Where It Started...
In the 1980's, Wealden district council opened new leisure centres in Crowborough, Hailsham & Uckfield, with Heathfield joining soon after. These centres quickly became important places for local people to get active & connect.
A New Approach...
By the late 1990's, councils everywhere were rethinking how leisure services were run. Wealden District Council took a bold step & supported the creation of a new charitable company - Wealden Leisure Limited, you will know us as Freedom Leisure.
Growing The Trust...
Wealden Leisure Limited invested early in it's facilities, including a major upgrade at Uckfield. As the organisation grew; taking on sites in Ringmer, Hastings, Helenswood & Rother, it was able to share costs, strengthen services and deliver long-term savings for Wealden.
Who We Are Today...
Nearly 25 years on, Wealden Leisure Limited has grown from a local charity into one of the UKs leading not-for-profit leisure operators while staying rooted in Wealden, operating around 140 leisure & cultural venues across England & Wales.
Looking Forward...
Local government is changing & with it new opportunities for charitable trusts like ourselves. Wealden Leisure Limited trading as Freedom Leisure, will continue it's mission of improving lives through leisure. And now matter how much we grow, our heart & our name, will always stay here in Wealden.
Celebrating Staff...
Freedom Leisure proudly recognised its longest-serving team members at a special awards ceremony held at Hailsham Leisure Centre, celebrating colleagues who have been with the organisation since its very beginning.