New leisure operator
Everyone Active (Sports and Leisure Management Ltd) has been appointed as our new leisure management operator. They will be responsible for managing our leisure facilities and Active Communities contract.
From 1 April 2024, Everyone Active will begin running our leisure centres.
There will be a smooth transfer over to Everyone Active and memberships, classes, and lessons will continue as normal during the transition.
Latest member news
From 1 April, Everyone Active has taken charge of all our leisure facilities. Members should have received information about their memberships and how to download the app. If you require further help, please refer to the FAQs on the Everyone Active website. You can also submit an enquiry on the Everyone Active website, or pop into your local centre.
Thank you for your cooperation as we transition to Everyone Active. If you have any further queries, take a look at the enquiries page.
Latest non-member news
If you’re looking to take the kids swimming, or fancy a solitary swim, indoor swim sessions are now 75 minutes long. It is advisable to book a session in advance using the Everyone Active app, website or by calling your nearest centre directly. Just visit Everyone Active for all the details.
Change to concessions policy
From 1 April 2024 we are increasing the qualifying age for concessionary entry for people over 60 years of age. The new qualifying age for concessionary entry will be the state pension age (currently 66).
All existing members currently aged 60 and over, who have previously benefited from a concessionary rate on their membership will continue to be eligible for the concessionary rate for membership fees, while retaining an ongoing membership. However, all pay as you go activities and new memberships will be charged in line with our new concessionary policy.
All new applicants for concessionary rates will need to meet the eligibility criteria set out in the following table:
| Concession group | Concession | Applicable activities |
|---|---|---|
| Customers in receipt of Universal Credit, Council Tax Reduction Scheme, personal independence payment, employment support allowance or carers allowance | 50% discount on standard price | All pay as you go activities, excluding soft play. All membership types (excluding joining fees) |
| Customers of state pension age (currently 66) | 50% discount on standard price | All pay as you go activities, excluding soft play. All membership types (excluding joining fees) |
| Customers who are students aged 16 or over in full time education | 50% discount on standard price | All pay as you go activities, excluding soft play. All membership types (excluding joining fees) |
| Customers aged 18 years and under | 50% discount on standard price | All pay as you go activities, excluding soft play. All membership types (excluding joining fees) |
| Customers aged 3 years and under | Free use | Swimming |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a family swim session, or can I just turn up?
We recommend you book your session to guarantee your time slot. However, there is no requirement to book, and you can choose to turn up and attend the next session with availability.
How do I book?
You can book on the app, on the website, in-centre or by calling the centre directly – the choice is yours.
Why do we have timed sessions?
We want our swim sessions to be a safe and enjoyable experience for all, which is why we have a set capacity for each 75-minute session. By managing the number of visitors, we can ensure our lifeguards have a clear view of the pool at all times, enabling them to promptly identify and address any potential issues.
What do I do if I want to swim for longer?
You can choose to book consecutive swim sessions, giving you more time in the pool.
If I want to book a lane swimming session, do I need to book a lane?
Yes, we ask you to book a lane based on your pace. We have slow, medium and faster lane options. This is to ensure the maximum capacity isn’t exceeded in any given lane.
What are the benefits of booking online?
Advance booking avoids disappointment and allows the customer to beat the queues and unknown waiting times. The system is flexible and allows bookings up to 5 minutes prior to the session start. The booking slots display the spaces available, thus enabling customers the choice to book one of the quieter sessions if preferred.
What process did we follow to find the right leisure operator?
The council was obliged to tender the new contract in accordance with the Public Contracts, Regulations 2015.
We went through a robust and competitive procurement process, where all bidders had to prove financial stability, demonstrate a successful track record of operating facilities on behalf of local authorities, comply with legislation and statutory requirements, and meet the high standards and priorities to manage our facilities. Bidders also had to clearly demonstrate their track record and commitment to helping the council meet its climate change commitments.
Everyone Active (Sports and Leisure Management Ltd) won the tender for the new Leisure and Active Communities contract. This will start on 1 April 2024. This is a 10-year contract to ensure that our leisure provider will provide the service required for our residents. There is a provision for a 5-year extension at our discretion. A decision on whether to trigger the extension will only be taken towards the end of the contract term.
Is there a risk that facilities will close or change, or services will be reduced?
No. Any changes would have to be agreed by the Council. The delivery of services is governed by a robust contract and specification which sets out our requirements and expected performance standards.
Which facilities will the Leisure and Active Communities contract include?
The contract covers:
- North Herts Leisure Centre
- Letchworth Outdoor Pool
- Hitchin Swimming Centre and Archers Fitness
- Royston Leisure Centre
- Fearnhill Sports Centre
My children are having swimming lessons - will these be cancelled?
No, all swimming lessons will continue.
I have a fitness/ swimming membership - will this continue?
Yes, your membership will continue regardless of who is operating the facilities.
I have booked a course - will this be cancelled?
No, all courses will continue.
I am part of an existing club that use the leisure facilities. Will our regular bookings be cancelled or changed?
No, all existing regular bookings at the facilities will continue.
Will employees lose their jobs if a new operator is appointed?
No, all the staff who work for SLL at North Herts Council leisure centres will transfer to the new operator.
Will the price of memberships increase?
All leisure charges are subject to annual increases due to inflationary pressures and to ensure the continued operation and success of our centres. However, any price increases will be communicated to members 4 weeks in advance.
What happens if I have SLL swim tickets?
Customers with unused swim tickets need to contact Stevenage Leisure Limited for a refund. Swim tickets will expire on the 31 March 2024 and cannot be used at North Herts Council leisure facilities.