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A press release from North Herts District Council...
Big improvements are coming to your local leisure centres!
North Herts Council is investing £16.4 million – including a £7.74 million government grant – to upgrade our leisure centres in Hitchin, Letchworth and Royston.
This council-led project will significantly reduce carbon emissions by replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps, installing solar panels, upgrading insulation, glazing and air handling systems and introducing energy-efficient technologies across all buildings. The leisure experience will be improved for everyone, with new features such as upgraded changing facilities, gym refurbishments, including a gym extension at Royston, and a brand-new flume at Letchworth!
A contract to deliver the works was awarded earlier this year to Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd, with works planned to start in July and finishing in Spring 2026.
Regrettably, due to the scale of the works some temporary closures are unavoidable, however we are working closely with our leisure operator partner, Everyone Active, to minimise disruption and make sure you can stay active throughout the works by:
- Extending the opening seasons at Hitchin and Letchworth Lidos to maximise swimming opportunities
- Providing access to all Everyone Active leisure centres for our swim and fitness members. Please note, this does not apply to casual or pay-as-you-go customers
- Posting clear, regular updates via signage, email, social media and websites
- Reducing or pausing member direct debits during closure periods, and automatically extending annual memberships to reflect any lost time
What’s happening and when?
Hitchin Swimming & Fitness Centre
Start date: 1 October 2025
Finish date: May 2026
Improvements and refurbishments include:
- Refurbishment and upgrades to changing rooms and health suite
Temporary closures include:
- Restricted opening hours at the Main pool 29 September – 9 March (23 weeks)
- Normal opening hours at the weekend
- Open Monday to Friday from 4pm until close
- Teaching pool: 29 September – 15 December (11 weeks)
- Gym: 13 October – 8 December (8 weeks). A temporary gym facility will be available during this time
- Changing rooms & health suite: 16 October – 5 December (7 weeks)
- Studios (to close one at a time): 22 September – 29 September 2025 (1 week)
- Full centre closure: 9 – 16 February 2026 (1 week) *
All dates correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
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Royston Leisure Centre
Start date: 14 July 2025
Finish date: February 2026
Improvements and refurbishments include:
- Refurbishment of changing village
- Gym extension and refurbishment
Temporary closures include:
- Sports hall: 21 July – 8 September (7 weeks)
- Main pool: 18 August – 9 September (3 weeks)
- Changing village: 18 August – 21 October (9 weeks). Swimmers will be asked to arrive ‘swim ready’ once the main pool reopens (arrive dressed for swimming and have a dry robe or similar, to leave the centre after your swim) The fitness changing rooms will remain open for use
- Gym and studios: 17 November – 13 Jan (12 weeks). A temporary gym will be available at the centre during this period
- Full centre closure: 2 – 9 February (1 week) *
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North Herts Leisure Centre (Letchworth)
Start date: 7 July 2025
Finish date March 2026
Improvements and refurbishments include:
- Installation of a brand new flume
- Refurbishment of changing village
Temporary closures include:
- Sports hall: 21 July – 13 October (12 weeks)
- The gym will be partially closed from 01 Sept – 29 Sept (4 weeks) – access will remain available, but some areas and equipment will be temporarily unavailable
- Main entrance / reception: 1 – 29 September (4 weeks)
- Main pool: 1 – 29 September (4 weeks). The learner pool will remain open during this time. Swimmers will be asked to arrive ‘swim ready’. Please note: After the main pool reopens, swimmers will still need to arrive ‘swim ready’ until changing facilities reopen on 27 October
- Pool changing area: 1 September – 10 November (10 weeks)
- Cafe: 1 – 29 September (4 weeks)
- Soft play: 1 – 29 September (4 weeks)
- Full centre closure: 2 – 9 February (1 week) *
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Cllr Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment at North Herts Council, said: "We know how much our leisure centres mean to people, and we really appreciate everyone’s patience while these improvements take place. As a regular centre user myself, I understand just how important these spaces are for staying active, connected, and well. This isn’t just about reducing carbon emissions – it’s about giving our communities better, greener places to stay active and healthy. I think residents will be genuinely excited by the changes once they see what’s coming"
Mark Leahy, Regional Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “This ambitious project represents a real commitment to the future of local leisure, and we’re proud to support North Herts Council in bringing these upgrades to life.
“By taking this opportunity to enhance customer-facing areas as well as improve energy efficiency, the council is making a smart, future-focused investment that benefits residents now and in the long term.
“We really appreciate our customers' patience during this period and are focused on keeping people active throughout the construction work.”
This is a North Herts Council project, funded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and our own capital investment. We’re proud to be creating more sustainable, high-quality leisure facilities for the future.
For full details, closure timelines and FAQs, visit:
https://www.everyoneactive.com/news/decarbonisation-project-across-north-herts-leisure-centres/
For more information about the project, visit:
https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/leisureupgrades
*Full closures of leisure centres may be necessary to safely and efficiently connect them to a new substation for improved energy infrastructure. They are subject to change, so may be for less than the period of time stated.
