We are in the UK Active finals
Eastern Leisure Centre in Cardiff has been revealed as a finalist for the UKActive Awards 2022.
The Centre, managed by GLL on behalf of Cardiff City Council, has made it through to the final round in the Regional & National Club/Centre of the Year category. Eastern will now go through a mystery shop as well as an audience surveyand a digital review conducted by Proinsight, with the winners due to be announced next month.
Rhys Jones, Head of Service Better Cardiff, said:
“The pandemic hit our industry hard and Eastern was no exception, but the recovery and resurgence of the centre since the restart has been inspiring thanks to the dedication and vision of the staff. Eastern Centre’s collaborations with key partners such as the NHS, Youth Service, and Education is increasing participation in exercise and sport. It has doubled its pre pandemic swim school members and over 1000 children are now getting the opportunity to learn to swim, learning a vital life skill with many progressing to the City of Cardiff Swim Club.”
On hearing that their centre had made it through to the final round, Better members at the centre have been expressing their support and congratulating Eastern staff.
Tony Hicks age 59 said:
“I believe that Eastern should be ‘Centre of the Year’ because of the quality of service they provide, the friendly welcome, the professional knowledge and inspirational skills of their trainers and the camaraderie displayed by the many users of the centre. It really is an excellent facility.”
Gaynor age 61 said:
“I voted for Eastern to be centre of the year because I use it regularly, attending ten classes a week. I feel part of the community and the centre feels like home…. There is a great sense of community and belonging…I cannot recommend Eastern enough.”
Jon Barlow said:
“Eastern deserves to win for a multitude of reasons…first class facilities, wide range of fitness classes to suit all abilities and friendly approachable staff. Not only do they offer an exceptional exercise programme, but they also provide a service to the local community such as junior gym, youth workshops and working with disadvantaged children, a location for blood donation and even an emergency centre at a time of critical weather. I can’t recommend Eastern Leisure Centre enough…worthy winners of this award for all they do!”
Eastern Leisure Centre serves the communities of Llanrumney, Rumney, and St Mellons, at the East side of Cardiff but attracts customers from across the city. It is part of the GLL family, a Charitable Social Enterprise with Social Value and inclusion at the heart of its mission. Eastern is a traditional Leisure Facility previously operated by Cardiff Council which received a full refurbishment in 2016 and a change of management in 2021.
The centre has an upstairs gym, 1 large fitness studio, 25m 5 lane pool, outdoor 3g pitch, a multi-use sports hall, 2 studios, 2 squash courts and a strength and conditioning space.