Better win for York at ukactive Awards 2025
York Leisure Centre has been named Regional Public Centre of the Year for the North of England at the prestigious ukactive Awards 2025, held at the ICC in Birmingham. The award recognises excellence in public leisure provision and celebrates the centre’s outstanding contribution to community health, wellbeing, and physical activity.
York Leisure Centre is operated by charitable social enterprise GLL - one of the foremost leisure trusts in the UK. Services are provided under its 'Better' brand.
Opened in December 2020 as part of the York Stadium Leisure Complex, York Leisure Centre has become a flagship facility for inclusive and innovative leisure services. The centre features a 25m swimming pool, learner pool, splash pad, gym, sports hall, Clip N Climb arena, and more, serving thousands of residents across York and beyond.
The award reflects the strength of the centre’s multi-partner model, which includes City of York Council, GLL, York Stadium Management Company, York NHS, York Against Cancer, Explore York Libraries, York City FC and York RLFC.
Peter Bundey, CEO of GLL, said:
“This award is a testament to the dedication and passion of the York Leisure Centre team. Their commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible leisure services has made a real difference to the community. We’re proud to work in partnership with the City of York Council and other stakeholders to ensure York residents have the very best facilities to support active and healthy lives.”
Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of City of York Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture, added:
“York Leisure Centre is a shining example of what can be achieved when public, private and community partners come together with a shared vision. This award recognises not just the facility, but the people behind it — the staff, the partners, and the residents who make it such a vibrant hub for health and wellbeing. We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and what it means for our city.”
The ukactive Awards are the most prestigious accolades in the UK’s physical activity sector, celebrating innovation, impact, and leadership across the country. This year’s ceremony was hosted by Olympian Professor Greg Whyte OBE and fitness advocate Laura Hoggins, with support from headline sponsor Swimming Teachers Association (STA).
It's not the first time Better centres and people has prevailed at the ukactive Awards - last year picking up 'Physical Activity Hero' for Health Manager Danii Vipond Houghton from Cumbria and 'Outstanding Leader of the Year' for People Director Lorraine Patrinos. In 2023, Better's Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre picked up 'Club of the Year' for the London Region.