Council's leisure centres survey results released

We are currently developing a new Physical Activity, Sport and Leisure Strategy for Richmond upon Thames to provide a comprehensive and collaborative approach to delivering sport and physical activity in the borough.

An online survey ran between October and November 2022, shared via schools, libraries, voluntary sector groups, sports clubs, youth clubs and leisure centres. This gave residents an opportunity to speak about the barriers they face to both exercising and using our leisure centres, and what would encourage them to use them more.

From December 2022 to February 2023, we consulted underrepresented groups including inactive people, young people and parent carers through the form of focus groups.

From the 1,295 respondents to the initial survey, 70% were 'satisfied' with their most recent experience at one of our leisure centres, while 18% said that they exercise, though not at a Council leisure facility.

72% said the thing they liked the most about the centre they were using was the 'location', followed by 61% who said they liked the 'facilities (e.g. pools, gym, courts, halls, pitches)'.

36 respondents (3%) said that they do not exercise or do less than 30 minutes per week, with 'costs involved', 'not sure how to start' and 'not enough time due to care/childcare responsibilities' being the most common barriers. However, nearly half (47%) said that they would be quite likely to join a leisure centre if they were to start exercising.

Now that the data gathering is complete, the next step will be to review the information, produce options and draft the strategy itself, which we will also want to hear residents' thoughts on, in due course.

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Services Committee said:

"We are very grateful to every resident that took the time to give feedback on their experiences of exercising in the borough and with using Council leisure facilities. It's great to hear that so many are happy with their experiences so far, and we have gathered lots of useful information on how we can improve.

"Being active is hugely important to both mental and physical health in the long term and we want to ensure that there are offerings that are suitably accessible and convenient for everyone in the borough to use.

"No matter your level of fitness or experience with exercise, there are options and support available to help you. Check out our Richmond Moves webpages to learn more about how you can start moving more!"

Read the full leisure centres survey reports.

To get access to a leisure centre near you, you can join Feel Good Fitness today. Until Monday 31 July 2023, you will pay just £1 joining fee when you sign up!