Trilogy Active will continue swimming lessons at remaining sites across Northampton despite taking a step back from key centres
A key leisure provider in Northampton has confirmed that it will continue offering swimming lessons at its remaining sites despite taking a step back.
Trilogy Active has confirmed to the Chron that it will continue to operate at Cripps Recreation Centre, Duston Sports Centre, Berzerk Active Play and its swim schools at The Duston School and Weston Favell Academy.
The company, one of the town’s leading health and fitness providers, will be stepping back from operating at Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Mounts Baths and Lings Forum Leisure Centre which will all be taken over by Everyone Active from April 1 2026.
John Fletcher, managing director of Trilogy Active, said: “Our existing agreement with West Northamptonshire Council to manage the leisure contracts for Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Lings Forum Leisure Centre and Mounts Baths Leisure Centre will expire on 31 March 2026.
“While it was always our intention to bid for and retain this contract, a thorough internal review has shown that West Northamptonshire Council’s financial expectations of the new contract are not sustainable for Trilogy Active.
“Submitting a bid would have placed our organisation at significant financial risk and this is something we are not prepared to do.”
Trilogy Active has confirmed that up until March 31 it will continue to provide all existing programmes and activities for members across all these sites.
After 31 March 2026 management of Danes, Mounts and Lings will move to Everyone Active.
Trilogy has communicated to Junior Active members this week and will be writing to their adult members early in January 2026.
Mr Fletcher said: “Trilogy Active remains committed to the town as well as operating active play sites and leisure centres in Birmingham, Derby, Atherstone and Belper.
“Our facilities in Northampton include the Cripps Recreation Centre, Duston Sports Centre, Berzerk Active Play and the swim schools at The Duston School, Weston Favell Academy and Cripps Recreation Centre.
“These first-class services remain as popular as ever and we look forward to welcoming our members to these in 2026 and beyond.”
With Trilogy blaming ‘unsustainable financial expectations’ from West Northants Council, the Chron asked WNC for further comment.
A WNC spokesman said: "Trilogy Active made the decision not to bid and formally confirmed this ahead of the tender launch.
"Following an open and competitive process, the council has appointed Everyone Active, who already successfully manage leisure centres in West Northamptonshire, to deliver improved facilities and services from 2026.
"We are pleased that Trilogy will maintain a presence in West Northants at Duston, Cripps, Berzerk, and local schools."
The Trilogy statement follows on from WNC announcing earlier in the week that Sports & Leisure Management Ltd (SLM), trading as Everyone Active, would be taking over council-run centres in Northampton and Daventry for the next ten years.
The authority said the new service will ‘enhance local leisure provision, improve quality, and deliver better value for residents’.
Everyone Active already runs leisure centres in Daventry and Moulton, as well Daventry Sports Park.
Towcester Centre for Leisure and Brackley Leisure Centre will continue to be operated by Legacy Leisure under an existing contract which runs until 2036.
Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure, said: “This new service represents a major investment in the future of leisure provision in West Northants.
"We are committed to ensuring our communities have access to modern, inspiring and inclusive facilities that support healthy, active lifestyles. “The council also has a duty to secure best value for taxpayers, ensuring economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
"With Trilogy Active’s current contract due to end in 2026, it was right to test the market through a full and lawful tender process. Everyone Active has a strong national track record, and we look forward to working with them to deliver the high-quality services our residents expect and deserve.”
The council will now work closely with Everyone Active and Trilogy Active during a three-month mobilisation period to ensure a smooth, seamless transition for customers and staff.
All leisure centres will remain open, and further updates will be provided to members, partners and users over the coming months.
Simon Fearn, Everyone Active’s regional contract manager, said: “Everyone Active has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with West Northamptonshire Council which has gone from strength to strength.
“We are extremely proud of this partnership and are delighted to have extended it for another 10 years. “With six sites included in the new service, alongside significant investment, the future is bright for leisure in West Northamptonshire. Serving communities is at the heart of what we do and we are committed to providing the very best experience for local people over the next decade.”