One Year of Positive Change: Celebrating GLL's First Year in Richmond

This October marks one year since Better, operated by GLL, began managing Richmond's leisure centres on behalf of Richmond Council. Over the past 12 months, we've introduced new programmes, invested in facilities and expanded opportunities to help residents across the borough become more active, improve their wellbeing and connect with their local community.

One of the biggest additions has been Healthwise, our GP referral programme, which helps people living with a range of health conditions access safe, supportive physical activity. Since launching in Richmond, Healthwise has helped local residents build confidence, improve their health and discover the benefits of regular physical activity.

We've also launched the Active Communities Programme (ACP), bringing physical activity into local community settings and making it easier for people to take part closer to home. New community-based sessions across the borough are helping residents stay active, reduce isolation and improve their overall wellbeing.

Richmond's sporting community has also benefited from the arrival of the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF), the UK's largest independent athlete support programme. This year, 49 talented local athletes have received funding and support to help them continue their sporting journeys and achieve their goals.

Customers at both Pools on the Park and Teddington Pools & Fitness Centre have seen an expanded fitness offering, including the introduction of world-renowned Les Mills classes. These additions have provided even more opportunities for people of all fitness levels to enjoy new ways of staying active.

We've also continued to invest in our facilities. A new multi-purpose studio at Pools on the Park has created additional space for fitness classes, wellbeing activities and community programmes, while improvements to the cafe area bathroom facilities have enhanced the overall customer experience.

Whether you've joined a fitness class, taken part in a community activity, been supported through Healthwise, or simply enjoyed our facilities, we're proud to have supported thousands of residents over the past year.

As we look ahead, we're committed to building on this progress and continuing to provide welcoming, inclusive and high-quality opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active, healthy and connected.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our first year in Richmond. We look forward to continuing to support local communities to move more, feel better and achieve more in the years ahead