A significant £691,000 investment is set to transform leisure facilities across Rochford and Brentwood.
The funding comes as award-winning leisure operator Everyone Active prepares to take over the management of Clements Hall Leisure Centre and Rayleigh Leisure Centre from 1 April 2025.
The 15-year contract was awarded by Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council in January this year following a joint procurement process which also sees Everyone Active continue to manage The Brentwood Centre and Hartswood Pavilion in King George's Playing Fields.
£531,000 of the investment will deliver immediate improvements to Rochford facilities, with brand-new fitness equipment installed at Rayleigh and Clements Hall Leisure Centres from day one. Group exercise studios and group cycling facilities will also be upgraded across the sites.
A further £160,000 is allocated for enhanced safety measures, with £80,000 funding Poolview technology at Clements Hall and another £80,000 for the same system at The Brentwood Centre.
This technology uses underwater cameras to monitor pool activity, providing lifeguards with real-time visibility beneath the surface, enhancing swimmer safety without replacing traditional lifeguarding.
Beyond the physical improvements, Everyone Active will deliver its community outreach initiative across both districts. The Active Communities programme will deliver weekly fitness activities in more isolated areas, taking exercise opportunities directly to residents who may struggle to access the main centres.
Shaun Beagle, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: "This nearly £700,000 investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering exceptional leisure experiences for communities across Rochford and Brentwood.
"These upgrades will ensure residents have access to modern, high-quality facilities that support their health and wellbeing. But our work won't stop at the leisure centre doors - we're bringing activities into community venues too, ensuring more people can access the benefits of an active lifestyle, no matter their circumstances."
Councillor Lisa Newport, Chair of the Communities, Wellbeing and Housing Committee at Rochford District Council added: “A key focus of this new contract is to create opportunities to access activities within our leisure facilities and to invest in our leisure facilities. It’s great that Everyone Active are committed to investing in new technology and equipment at Clements Hall and the Rayleigh Leisure Centre. I also welcome their plans to deliver a diverse programme of activities in community settings so that our residents across the district are supported. We are looking forward to working with Everyone Active to deliver quality leisure services to our residents."
Everyone Active will continue its inclusive membership programme, bringing it to Rochford for the first time.
This includes complimentary memberships for cared-for children and care-experienced young people (via Council Family Support Team referral), free access for people living with Parkinson's and their carers, plus discounted rates for NHS staff, emergency service workers, full-time carers, and Universal Credit recipients.
The contract will also create new jobs in the Rochford area, with positions in catering, management and sales to be advertised in the coming months.