Leisure transfer to Greenwich Leisure Limited

Changes taking place

From 1 October 2025, GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited) began operating Pools on the Park and Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre. These sites have now joined the online platform, Better (part of GLL), making it easier for residents to book and buy activities, lessons and memberships all in one place.

Other leisure centres in the borough will join the online platform, Better from 1 December 2025, but will remain under Council management.

These include the new Active Hampton Centre as well as the following dual use centres based on school sites:

Moving to Better

From 1 December 2025, residents will be able to book classes, lessons and activities with Better.

The online platform brings bookings, payments and memberships together in one place, making it easier than ever to get active locally.

Pay-as-you-go memberships will still be available.

This move to Better applies to the users of the following Council-managed leisure centres:

Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre
Shene Sports and Fitness Centre
Teddington Sports Centre
Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre

These centres will remain managed by the Council.

What this means for you:

Your current bookings and memberships will move over automatically, ready to manage through the online platform, Better
Programme details and timetables will be easier to view online
Staff support will remain available at centres and online
Bookings, payments and memberships will all be managed together on Better, helping you access activities more easily
You can also download the Better UK app manage your membership and activity bookings on the go

Data transfer

All user information and any active Direct Debit arrangements will be securely transferred to the new system on 1 December, in full compliance with data protection requirements. This ensures uninterrupted use of your leisure services.

For questions or to opt out of the data transfer, email leisure@richmond.gov.uk. You can also view our privacy notice for details on how we handle personal data.

Existing members

All current members are ringfenced and your access will remain the same or improve. You do not need to take any action unless you wish to change your membership.

To ensure continued access, membership data has been shared with GLL in accordance with data protection requirements.

If you wish to continue your membership you should not cancel your Direct Debit. GLL will be in contact with further information regarding your Direct Debit.

Pay-as-you-go customer data has not been shared. From 1 October, pay-as-you-go users can create an account with Better to start booking sessions and managing activities online.

Pricing

All membership pricing from 1 October will remain in line with current Council fees and charges.

There are no planned increases to prices, but as is currently the case, these will be reviewed annually.

Terms and conditions

When your membership transfers, new terms and conditions will apply.

Membership changes

The following membership types will no longer be sold directly at dual-use centres:

Gold
Student
Corporate
Staff multi-site
Concession
Silver (for Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre, but still available at Shene)

These memberships can now be purchased at better.org.uk, where equivalent options are available.

If you’d like a cross-usage membership that includes Pools on the Park or Teddington Pools, you’ll need to join with Better at better.org.uk. When you join, new terms and conditions will apply.

Better membership options

With Better, you can choose from:

Centre-only memberships
Partnership-wide memberships: includes Pools on the Park, Teddington Pools and dual-use centres)
UK-wide memberships: access to over 250 leisure centres across the country

Explore options and begin your membership with Better today.

Opening hours and timetables

Visit Better to find the most up-to-date information on opening times and holiday hours

Any changes to opening times during holidays or special events will also be displayed in-centre.

You can also use the Better UK app to view timetables, check your upcoming sessions, and manage your bookings on the go.

Please note, the names of some activities may have changed slightly.

Richmond Card

Residents will still be able to use their Richmond Card to access leisure sites, however it may take a few months for it to be used automatically due to new IT systems. You will need to show it to staff members at the front desk.

See the Richmond Card pages for all enquiries, including replacement cards, changes to details, or applications.

Swimming and hydrotherapy

There are no planned changes to the timing of lessons, or use of the pool by swimming clubs.

The hydrotherapy pool will remain open, with public sessions unaffected.

Investment and improvements

The new contract will see a further £1.9m of capital investment into both facilities with the proposed projects noted below. More details will be available soon.

Pools on the Park

Proposed investment:

General refurbishment and decoration
Refurbishment of changing areas 
Sauna and steam provision
Improved studio provision 
Refurbished gym area and equipment
Lift to first floor
Improvements to external provision

Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre

Proposed investment:

General refurbishment and decoration
Refurbished changing provision 
Improved studio provision
Refurbishment to the gym

Impact on staff

No redundancies are anticipated. Some staff will transfer to the employment from the Council to the new operator in accordance with TUPE regulations under their existing terms and conditions.

Contact

If you have any questions, call 020 3772 2999 or email leisure@richmond.gov.uk.

You can visit the centre pages on the Better website:

Up to: Sports

Updated: 06 November 2025