Richmond.gov.uk
My Account
  1. Home
  2. Services
  3. Sports

Fairer and free access concessions

On this page

The fairer and free access schemes provide discounts or free access to some activities at our sports and fitness centres and is available to certain residents in Richmond.

Fairer Access Scheme (pay as you go)

Fairer access to Richmond borough sports and fitness centres can be obtained with a free concessionary resident membership.

The scheme is open to Richmond residents who receive one of the following benefits:

  • Job seekers allowance 
  • Income support 
  • Housing benefit
  • Working tax credit
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Carer allowance
  • Universal Credit 
  • Pension credit
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • Attendance Allowance

Discounts

The following pay as you go discounts are included with a free concessionary resident membership:

  • 40% discount on adult pay as you go fitness classes
  • 60% discount on pay as you go adult general swimming
  • 60% discount on adult pay as you go gym sessions
  • Discounted adult court bookings
  • Free general swimming for children of parents with a Concessionary Resident Membership - available for indoor general  swimming sessions only
  • 40% discount on junior coached activities - excludes swimming lessons

These discounts apply at the following centres:

How to apply

You can apply for a pay as you go membership with Better. Your pay as you go membership will provide discounts at all six leisure centres.

Alternatively, you can apply in person at one of our sports and fitness centres.

As part of your application, you must provide proof of your relevant benefit(s) that qualify you for this scheme.

We will accept a letter confirming your eligibility, or proof of payment to your bank account. Proof documentation must be dated within the last three months when applying. Proof can be uploaded when applying online or brought along when applying in person at a centre.

Remember - you must live in Richmond borough to be able to apply for a pay as you go concessionary resident membership.

Concessionary resident membership

Concessionary resident memberships are available to those living in the London Borough of Richmond who are in receipt of any of the following benefits:

  • Housing Benefit
  • Income Support
  • Job Seekers Allowance
  • Working Family Tax Credit
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Carers Allowance
  • Universal Credit or Pension Credit
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • Attendance Allowance

Proof of eligibility will be required.

We offer both home-site and multi-site concessionary membership options.

Home-site membership

Home-site concessionary membership allows access to one site only. This membership is only available for:

  • Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre
  • Shene Sports and Fitness Centre
  • Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre

It costs £16 per month, payable by Direct Debit.

We also offer an annual home-site membership plan - 12 months for the price of 10, for the offer price of £160.

Multi-site membership

Multi-site concessionary membership allows access to all six leisure centres (as listed above).

It costs £31 per month, payable via Direct Debit.

We also offer an annual multi-site membership plan - 12 months for the price of 10, for the offer price of £310.

Concession memberships have no joining fee applicable.

Sanctuary seekers and people in emergency accommodation

Sanctuary seekers and people in emergency accommodation in Richmond can apply for a free concessionary membership. This provides free access to: 

  • General swimming sessions - indoor pools only 
  • Group exercise classes 
  • Gym sessions 

You can obtain free access to the above activities at the following centres:

How to apply 

To apply for a free concessionary membership, you must be a sanctuary seeker or in emergency accommodation in Richmond. 

Applications must be made by emailing your preferred home site location:

For Shene Sports and Fitness Centre, Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre or Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre, email leisure@richmond.gov.uk.

As part of your application email, you must provide proof of your eligibility. The following details will be required for the person applying:

  • Full name 
  • Gender 
  • Date of birth 
  • Email address 
  • Telephone or mobile number 
  • Name of primary sport and fitness centre wishing to join (home site)

If you have any difficulties applying via email, then you can visit one of our centres and a member of staff will assist you.

Proof of your eligibility must be provided with your application. We will accept a letter from the Home Office, letter from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, or an Asylum Application Registration Card (ARC). Any proofs being used must be dated within the last three months. 

Contact

For more information, email leisure@richmond.gov.uk.

Up to: Sports

Updated: 05 January 2026

Stay up to date! Make sure you subscribe to our email updates.