy Active via Belper Leisure Centre will continue working closely with all stakeholders to support the Community of Belper.
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