Elmbridge residents embrace healthier, more active lifestyles with Places Leisure

Thanks to new initiatives and ongoing facility improvements by Places Leisure, which operates the Xcel Leisure Complex on behalf of Elmbridge Borough Council, thousands of local residents are becoming more active, improving their health, and enjoying greater opportunities to connect with others in their community.

The 2024–2025 Places Leisure performance report reveals a year of significant progress, with more people than ever engaging in fitness, wellbeing, and community programmes.

More people, more participation

Over 1.45 million visits were made to Places Leisure facilities in 2024-2025,  a 15% increase from the previous year, showing that more residents are choosing to stay active locally. Fitness memberships rose by 765, while the popular Exercise Referral programme saw a 27% increase in referrals, helping more people manage long-term health conditions through tailored activity.

Inclusive programmes for all ages and abilities

Supporting all ages and abilities from toddlers to older adults, Places Leisure continues to offer something for everyone:

Over 10 weekly disability sessions, 100+ walking footballers, and 50+ age-specific classes help residents stay active in ways that suit them.

37% of members are under 16, and 10% are over 65, reflecting the service’s wide community reach.

Programmes support mental health, cardiac rehab, falls prevention, and offer free memberships for refugees, care leavers, and others in need.

A more sustainable future for Xcel

Investing in a greener and more sustainable future remains a priority.

 A £130,000 Sport England grant helped fund new pool covers and solar thermal panels at Xcel Leisure Centre. 

Now, over 60% of electricity used at the centre comes from renewable sources. 

While energy and water use rose due to increased usage and facility upgrades, these investments are paving the way for a more energy-efficient future.

Continuously expanding reach to engage more communities

Places Leisure’s Healthy Communities Programme is making a real difference in local neighbourhoods:

• Memberships grew significantly in Walton South (+718) and Walton North (+603).
• A £1.2 million increase in social value* was delivered through inclusive programmes and outreach initiatives.
• New digital tools, like the GP referral platform, are helping more residents access health and fitness support.

* Social value means the positive difference made in people’s lives and the wider community by helping them stay healthy, feel included, and connected with others.

Looking ahead

Exciting developments are on the horizon for 2025–2026:

• New programmes for women and girls, including Big Sister and Move Through Menopause.
• Completion of the £6 million Xcel Leisure Centre investment and £1.3 million refurbishment of Hurst Pool.
• Introduction of Lynxsite pool safety technology and continued promotion of energy-efficient, modernised facilities.

Stuart Urquhart, Contract Manager at Places Leisure, said:

"We’re proud to see so many Elmbridge residents embracing active lifestyles. Whether it’s a child learning to swim, an older adult staying mobile, or someone recovering from illness, our centres are here to support every step of the journey. We’re excited to keep building on this momentum together."

Councillor Simon Waugh, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy, said, "Local residents across Elmbridge are becoming more active, improving their wellbeing, and building stronger social connections, thanks to the community-focused initiatives and facility enhancements introduced by Places Leisure at the Xcel Leisure Complex."

For further information about their new initiatives and development program, visit the Xcel leisure complex website.