Nov 2025 . £8 www.paf-media.co.uk Tracking with Healthspan The next step in fitness technology Also in this issue: The Wellness Hub, Clackmannanshire UK’s first co-located leisure, education and wellbeing hub The best medicine for the menopause How operators are introducing training, programmes and education Interview Sport for Confidence CIC’s Lyndsey Barrett on bridging the gap between health and leisure
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paf-media.co.uk 3 leader Wattbike’s use of the Healthspan Score was launched earlier this year for the health club market Editor Helen Adkins Media sales manager Terry Stafford Production Nicola Cann Design Sandra Cid & Gemma England Managing director Toby Filby Publishers Stable Publishing Limited SBC House, Restmor Way, Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AH, England. t. 020 8288 1080 f. 020 8288 1099 e. info@stable-media.co.uk www.paf-media.co.uk The publishers do not necessarily agree with views expressed by contributors and cannot accept responsibility for claims made by manufacturers and authors, nor do they accept any responsibility for any errors in the subject matter of this publication. Clackmannanshire’s bold step towards community design ACROSS the UK, local authorities are rethinking what community wellbeing really means — not as a line item in a capital budget, but as a lived, local experience shaped by the buildings we design. Few projects capture that shift more completely than Clackmannanshire’s new £76 million Wellbeing Hub (see p 15) – a co-located leisure, wellbeing and education campus. Born from necessity during the pandemic, the project’s origins are familiar. Alloa town’s ageing Leisure Bowl — the county’s only major leisure facility — had reached the end of its life and the council was faced with a decision; reinvest in a traditional pool complex or build something bolder. What’s emerged is far more than a replacement. The Wellbeing Hub brings together a public leisure centre, a wellbeing hub and the new Lochies ASN School for children with multiple, severe and complex needs — all within a single, fully integrated Passivhaus development. That co-location makes it the first facility of its kind in the UK. The design allows school and community life to coexist, with shared amenities such as pools, studios and outdoor play areas, without compromising access, safety or dignity. By blurring the lines between education, therapy and recreation, the project takes inclusion beyond compliance — creating an environment that supports social connection, learning and health in equal measure. Crucially, the Wellbeing Hub isn’t just about capital ambition. It’s a response to the operational and energy challenges that have crippled many local facilities in recent years. With rising running costs, staffing pressures and carbon targets to meet, councils are being forced to look for smarter, more sustainable models. Passivhaus certification — notoriously difficult to achieve in leisure buildings, particularly those with swimming pools — promises not only radical energy savings but also a more comfortable, resilient environment for users and staff. When it opens in 2027, the 200-metre-long complex will offer four pools, a large gym, multipurpose rooms and community spaces, plus consultation suites, and a free-access wellbeing park with inclusive play zones, a rock wall and an outdoor parkrun loop. But its impact may be felt long before the first swimmers arrive. Already, the project is drawing national attention from local authorities, architects and operators looking for new models of value — not simply financial, but social, environmental and educational. For the health and fitness sector, Clackmannanshire’s Wellbeing Hub signals a shift that goes far beyond exercise. It demonstrates what integration can look like in practice, and challenges the industry to think beyond memberships and metrics, towards outcomes measured in public health and community resilience. Clackmannanshire’s message is clear — when we design for wellbeing first, fitness and healthcare naturally align. Helen Adkins Editor helen.adkins@stable-media.co.uk SUPPORTED BY
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paf-media.co.uk 5 contents paf-media.co.uk inside this issue 07 News • Sport for Confidence launches new blueprint and diversity plan • The £20 million wellbeing hub, Move Altrincham, has officially opened, featuring The Cove, one of the UK’s few public sector spas • Leisure Centre openings and construction: Cath Thom, West Wickham, Kingston, Cascades and The Peak Leisure Centres, plus the South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub • Innerva Connect launches to support active ageing • Two new climbing walls open at 270 Climbing Park in Gloucestershire. 12 Blairgowrie Recreation Centre: Scotland’s first Passivhaus leisure centre Blairgowrie Recreation Centre, Scotland's first Passivhaus leisure centre, has officially opened its doors to the public. Designed by architects Holmes Miller, the £36 million project replaces the original 1980s leisure facility, marking a new era for environmentally conscious public buildings in Scotland as the first leisure centre in the nation designed to full Passivhaus standards. 15 The Wellness Hub, Clackmanannshire HDM editor Helen Adkins speaks to team leader of the Wellbeing Hub, Ross McGuire, about Clackmannanshire’s first-of-its-kind co-located leisure centre, wellbeing hub and Lochies ASN School — a £76 million flagship project which started construction in September to Passivhaus standards. 21 Movement and exercise: The best medicine for the menopause With nearly half the population affected by menopause at some point, the fitness industry is waking up to a clear commercial and community opportunity. We look at some of the operators who are introducing menopause-friendly training, inclusive programmes and staff education. 27 Interview: Lyndsey Barrett, Sport for Confidence CIC Bridging the gap between health and leisure, Lyndsey Barrett and Sport for Confidence CIC are demonstrating how occupational therapy in community settings can deliver measurable health outcomes, reduce inequality, and support the national shift from treatment to prevention. 31 Visionary design for Greece’s PAOK FC’s new stadium Set to redefine the matchday experience in Greece, PAOK FC’s new stadium in Thessaloniki is designed as both a football fortress and a civic landmark – blending heritage, community and world-class architecture. 36 Fitness and the Healthspan Score As operators look beyond aesthetics to measurable health outcomes, the Healthspan Score is helping bridge the gap between fitness and healthcare. Here, we explore how repackaging elite sports science for everyday members could redefine the way gyms measure and deliver wellbeing. 41 Comment: Making leisure centres sustainable The sustainable gym has been a hot topic in recent years, with huge changes being imminent. Harry Davis, co-founder of Eden Energy Partners, looks at how science is leading the way. 45 Managing noise with acoustic flooring As the design and purpose of leisure buildings become more multi-functional and inclusive, the challenge of managing noise from varied sources grows. Stephen Thornton, technical manager at Saint-Gobain Weber, focusses on how well-designed acoustic environments are now essential. 48 Smart electrical solutions for modern leisure facilities Smart electrical infrastructure is fast becoming a business-critical element in the design, build and management of leisure facilities. Martin Heaward, UK head of sales at Gewiss, explains more.
A NEW £20 million wellbeing hub, Move Altrincham, has officially opened — featuring The Cove, one of the UK’s few public sector spas. Operated by Trafford Leisure, the 500square-metre spa is designed to make wellness more accessible, offering a range of treatments and thermal experiences within a community setting. The Cove includes four treatment rooms offering ELEMIS facials and body therapies, Mii manicures and pedicures, and a thermal suite featuring a vitality pool, sensory and drench showers, an ice fountain, heated loungers, an aroma steam room and two saunas — one herbal infusion juniper sauna and a salt therapy sauna with Himalayan salt blocks. Open seven days a week, the spa also provides holistic treatments such as reflexology, Reiki and Indian head massage, alongside a dedicated teen treatment menu. Prices start from £30 for thermal access and £40 for treatments. Trafford Leisure CEO Jo Cherrett said the new facility represents a shift in how community wellness is delivered: ‘This is about more than a new leisure centre; it’s about supporting wellbeing for all ages. The Cove helps make spa and wellness experiences accessible to everyone, not just a privileged few.’ The wider Move Altrincham site includes two swimming pools with accessible pool pods, a wellness assessment room, two studio spaces, a live and virtual cycle studio and a café. The centre was developed with support from Sport England as part of Trafford Council’s Trafford Moving strategy, which aims to reduce health inequalities across the borough. Spa manager Bev Hinnigan said the goal was to make wellness part of everyday life: ‘Everyone deserves access to relaxation and self-care. The Cove is designed to help people recharge and look after their wellbeing.’ www.traffordleisure.co.uk New £20m Move Altrincham Centre opens with community spa paf-media.co.uk 7 news Sport for Confidence launches new blueprint and diversity plan SPORT for Confidence CIC has published two key documents setting out its future direction, and ongoing commitment to inclusion within sport and physical activity. The organisation, which works across health, social care and leisure sectors, has launched a new Blueprint outlining its vision, values and approach, alongside a Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) detailing how it will continue to embed equality throughout its work. Both initiatives build on Sport for Confidence’s mission to make sport and physical activity accessible to everyone, particularly those facing the greatest barriers to participation. The Blueprint reinforces its belief in using physical activity as a tool for connection, confidence and improved health, while the DIAP focuses on ensuring its workforce, policies and practices reflect the diverse communities it serves. Co-CEO Jake Turner said the publications mark an evolution in the organisation’s growth: ‘Since our launch in 2015, our services have expanded significantly, but our values have stayed the same. The Blueprint and DIAP set out how we’ll continue to work towards a fairer, more inclusive approach to health and wellbeing.’ The DIAP was shaped through consultation with participants, carers, leisure providers and equality experts, and follows five principles aligned with Sport England’s Code for Sports Governance. It includes practical commitments to representation, listening to lived experience and promoting an inclusive workplace culture. Lyndsey Barrett, founder and Co-CEO, said the two documents together provide a framework for the future: ‘Our ambition isn’t just to get more people moving. It’s to use physical activity to build connection and better health. These plans define how we’ll continue to reduce inequalities and deliver better outcomes for everyone.’ Both the Blueprint and the Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan are available on the Sport for Confidence website: www.sportforconfidence.com
CATH Thom Leisure Centre at Wilson Sports Village has now opened to the public. Delivered by Alliance Leisure for Hyndburn Borough Council, and funded by the Council and Sport England, the £13 million scheme was designed by Pozzoni. The facility is one of the most environmentally responsible buildings in the borough, achieving an A-rated energy efficiency standard. The project faced a setback following the collapse of the original contractor, ISG, which went into administration in September 2024. Works restarted in January 2025 following the appointment of Universal Civils and Build under the UK Leisure Framework, allowing the development to complete in line with the original scope, specification and quality standards. Cath Thom Leisure Centre 8 paf-media.co.uk news Kingston Leisure Centre WILLMOTT Dixon has been appointed by Gravesham Borough Council for the preconstruction phase of the new £43 million Cascades Leisure Centre in Gravesend, through a direct award via the Pagabo framework. The company will work alongside project architects Space & Place and engineering consultants AtkinsRéalis to develop the technical design and specification for the new low-carbon facility. The new centre will replace the existing ageing complex with a modern building capable of hosting regional events and providing an enhanced family-focused offer. Facilities will include a 25m pool, a 17m learner pool, aqua play and water flume areas, and a spectator viewing zone. There will also be a six-court sports hall with tiered seating, a multi-level soft play area, party and community rooms, and a café. The project is being partly funded through £17 million from the government’s £20 million Levelling Up Fund allocation to Gravesham Borough Council, supporting a ‘hub and spoke’ model to improve health, wellbeing, employment and skills across the borough. Leisure centre news Cascades Leisure Centre CONSTRUCTION has begun on the new Kingston Leisure Centre, a £44.5 million investment that will deliver a modern, community-focused facility and act as a regeneration catalyst in the heart of Kingston town centre. The centre will include a 25m, eight-lane main pool with moveable floor, a 20m learner pool with interactive splash zone, and a health suite with sauna and steam room. Additional facilities will include a 150station gym, a group cycling studio, three activity studios, a four-court sports hall, squash courts, soft play and a café. The scheme also provides a significant uplift to the surrounding public realm, with enhanced landscaping, new pedestrian routes, and an improved play area and wildflower meadows. The project is being delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). Construction specialists Pellikaan have been appointed as the main contractor, working alongside architects Roberts Limbrick and project managers Hadron Consulting.
paf-media.co.uk 9 news A planning application has been submitted for the partial rebuild of West Wickham Leisure Centre, revealing proposed designs for the new facility’s exterior. The proposals include a new café, gym, reception area, changing rooms and a competition-length swimming pool. The project will be delivered by specialist leisure development partner Alliance Leisure for the London Borough of Bromley through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). The main contractor will be Etec Group. South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub WORK has started on the new South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub after South Holland District Council received £20m of government funding towards the project to address local health and wellbeing outcomes. Replacing Castle Sports Complex in Spalding, the development will combine new swimming pools with a wide range of indoor and outdoor facilities, alongside health provision and community spaces. South Holland currently has the fourth lowest adult activity rate in England, with 40% of adults and 48% of children failing to meet recommended exercise levels. The new hub aims to tackle inactivity by providing facilities and services targeted towards families, older adults and individuals engaging with wellness services, as well as enhanced provision for those already active. The multi-million-pound scheme is being delivered by Alliance Leisure on behalf of South Holland District Council through the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). West Wickham Leisure Centre CONSTRUCTION is also underway at The PEAK Leisure Centre in Stirling, marking the start of a £2.45 million investment that will significantly expand the gym and create two purpose-built fitness studios. First opened in 2009, The PEAK has become a cornerstone of Stirling’s community and was originally designed to support around 3,500 members. It now caters for more than 8,000, with over half regularly using the gym and fitness facilities. The project will repurpose three courts from the existing nine-court sports hall, creating an extended first-floor gym and two ground-floor studios via a new mezzanine structure. Led by Alliance Leisure, the project is set for completion in April 2026 and is being delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, in partnership with CD Architects. The PEAK Leisure Centre
Making public leisure sustainable and building healthier communities. Alliance Leisure are a trusted and experienced leisure development partner, with over 25 years’ experience transforming leisure facilities for local authorities. allianceleisure.co.uk £440m+ investment in local authority leisure 25+ years in business 280+ completed projects Scan here to learn more about what we do. development partner #TransformingLeisure Chard Leisure Centre Value: £15.6m Abbey Leisure Centre Value: £3.5m SC2 Value: £17m
paf-media.co.uk 11 news Innerva Connect launches to support active ageing INNERVA has unveiled Innerva Connect, the latest evolution of its power-assisted exercise solution, designed to support active ageing through personalised insights, progress tracking and health data collection. Co-developed with older adults and the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, the platform enhances the exercise experience for older users and those with chronic health conditions while generating data to strengthen links between leisure and healthcare providers. Each machine in the Innerva circuit now captures anonymised data on activity and engagement, helping operators analyse participation trends, track long-term health conditions and make informed decisions through cloud-based dashboards. Tested with users averaging 67 years old, the digital interface has been designed for accessibility and ease of use, reducing barriers to adoption and encouraging sustained engagement. End users receive real-time session feedback and can manage bookings, memberships, and access wellbeing resources online. The system integrates with other service and customer management platforms, ensuring future compatibility and collaboration through open architecture. Backed by the UKRI Healthy Ageing Project, Innerva Connect aims to help people stay active, independent and socially connected for longer. As a Cyber Essentials Plus certified company, Innerva ensures compliance, data protection and GDPR standards across all connected systems. www.innerva.com 270 Climbing Park to open UK’s tallest outdoor wall 270 Climbing Park in Gloucestershire has unveiled two major new climbing walls, including an 18-metre outdoor competition wall – the tallest of its kind in the UK. Part of a £7 million, multi-phase development, the new outdoor wall and adjoining 17-metre indoor roped wall mark the latest phase of the park’s five-year expansion, developed in partnership with Bulgarian climbing specialists Dreamwall. The outdoor structure, built to international standards, includes the UK’s only outdoor speed climbing lanes, and is capable of hosting national and international training camps and competitions. The indoor facility features an IFSC-standard boulder wall, permanently set to Olympic specification, and one of the UK’s largest autobelay walls, catering to both beginners and advanced climbers. The outdoor wall has already debuted at the European Military Climbing Championships 2025, welcoming more than 60 elite climbers from across Europe. With these additions, 270 Climbing Park becomes one of the most comprehensive climbing and adventure destinations in the country. Existing facilities include the UK’s tallest and most technically demanding high ropes course, reaching 18 metres, with six levels culminating in the advanced ‘Mission Impossible’ section.
12 paf-media.co.uk passivhaus BLAIRGOWRIE Recreation Centre, Scotland's first Passivhaus leisure centre, has officially opened its doors to the public. Designed by architects Holmes Miller, the £36 million project, funded by Perth and Kinross Council and executed through Hub East Central Scotland, was brought to life by BAM Construction. It replaces the original 1980s leisure facility, marking a new era for environmentally conscious public buildings in Scotland as the first leisure centre in the nation designed to full Passivhaus standards. The Blairgowrie Recreation Centre stands as a testament to innovative design and sustainable architecture. Constructed entirely from Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam, the building has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, lowering energy consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional leisure facilities. Holmes Miller has engineered this centre to achieve low operational energy use, setting a new benchmark for similar projects in the UK. Community integration Strategically located south of Blairgowrie High School, the centre serves dual purposes, by providing students with dedicated physical education facilities and catering to the broader community's recreational needs. The complex boasts a wide array of amenities, including a six-lane, 25-metre competition standard swimming pool with an adjoining viewing gallery. There’s also a fourcourt sports hall, a two-court gymnasium and a dance studio, as well as a fitness suite and an external all-weather sports pitch. Adhering to the guidance set by Sport England and Sport Scotland, the facility is also fully wheelchair accessible. The initiative aligns with broader goals to create community spaces that are both socially and economically sustainable. Advanced environmental features Sustainability is at the core of Blairgowrie Recreation Centre’s design. The exposed CLT and Glulam structural elements not only enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal but ‘This project marks a significant milestone not only for Perth and Kinross Council but for Scotland’ As Scotland’s first leisure centre adhering to Passivhaus standards, Blairgowrie Recreation Centre has opened its doors to the public. We find out what’s inside Blairgowrie Recreation Centre, Scotland
also provide superior thermal and acoustic insulation, resulting in a comfortable indoor environment. Smart zoning of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems allows for efficient temperature regulation and energy conservation, particularly when certain areas are not in use. The pool’s design, true to Passivhaus principles, guarantees consistent temperatures, eliminates draughts and cold surfaces, and features a sophisticated ventilation system that maintains optimal humidity levels for the comfort of both swimmers and spectators. Cultural and educational impact This development carries cultural significance for Blairgowrie, reflecting a commitment to enhancing local infrastructure while respecting environmental imperatives. Yida Zhou, project architect at Holmes Miller, notes: ‘This project marks a significant milestone not only for Perth and Kinross Council but for Scotland. As the first of its kind in the country, it is a testament to what can be achieved when good design and sustainability are combined.’ Zhou adds: ‘With this being a landmark building in the area, we understood its cultural significance and wanted to design a space that would pay homage to the local community, enhance the experience and learning of students, and meet the Council’s ambitious sustainability targets.’ The future of leisure architecture in Scotland Blairgowrie Recreation Centre stands as a pioneering development that could inspire similar projects across Scotland. It highlights the potential for leisure centres across the nation to adopt Passivhaus standards, creating inclusive and sustainable environments that foster community wellbeing. Zhou hopes that this centre will ‘inspire more leisure centres in Scotland to be designed with Passivhaus in mind, creating inclusive, sustainable spaces where communities can thrive.’ www.holmesmiller.com paf-media.co.uk 13 passivhaus Project team Architects: Holmes Miller Main contractor: BAM UK Civil & structural engineering: BakerHicks Building Services: Rybka Passivhaus designer: Sussed Sustainability Ltd
FUTURE READY TRAINING SPACES BUILT FOR EVERY COMMUNITY IndigoFitness and Southwark Council celebrate their seventh project together with the launch of Canada Water Leisure Centre, setting a new benchmark for local authority gym design. www.indigofitness.com
paf-media.co.uk 15 project From pools to Passivhaus: Inside Clackmannanshire’s pioneering wellbeing hub HDM editor Helen Adkins speaks to team leader of the Wellbeing Hub, Ross McGuire, about Clackmannanshire’s first-of-its-kind co-located leisure centre, wellbeing hub and Lochies ASN School — a £76 million flagship project which started construction in September to Passivhaus standards Helen Adkins: When was the project first conceived and why? Ross McGuire: The project stems back to Covid. Alloa’s Leisure Bowl — our only major leisure facility in Clackmannanshire — was ageing. After it closed, the Council decided that the continued costs no longer represented best value, and decided to invest in something new and bespoke, which was The Wellbeing Hub. Originally The Wellbeing Hub was a standalone idea, and there was a separate discussion with the Scottish Futures Trust about a new school for children with multiple, severe and complex needs to replace the existing Lochies School. Both schemes were initially explored as individual entities. However, in 2023, Clackmannanshire Council brought them together as a single co-location project which met the Scottish Futures Trust’s Learning Estate Investment Programme objectives and the Scottish Governments colocation directive. That allowed us to deliver the hub, retain swimming provision for Clackmannanshire and meet the funding framework’s aims around co-location, effectiveness, reduced carbon and economic viability. The decision scaled the project up massively — from a ‘let’s build a new swimming pool for £5–10 million’ idea to a £76 million programme (down from the original £77.5 million capital commitment). It became a big talking point across Scotland because there isn’t a like-for-like equivalent.
How is this project different from other leisure/wellness centres? Ross McGuire: The project is unique in the UK because it’s the first fully co-located ASN school and non-restricted leisure facility sharing the same site. Both facilities will operate concurrently allowing community leisure and wellbeing programmes to happen without compromising school access or safety. We’re also pursuing full Passivhaus certification across both the school and hub. We went looking for UK examples of Passivhaus leisure with pools and at the time really only found St Sidwell’s in Exeter. We visited this facility, learned a lot and decided to push for full certification on both projects. That certainly brings challenges — especially with pools — but it’s the right choice. Planning permission was approved in February 2025, and in August, the council signed off the final business case and the full budget allocation. We’ve started enabling works for site preparation to hold the programme, while full construction officially started in September. Tell us about the hub itself — what will the public find when it opens? Ross McGuire: The wellbeing hub sits alongside with a connection point, so in the evenings we can access the school’s hydrotherapy pool. The hub’s main entrance leads to the lower pool halls, the sports hall, the children’s play area, the café and a wellbeing courtyard. Upstairs there’s a large gym space, a multipurpose room that can function as a dark room for sensory deprivation or used primarily for adult fitness classes, and a larger multipurpose room for conferences and adult fitness but also for community groups or for school use when appropriate. The big attraction is that we’re a wellbeing hub first and foremost. The leisure aspect must effectively pay for wellbeing — that’s the nature of it — but having the severe and complex needs school attached means we can support a controlled integration into 16 paf-media.co.uk project ‘The project is unique in the UK because it’s the first fully co-located ASN school and nonrestricted leisure facility sharing the same site’
paf-media.co.uk 17 project mainstream activities where that benefits pupils. We’ve built multipurpose areas so we can run, say, an adult spin class, then switch the room to a movie space, a band room or a low-stimulus quiet environment. The term ‘wellness’ gets used loosely these days. How do you distinguish wellbeing from straight leisure provision? Ross McGuire: We are building a leisure centre, but the business case is structured differently. The pay point for access isn’t at the front door, but at the zones. The foyer, café, quiet space, viewing galleries and community courtyard are free to access. Anyone can come in, spend time and leave without paying a penny. The goal is to capture and support people who want to come along but need help to take the next step. Our staff training reflects that. Our team will still set up courts and run the pools, but they’re also the first point of contact for everyone walking in. They’ll be trained to engage and ask: ‘Is there something we can help with? Would you like to see the gym? Have you been in a swimming pool before? Do you need to talk to someone about a personal concern?’ It’s proactive engagement. We’ll always have memberships — swim memberships, gym memberships and hall hire for clubs. That revenue keeps the lights on. But because the paid zones are behind the free areas, we can offer those front-ofhouse spaces at no cost. On the upper level we’ll run community sessions; we’ll also hire the conference room to NHS and partners. Crucially, we have two free-to-access consultation rooms built purely for medical and social referrals. One is a soft room for, say, family crisis, child protection and/or financial planning. The other is a clinically designed room — essentially a GP-style consultation space. You’ve mentioned the outdoor environment a few times. Can you describe the site? Ross McGuire: It’s a big site. The wellbeing hub building itself is just under 200 metres end to end. Outside, we’ve got a wellbeing park, an early learning centre, adventure treelines, a fully inclusive children’s play frame, a rock wall and a basketball court — all free to access, no bookings. We’ll even lend you a basketball. The point is to engage parents, carers and family members naturally, in a pleasant place where people
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want to be. If they wish to transition indoors, they’re welcome, but there’s no pressure. We’ve laid out a linear path around the whole site, roughly a kilometre, suitable for a parkrun, which we currently don’t have in Clackmannanshire. It will be a start/finish for local races and running clubs are interested. With the exception of the main pitch, everything is fully accessible — surfaces, play equipment, bouldering wall, courts — whether someone uses a wheelchair or walking stick, or has a sensory or learning disability. That inclusivity extends inside. Because the school is for children with severe and complex needs, everything is designed to be fully inclusive — pools, sauna and steam, gym and play areas. That does add cost — bigger spaces, double doors etc.— but it’s important that children can move into the main facility seamlessly and that it doesn’t feel like two different worlds. What’s the bigger impact you see? Ross McGuire: We’re not even built yet and people are already asking to see plans and talk about Passivhaus and the co-location model. Capital is generally easier to secure than the revenue to operate and maintain buildings. Passivhaus and co-location help with that by reducing energy costs and improving utilisation. For £76 million we’re delivering a state-of-the-art ASN school, a major leisure and wellbeing facility with four swimming pools, and extensive inclusive grounds. It’s possible you’ll see fewer standalone buildings and more combined facilities in the future, because they deliver better value and better outcomes. I think this direction of travel makes sense; co-locate, design for inclusion and build to standards that keep running costs down for decades. ‘We’re not even built yet and people are already asking to see plans and talk about Passivhaus and the co-location model’ paf-media.co.uk 19 project The Wellbeing Hub • Location: The Pavilions, Alloa West • Client: Clackmannanshire Council • Project delivery: Hub East Central Scotland (Hubco) • Main contractor: Robertson Construction Central East • M&E specialists: BakerHicks • Architects: JM Architects • Construction start: September 2025 • Expected completion: Autumn 2027
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AS the health and fitness sector becomes increasingly attuned to the needs of diverse members, one area demands focused attention – supporting women through menopause. With millions of women navigating this life stage, leisure centres and gyms have a unique opportunity, and responsibility, to adapt their offer, upskill their teams and strengthen member engagement. The menopause transition can bring wideranging physical and emotional changes, including fatigue, joint pain, anxiety and temperature regulation issues. For many women, these factors can make traditional fitness environments feel unwelcoming or impractical, yet exercise remains one of the most effective ways to manage menopausal symptoms, improve mental health and enhance quality of life. Recognising and responding to this demographic isn’t simply a wellbeing initiative — it’s a business growth strategy, points out Christien Bird MSc, MCSP, chartered physiotherapist and co-founder of the Menopause Movement. ‘Physical fitness truly matters,’ she says. ‘In fact, how fit you are is one of the strongest predictors of how long you will live — and not just for survival, but for thriving. The best news? You don’t need to be the ‘fittest of the paf-media.co.uk 21 training With nearly half the population affected at some point by menopause, the fitness industry is waking up to a clear commercial and community opportunity. We look at some of the operators who are introducing menopause-friendly training, inclusive programmes and staff education to retain women over 40, attract new audiences and set new standards in wellbeing support Movement and exercise: The best medicine for the menopause
fit’. The women who start with the lowest fitness levels often see the greatest benefits from even small, consistent steps. Little changes really do make a big difference.’ The Menopause Movement The Menopause Movement, set up in 2021 and founded by Bird, Jo McEwan and Ann Stephens, provides structured education and resources that raise standards across the sector, from front-of-house awareness to programme design and leadership training. Its partnerships with operators help ensure consistent, evidence-based practice and align businesses with a growing national conversation around women’s health. The programme bridges the gap between fitness and health, equipping fitness professionals with the knowledge and confidence they need to deliver safe, effective and motivating training for women going through menopause. Bird explains: ‘Education is the foundation of effective support. Staff need to understand how menopause affects energy levels, recovery and motivation to deliver safe and empathetic programmes. The Menopause Movement course gives trainers the tools they need to bridge the gap between fitness and health – changing lives, growing businesses and creating communities where women don’t just survive menopause, they thrive through it.’ Practical actions for operators Bird offers some straightforward steps for leisure centres and gyms in order to better attract and retain women in menopause: • Invest in menopause-specific training for all fitness and customer-facing staff • Introduce tailored group classes focusing on strength, flexibility and stress reduction 22 paf-media.co.uk training Christien Bird MSc, MCSP, chartered physiotherapist and co-founder of the Menopause Movement ‘The women who start with the lowest fitness levels often see the greatest benefits from even small, consistent steps. Little changes really do make a big difference’
paf-media.co.uk 23 training Places Leisure, one of the UK’s leading social enterprises, has taken a proactive approach to supporting women through menopause, developing a dedicated 12-week programme called Move Through Menopause, and officially endorsed by the Menopause Movement. Delivered across community leisure centres nationwide, the initiative combines education, movement and peer support to help women manage symptoms and rebuild confidence in physical activity. Places Leisure enrolled a group of its fitness professionals on specialist menopause training, enabling them to design sessions that respond directly to participants’ needs. The programme blends strength and mobility work with accessible activities such as walking, aqua classes, cycling and badminton. From private pool sessions to adapted cycling, the programme worked to remove intimidation and body image barriers. The design focused as much on emotional wellbeing as physical outcomes. Trainers created safe, judgement-free spaces where women could talk openly about their experiences, supported by buddy systems, a WhatsApp group and group chats to sustain motivation between sessions. Many participants formed lasting friendships — reinforcing the programme’s emphasis on community as a key driver of adherence and wellbeing. Pelvic health and urinary leakage, often cited as barriers to participation, were addressed head-on. The programme included sessions with a women’s health physiotherapist and introduced the Squeezy App to help participants strengthen their pelvic floor muscles, giving them confidence to move without fear. Evaluation of the pilot showed measurable progress in: • Improved mental wellbeing and confidence • Greater openness in discussing menopause symptoms • Reduced symptom severity and improved comfort • Enhanced physical and intimate health For Places Leisure, the impact extended beyond participants. The initiative attracted new members, strengthened community engagement and upskilled instructors with expertise they can apply across all client groups. www.placesleisure.org/move-throughmenopause Places Leisure’s Move Through Menopause CASE STUDY
• Provide cooler studios, good ventilation and easy access to water • Offer flexible memberships that account for fluctuating energy levels and schedules • Build community through peer-support groups, workshops and education sessions • Refresh marketing imagery and language to reflect and celebrate women in midlife By addressing menopause openly and proactively, leisure centres can position themselves as inclusive, evidence-led and community-focused. This approach enhances retention, attracts new members and strengthens brand reputation in an increasingly competitive sector. As Bird says: ‘Movement truly is the best medicine. With the right knowledge, support and encouragement, fitness professionals can play a vital role in helping women navigate menopause with strength and confidence.’ www.menopausemovement.co.uk 24 paf-media.co.uk training Other initiatives The Gym Group has initiated a Female Health First training programme for staff, delivered in partnership with The Well HQ. So far 50 trainers have completed the course, with the aim to embed menopause education into standard instructor development. The Gym Group has also achieved a Menopause Friendly Employer Accreditation. Everyone Active offers women-only sessions and menopause cafés within several of its leisure centres. It’s also partnered with The Well HQ to train teams in life-stage physiology (menstrual cycle, menopause, pelvic health) to better support women across stages. Moray Leisure Centre’s Menofit is a tailored exercise class programme for people affected by menopause. The classes are explicitly promoted as symptom-supportive (managing hot flushes, joint pain, mood), with tailored content and messaging. Flawsome Fitness was launched by fitness professional Tracey Sanderson, whose six-week Reclaim Your Menopause course is designed to help women regain confidence, strength and control over their wellbeing. Each small-group session focuses on resistance training, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness, while every participant also receives an individualised gym or home workout plan. The programme, priced at £57, was created to be both accessible and impactful. Sanderson’s inspiration came from personal experience. Navigating menopause while dealing with profound personal loss and emotional challenges, she found exercise to be a lifeline — restoring her resilience and energy at a time when she needed it most. This transformation motivated her to retrain as a personal trainer in her 50s, determined to help other women experience the same benefits. Her Flawsome Fitness brand — a celebration of being ‘flawed but awesome’ — has quickly grown, fuelled by word of mouth and social media. Instagram: @flawsomefitness Facebook: Flawsome-Fit
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26 paf-media.co.uk event preview Following an exceptional 2025 event, the physical activity facilities forum Europe will be held in Davos, Switzerland, from 3 to 6 February 2026. Here’s what to expect PAF Europe has established itself as a distinctive industry forum, and one that combines high-level business engagement with an environment designed for focus, connection and fresh thinking. The event will take place at the AlpenGold Hotel, a contemporary landmark overlooking Lake Davos and surrounded by the Swiss Alps. Across the three days, delegates will participate in targeted one-to-one meetings, interactive discussions and insight sessions exploring the future of physical activity, wellness and facility design. The schedule encourages meaningful interaction – both within structured sessions and in the informal settings that make Davos unique. Whether on the slopes, during shared meals or in the hotel’s alpine lounges, conversations are designed to flow naturally and productively. Hosted buyers will enjoy three nights’ accommodation, all meals and dedicated networking experiences, including après-ski gatherings and curated mountain activities. Lift passes and ski lessons are included for skiers and snowboarders, while guided excursions offer alternative ways to experience the landscape. Evenings feature relaxed social events, including live music, a fondue party and a gala dinner that brings the community together, as well as access to the spa and fitness facilities. Shaping the future of active spaces Supported by EuropeActive, Swiss Active, ukactive and North Macedonia Active, the 2026 forum will convene senior operators, developers, architects and suppliers from across the continent. It’s a setting where strategic conversations lead to tangible partnerships and new initiatives for the sector’s growth. As the physical activity industry continues to evolve, paf Europe remains a place where collaboration and innovation drive progress, all set against a backdrop that inspires clear thinking and shared purpose. Join the 2026 forum Participation is limited and demand is high. To register interest or explore highlights from recent editions, visit www.paf-europe.com To attend as a supplier, contact: julian@stable-events.co.uk To attend as a complimentary buyer delegate, contact: georgie.smith@stable-events.co.uk www.paf-europe.com Partners & Supporters: Business at its peak: paf Europe heads to new venue in the Swiss Alps
paf-media.co.uk 27 interview Lyndsey Barrett, Sport for Confidence CIC Bridging the gap between health and leisure, Lyndsey Barrett and Sport for Confidence CIC are demonstrating how occupational therapy in community settings can deliver measurable health outcomes, reduce inequality, and support the national shift from treatment to prevention. Here, she shares her story with Katie Lewis You were the first occupational therapist to work in a leisure centre setting. What inspired you to take that leap and what challenges did you face early on? Sport for Confidence CIC began with me and one participant at Basildon Sporting Village in 2015. After 16 years as an occupational therapist in the NHS, I loved my profession and believed in its power to change lives, but I also saw the limits of clinical settings — too many barriers and not enough time with the people I wanted to support. I wanted to demonstrate the full scope of occupational therapy in a real community environment. By embedding it within leisure settings, we could reach people in ways clinical services often couldn’t, helping them reconnect with meaningful occupation through sport and activity. There were challenges, from funding to systems change, but I had absolute belief in the model — that bringing occupational therapy into community leisure could deliver truly person-centred, outcome-focused support and help people rebuild purpose and belonging through physical activity. How did your personal health journey shape the creation of Sport for Confidence? While studying occupational therapy at Canterbury Christ Church University, I competed in national-level netball for England U21s before being diagnosed with an autoimmune condition that changed everything. I lost the use of one hand, developed foot drop and epilepsy, and faced significant cognitive challenges. After almost a year in hospital, the sport that had always defined me was gone. When I recovered enough to finish my degree and begin my OT career, the experience gave me a new perspective on health and participation. I saw first-hand the positive impact of intentional activity on recovery — not just for my body, but for identity, confidence and connection. That insight inspired Sport for Confidence: a model where occupational therapists work with leisure professionals to make physical activity accessible, meaningful and therapeutic. Today, we have over 50 OTs, apprentices and volunteers across Essex, London and Suffolk, with more locations coming soon. We’re demonstrating how occupational therapy transforms lives when delivered through community settings that promote inclusion, choice and belonging. What were your initial aims and what have been the challenges? My aim was to evidence what occupational therapy could achieve for individuals, communities and systems in a non-clinical setting. I wanted to position OTs as innovators, using meaningful occupation — in this case, sport and physical activity — as the basis of effective therapeutic intervention. This vision remains at the heart of Sport for Confidence. We work with leisure operators, health and social care partners, and community organisations to design and deliver OT services in mainstream environments. Physical activity is not the goal in itself; it’s the therapeutic tool we use to enable people to engage, recover and thrive. Our biggest challenge has been systems change — shifting perceptions so leisure is recognised as a credible health partner and occupational therapy as an essential part of the wellbeing pathway. With growing
recognition from Sport England, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and others, that change is happening. Sport for Confidence has been praised for breaking down barriers to physical activity. What do you think has been the key to its success? We don’t simply provide opportunities to be active — we provide occupational therapy through sport and physical activity. We focus on the person, not the diagnosis, and on outcomes, not attendance. Occupational therapists are dual-trained in physical and mental health, allowing a wholeperson approach. We assess physical, social, psychological and environmental barriers to participation and work with individuals to remove or adapt them. Through this method, we enable people to engage in activities that are meaningful to them and improve wellbeing far beyond the leisure centre walls. Collaboration has also been essential. We work within a whole-system approach that includes health, social care, leisure, voluntary and community sectors. Independent evaluation has proved our approach generates significant social value and wellbeing outcomes that support the government’s shift from cure to prevention. What role do occupational therapists play in your programmes that other professionals might not? Occupational therapists bring a unique clinical and holistic perspective. We look beyond the activity to understand what it represents for the person — regaining independence, building social confidence or rediscovering identity. In leisure settings, OTs assess and address barriers across the person, the environment and the occupation itself. We might adapt the physical space, modify the task or support someone to build new skills and confidence. We also understand how mental health, cognition, sensory processing and physical ability intersect in daily functioning. This enables truly person-centred interventions. Working alongside leisure professionals, OTs translate these insights into practical, inclusive design and delivery. Together, we create environments where people are not ‘patients’ but participants — valued community members. If you could change one thing in how the UK approaches health, wellbeing and leisure, what would it be? I would shift investment and policy towards prevention — promoting good health and preventing ill health through communitybased, occupation-focused activity. Leisure centres are uniquely placed to be part of this preventative model. If health, social care and leisure worked together with shared budgets and co-located services, we 28 paf-media.co.uk interview
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