PARKWOOD LEISURE CELEBRATES 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF BINGHAM ARENA WITH NEARLY 350K VISITS IN THE FIRST YEAR

• Since opening its doors in February 2023, the site has seen a 70% increase in visits since last year
• Swimming has seen a dramatic increase across the Rushcliffe District as a result, with a 128% increase equating to 38,635 visits compared to 16,940 during the same period last year.
• The building’s design contributes to a 78% reduction in carbon emissions compared to other leisure centres in the area.

Leading leisure operator, Parkwood Leisure, and subcontractor LEX Leisure, report a hugely impactful first year in carbon emissions, visitor increases and swim memberships for the Bingham Arena.

As part of the Rushcliffe Borough Contract, Parkwood Leisure and LEX Leisure have reported a hugely successful first year of managing Bingham Arena, delivering significant leisure, activity, commercial and sustainability benefits to the local community. 

Opening its doors February 2023, the £13 million Bingham Arena has quickly become a cornerstone for health, wellness, and community events for people in the Nottingham community. With 343,000 visits in the first year and an additional 32,000 visits to Toot Hill Sports Centre for dryside activities, the Rushcliffe Contract has seen an increase of over 200,000 visits per annum.

Health and fitness memberships have increased by 200% in the contract and the learn-to-swim programme has grown by approximately 500 participants. Casual swimming has seen a dramatic increase, with 38,635 visits compared to 16,940 during the same period last year.

The building’s design contributes to a 78% reduction in carbon emissions compared to other leisure centres in the area, reinforcing all parties’ commitment to sustainability.

Glen Hall, Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure, said, “We’re incredibly proud of the success we’ve achieved in our first year working with Bingham Arena. The increase in visits, memberships, and community engagement is a testament to the enthusiastic support from the Bingham community. We look forward to continuing this positive impact and providing an exceptional leisure experience for members for years to come.”

Councillor Wheeler of Rushcliffe Borough Council added: “Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler said “It has been a pleasure to witness firsthand the impact Bingham Arena has had on the physical and mental wellbeing of its users . Over the past year, the centre has truly become a staple for the local Bingham community and beyond.  We look forward to working with Parkwood Leisure and LEX Leisure going forward to continue promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, and giving people access to state-of-the-art facilities – right on their doorstep.”

The centre features a 25-metre six-lane swimming pool, a teaching pool, an 80-station fitness centre, two group exercise studios, a community hall, and a café. The facilities are designed to cater to a wide range of activities, from fitness classes to community events. The site features Changing Places facilities to support those with disabilities and offers successful Goodboost Aqua sessions. 

The community hall, named to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, has become a vibrant hub for local events. It can host up to 300 people and has welcomed a variety of activities, including pantomimes, school productions, Bingham Town Markets, evening music events, and soft play parties.

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