Future of Much Wenlock Leisure Centre secured through new 10‑year partnership

Shropshire Council is pleased to confirm that the future of Much Wenlock Leisure Centre has been secured, following the appointment of Halo Leisure as the centre’s new operator from 1 April 2026. 

Pictured L-R: Councillor Dan Thomas, Shropshire Councillor for Much Wenlock and Town Mayor; Ed Lloyd, Student, William Brookes School; Scott Rolfe, CEO, Halo Leisure; Ruth Shaw, Headteacher, William Brookes School; Sophie Buckland, Student, William Brookes School; Councillor James Owen, Cabinet member for Housing and Leisure, Shropshire Council. Photo credit: The 3-18 Education Trust.

This announcement marks the successful conclusion of months of collaborative work involving Shropshire Council, William Brookes School, The 3–18 Education Trust, Much Wenlock Town Council and members of the community. Together, partners have worked to ensure that leisure provision at the site can be protected for both students and the wider public for years to come. 

The new 10‑year agreement with Halo Leisure will secure leisure services across both Much Wenlock Leisure Centre and Bridgnorth Endowed Leisure Centre, further strengthening links between Trust schools and their local communities. 

This positive outcome follows a significant public consultation held by the council in 2024, in which more than 1,800 people shared their views. The clear message was that residents valued the centre and wished to see public access retained. While the council’s financial pressures meant that continuing the existing £280,000 annual subsidy was not sustainable, all partners remained committed to exploring alternative operating models that would safeguard the facility’s long‑term future. 

It is important to note that none of this would be possible without use of the town’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding. This funding will now be used to make much-needed improvements to the building. This investment means the centre can be upgraded without needing any ongoing financial support from the council. 

Councillor James Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing and leisure, said: 

“We have been working alongside the school, the Trust and the town council for a number of months to identify a funding source to secure the centre’s future. We are delighted that money from the town’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) will be used to do this, without the need for a council subsidy. 

“It is brilliant that the services at the leisure facility in Much Wenlock will be protected for years to come with this partnership agreement between Halo and The 3–18 Education Trust. While the current financial reality means the council cannot always provide these important community assets, we remain committed to finding alternative ways to mitigate the impact of those decisions.” 

Councillor Dan Thomas, Shropshire Councillor for Much Wenlock, said: 

“When it was announced last year that Shropshire Council were pulling the funding from the leisure centre, I was deeply concerned about the damage it could have to our community. As Much Wenlock’s Shropshire Councillor, it was a pleasure to work with The 3-18 Trust, the new administration and officers from Shropshire Council to secure confirmation of funds required to refurbish the facility for public use. 

 “I have seen first-hand the dedication required to reach this point by the management of the Trust, who have the wider community’s interest at heart. I want to pay particular tribute to Ruth Shaw’s leadership as Head of the School; the impact of the school’s improvements has been felt by the wider community. 

“For the people of Much Wenlock, this isn’t just about a building—it’s about health, wellbeing, and maintaining the unique Olympic legacy of our town. I look forward to seeing the centre thrive under Halo’s expertise, working with existing dedicated staff. The people of Much Wenlock, its surrounding areas, and I will be forever grateful to The 3-18 Education Trust for taking our leisure centre on.” 

Shropshire Council, The 3–18 Education Trust, William Brookes School and Halo Leisure will now begin detailed transition planning ahead of the handover date on 1 April 2026. Further updates for customers and the community will be shared in due course to ensure a smooth and well‑supported transition.