Staff from Halo are joined by the headteacher and pupils from William Brookes School to celebrate day one of the new partnership
Halo Leisure and Much Wenlock Leisure Centre have officially joined forces in an exciting new partnership aimed at getting more local people more active more often.
Halo Leisure is now responsible for running the facilities at the Centre based at William Brookes School. Halo Leisure is a registered charity and Social Enterprise running over 25 sport and leisure centres throughout Bridgend County Borough, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Merthyr Tydfil, Torfaen, Shropshire, Swindon, Worcestershire and Stratford-upon-Avon on behalf of the local authorities and other partners.
Matt Smith, Halo Partnership Manager for Shropshire, said:
“We have big plans to enhance the centre’s facilities, starting with a complete £75,000 transformation of the gym – thanks to funding from Shropshire Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy funding pot and Halo Leisure.
The local community can look forward to brand new, top-of-the-range kit, premium new flooring and fresh, modern decoration.”
Key Investments and Enhancements:
● £75,000 Gym Transformation: A full refurbishment of the gym facilities is the first priority, introducing state-of-the-art equipment and a modernised environment.
● Aquatic Facilities Revamp: Following the gym’s completion, attention will turn to the aquatic facilities, including a revamp of the Learn to Swim Programme to offer more opportunities for children and young people to gain this valuable life skill.
● Poolside Changing Rooms Refresh: The poolside changing rooms will receive a total refresh in the Summer of 2026.
● Energy Efficiency: A new pool cover will be installed to significantly improve the centre’s energy efficiency.
Ruth Shaw, Headteacher, William Brookes School said:
“We are delighted to welcome this partnership with Halo Leisure, which will bring fantastic benefits to our students and the wider Much Wenlock community.
The planned improvements will enhance the daily experience of our young people and provide high‑quality facilities for local families to enjoy. This investment strengthens our school vision: healthy body, healthy mind.”
David O’Toole, CEO, The 3-18 Education Trust, said:
“Working with Halo Leisure for more than a decade has shown the real value of long-term partnership, combining educational settings with high-quality community leisure provision.
This new chapter at Much Wenlock builds on Halo’s success at Bridgnorth Endowed Leisure Centre, strengthening opportunities for young people, families and the wider community to be active and engaged.”
The 10-year agreement with Halo Leisure will see the provision secured across both Much Wenlock and Bridgnorth Endowed Leisure Centres, strengthening relations between the Trust schools and local communities.
James Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing and leisure, went on to say:
“This is a really positive step for Much Wenlock, a great example of the new administration’s New Direction and what can be achieved through partnership working. By bringing Halo together with The 3–18 Education Trust, we’re helping to secure a long‑term future for the leisure centre while protecting access to high‑quality facilities for local people.
The investment being made through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding means improvements can go ahead despite the council’s financial position, while still delivering real benefits for residents. This partnership will not only enhance the facilities but also support healthier, more active lifestyles in the town for years to come.”
To follow the progress of the centre’s transformation, please visit the Much Wenlock Leisure Centre Facebook page.
For more information on activities and to sign up for a leisure membership with gym workouts and swim sessions, please visit Halo Leisure Much Wenlock Leisure Centre website. (haloleisure.org.uk/centres/much-wenlock-leisure-centre)
For further media information or photo/interview opportunities, please contact:
Cathy Fletcher, Halo Leisure Head of Marketing and Communications
[email protected] Tel: 07790376749
