Burnley Leisure and Culture is seeing strong results from its renewed focus on older adults and people living with long-term conditions following a major upgrade of its power-assisted exercise suite. Relaunched as the Active Hub at St Peter’s Leisure Centre, the space has doubled its membership, while usage by people with disabilities has increased by 300%.

The former women-only suite has been transformed into a premium, inclusive exercise space featuring Innerva’s latest power-assisted equipment, supported by digital connectivity through Innerva Connect.

Scott Bryce, chief operating officer at Burnley Leisure and Culture, says: ‘Our increased work with health partners, rehabilitation services and exercise referral highlighted the need to invest in both facilities and staff to better serve older adults and people with complex health needs.’

The Active Hub plays a central role in the centre’s exercise referral pathway, offering an accessible entry point while supporting long-term participation. Prior to the refurbishment, 23% of exercise referral participants converted to mainstream membership. Following the upgrade and the introduction of a stepping-stone membership, the conversion rate has risen to 81%.

The hub supports collaborative delivery with local primary care networks, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, providing a smooth transition from hospital discharge or treatment into community-based activity. Partner-led sessions in the space have increased from one per week to around six, aligning with the NHS Long Term Plan’s focus on prevention and early intervention.

Most Active Hub users live with long-term health conditions, commonly including MSK pain, mobility limitations, neurological conditions and mental health challenges. The majority are aged 50 and over, with increasing male participation.

Burnley Leisure and Culture is one of the first operators to implement Innerva Connect, using the platform to track member activity and better understand customer journeys and outcomes.

Membership of the Active Hub has grown from around 100 to more than 200, with a further 430 mainstream members regularly using the space. Staff across the centre have also been trained to use the equipment, supporting both workforce wellbeing and stronger member engagement.

‘The Active Hub is no longer an add-on; it’s become a core part of our offer,’ Bryce adds.

Burnley Leisure and Culture was named Local Authority/Leisure Trust Gym of the Year at the National Fitness Awards in December, securing the title for the second time in four years.