Northumberland residents are making their health and wellbeing a priority as membership at Active Northumberland sports centres reaches an all-time high. 
 

The number of people visiting the sports centres has soared to record levels following a multi-million-pound investment in facilities across the county and a wide range of flexible membership options. 

 

Fitness membership is up +32% on pre-covid numbers. What’s more, members are making full use of the facilities with over 10% extra visits to the gym, fitness classes or swimming in May 2023 compared to May 2022. 

 

It comes after Northumberland County Council committed to its biggest ever spend on sports and leisure facilities spending £65 million to build new centres in Morpeth, Berwick and Ponteland and breathing new life into facilities at Blyth, Newbiggin and Hexham. 

 
Mark Warnes, Chief Executive of Active Northumberland said: 
 

“I think the Covid pandemic really highlighted the importance of exercise for people’s physical health, mental health and wellbeing, and our membership is now at record levels. 
 

He put the unprecedented increase down to a number of factors: 
 

“Active Northumberland offers something for everyone whether you are a toddler, teenager, a new mum or a pensioner. We cater for people just starting their fitness journey all the way up to elite athletes. 

 

“Combined with high quality facilities, a welcoming and experienced leisure and fitness team, alongside flexible membership options, we’re making health and fitness more accessible and affordable for customers and seeing fantastic usage in our centres. 

 

“Last month we had a record number of people signing up to become members. Our large centres offer long opening hours, so we have plenty of capacity for everyone to comfortably enjoy the facilities. I would urge people to check out our website or App to see what we can offer them.” 

 

Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for promoting healthy lives added: 

 

"This is fantastic news and comes on the back of our commitment to the biggest spend on leisure facilities this county has ever seen. 

 

"Without a doubt, residents now have some of the best facilities in the northeast and the incredible figures speak for themselves – we now have more people who want to use them than ever before.” 

 

Whether its gym, swim, spa treatments, or family fun, Active Northumberland has it covered.  To find out what is on offer at Active Northumberland Sports and Leisure Centres log on to www.activenorthumberland.org.uk