Extra funding secured for Havering’s leisure centres

The National Leisure Recovery Fund has been funded by the Government and managed by Sport England to support public sector leisure centres.

The money offsets some of the losses made since leisure centres were forced to close due to the Covid 19 pandemic. 

The funding will also support the reopening of leisure centres in April when restrictions are eased. 

Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said:

“It has been a difficult year for leisure centres, and as we start to see restrictions ease this funding is a much needed boost to help them reopen.

“In the last year we’ve seen just how crucial it is to keep fit and healthy and our leisure centres play a pivotal role in the health and wellbeing of Havering residents, so the Council and Everyone Active are very pleased and grateful that our request for further funding was approved.

“The money will help us get leisure centres open again so residents can get back to living healthy lives, something that is incredibly important to the Council.

“It also comes just before the official opening of the new Harrow Lodge Leisure centre in Hornchurch, which will be really exciting to see.

"This is the next step in the Council’s ongoing investment in leisure facilities, which will also include the start of the construction of a brand new leisure centre in the south of the borough later this year.” 

Tom Fletcher, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: 

“After our centres being closed for three months, this is great news for our facilities in Havering. This vital funding is much appreciated as it plays a huge part in helping us support our vision to get everyone active and back in our centres.  

“We are passionate about providing people of all ages and background the opportunity to exercise and this financial support will go a long way to maintaining the good health of local communities.

“Our brand new £23million Harrow Lodge Leisure centre will also open its doors for the first time now the Government has confirmed that leisure facilities can reopen on 12 April.

"In the meantime, you can visit the Everyone Active app to secure your session ahead of the opening.”