West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has appointed Everyone Active as the operator of its 6 facilities from 1st April 2026 as part of a new 10-year leisure management contract.

SLC were commissioned by WNC in May 2024 to support the procurement process. The Council was developing a new Active Lives Strategy, designed to “create the conditions that enable everyone in West Northamptonshire to be active”. It recognises the distinct health inequalities that exist across the region and the role of physical activity in helping to address these as part of a system-wide approach. The new contract has been designed specifically to act as a key supporting tool for delivery of the new strategy.

SLC worked with the Council’s Leisure Procurement Project Board to develop a procurement strategy. This set out the approach to the procurement and established a suitable balance between meeting the Council’s requirements whilst ensuring the opportunity was attractive to the market. A Council investment fund was also included so operators could develop investment options. The business case for these options was tested through the tender process and enabled the Council to assess the projected return on investment, the improvement to the overall financial position and how effectively the proposals met local needs.

SLC developed all the tender documentation, helped with responses to clarification questions, supported the evaluation of bids and facilitated negotiation meetings.

The new 10-year contract brings together the 6 facilities across the former local authority areas of Northampton and Daventry (now part of the WNC unitary authority) that were previously managed under separate contracts with Trilogy Active and Everyone Active respectively. There is a broader remit to tackle health inequalities through more diverse, inclusive and impactful services.

Backed by c.£5.6m of capital investment to improve the facilities, the new wider contract will significantly improve the management fee and repay the Council’s investment by the end of the term. This has been achieved through a combination of improved income and efficiencies in service delivery.

There are also additional benefits including:

  • A new Active Communities programme designed to help inactive and less active residents get moving
  • New weekly inclusive programmes for inactive and priority groups including 10+ sessions delivered in community settings
  • Discounted fees for care-experienced young people and carers as well as support for other target groups
  • Free memberships for people with Parkinson’s to support inclusivity and accessibility
  • £675k investment in energy-saving technologies, including LED lighting, solar PV and pool system upgrades which will reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 184 tonnes
  • Investment in new equipment and upgrades to group exercise spaces and amenity areas

If you would like further information on how SLC can support your local authority with its leisure and active wellbeing procurement, please contact us at info@slc.uk.com or call us on 01444 459927.