Warsop Health Hub is celebrating its first anniversary this month, marking 12 months of transforming the health and wellbeing of residents.

Delivered by Mansfield District Council and operated by More Leisure Community Trust, in partnership with Serco Leisure, the multi-million-pound facility has become a cornerstone of the local community, offering inclusive access to health, fitness, and wellbeing support.

Since it opened, the hub has recorded:

• Over 121,000 visits
• More than 2,000 active members, including 900 health and fitness members
• 300 children enrolled in swimming lessons
• 1,000 pay-as-you-go users
• £450,000 of social value generated, as measured by Sport England’s social value calculator

The state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind under Sports England’s local leisure model, with the aim to provide affordable facilities in a local community. It offers a gym, swimming pool, multi-purpose sports hall, changing places, and a dedicated community room. Accessible design and inclusive programming have ensured the hub is a place for people of all ages and abilities to get active and stay connected.

David Evans, assistant director of Health, Communities and Insight at Mansfield District Council, said: “The success of the Warsop Health Hub in its first year is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working and a shared commitment to community wellbeing.

“From day one, the hub has been embraced by local residents, and it’s been inspiring to see so many people getting involved – whether through fitness memberships, wellbeing sessions, or community events.

“We’re proud to have worked alongside More Leisure Community Trust, Vibrant Warsop CIC, Active Notts and many other partners to deliver a facility that’s already making a real difference to people’s lives.”

The health hub was just one of five projects funded from the £12.3m awarded to Mansfield District Council in 2021 from the Towns Fund allocation.

Alongside traditional fitness services, the hub has become a key partner in local health initiatives. It has supported NHS-led falls prevention sessions, launched the Healthy Life GP referral scheme – which has already helped nearly 80 residents begin their journey to improved wellbeing – and hosted activities such as walking groups, family-friendly events, and the Small Steps to Feeling Great programme.

Maddy Pritchard, director of Vibrant Warsop, added: “Thanks to amazing partnership working with groups and organisations across Mansfield, residents of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels are benefiting from the new health hub.

“It is not just another leisure centre or somewhere that ‘fit’ people go.  Instead, it is a place for all.  A place to meet people, a place to feel connected to others and valued.  A place where you can take your first small steps towards being more active without feeling judged.  In short, a place where you can start your own journey of ‘Small Steps to Feeling Great’.

“Achieving this in the 12 months has been a journey for all the partners involved, including for us as a resident-run local organisation. It’s a huge celebration and Vibrant Warsop is very grateful to all partners involved.”

Late last year, to mark the final delivery phase of the Warsop Health Hub, more than 1,500 trees were planted in Carr Lane Park to enhance the green space. Also, throughout the project, children at Birklands Primary School in the town have been involved in the development of the hub. In late 2023, they created artwork, letters, drawings, and objects that encapsulate what Warsop is like now, and it was buried in a time capsule on the site during the construction phase.