Freedom Leisure is celebrating a landmark moment in its history, marking a year of outstanding achievements across the organisation while entering its 25th year of partnership with Wealden District Council, the local authority where its story began.
From Local Roots to National Impact
Wealden Leisure Limited, trading as Freedom Leisure, was established in January 2002 following a bold decision by Wealden District Council to help create a charitable leisure trust to protect and enhance local leisure services. In April 2002, the organisation took responsibility for four local leisure centres, employing 240 staff and supported by nine volunteer trustees, with a clear mission to improve services, safeguard provision and deliver value for the Council and community.
Nearly 25 years on, that mission remains unchanged, but its reach has grown significantly. Today, Freedom Leisure operates around 140 leisure and cultural venues across England and Wales, working in partnership with 29 local authorities, employing approximately 7,000 colleagues and supporting millions of visits each year.
Despite this national growth, Freedom Leisure remains firmly connected to Wealden, still employing members of its original team – including Chief Executive Ivan Horsfall Turner – and retaining several founding trustees on its board.
As we enter our 25th year working in partnership with Wealden District Council, it’s incredibly special to reflect on where we started and how far we’ve come. Our roots in Wealden shaped who we are – a community-focused organisation driven by purpose rather than profit. The past year has shown the very best of Freedom Leisure: our people, our partnerships and our ability to make a real difference, whether through inclusive health programmes, national recognition or leading the sector on sustainability. While we now operate on a national scale, our heart, values and vision remain firmly grounded in Wealden.
Ivan Horsfall Turner
A Standout Year of Achievement
The past 12 months have been among the most successful in Freedom Leisure’s history, with national recognition for excellence, innovation and sustainability.
In August, the organisation was shortlisted for eight awards across six categories at the UK Active Awards 2025, highlighting the breadth and impact of its work. Finalist projects ranged from inclusive disability clubs and mental health programmes for young people, to specialist Parkinson’s activity sessions, award-winning refurbishments and the recognition of inspirational frontline colleagues.
This success was followed in October, when Freedom Leisure was named Outstanding Leisure Centre of the Year by UK Active, recognising exceptional standards, community impact and innovation in health and fitness.
Its commitment to inclusive, life-changing activity was further recognised at the Swim England Awards 2025, where Freedom Leisure was named Pioneering Pool Operator of the Year. The award highlighted the organisation’s innovative, community-focused approach to aquatic provision, with particular recognition given to the Ashford Free Learn to Swim Project.
The project removed financial barriers for children from deprived areas by providing fully funded swimming lessons, free equipment and unlimited access to public swimming. It has become a powerful example of partnership working between Freedom Leisure, local authorities and schools, and reflects the organisation’s wider commitment to water safety and equitable access to swimming.
In November, Freedom Leisure also achieved a major sustainability milestone, with its Environment and Sustainability Team named Energy Management Team of the Year by the Energy Managers Association. Judges praised the organisation’s strategic, data-driven approach and its ability to embed sustainability across more than 140 sites.
Over the past year alone, Freedom Leisure has delivered:
- An 18% reduction in gas consumption
- A 12% reduction in electricity consumption
- A 29% reduction in carbon intensity per visit compared with its 2019–20 baseline
The organisation has also secured £4 million in funding for renewable and energy efficiency projects, installed new solar PV systems and heat pumps, and became the first leisure trust in the UK to achieve Carbon Literate Organisation certification.
Proud of the Past, Focused on the Future
As Freedom Leisure looks ahead to its 25th anniversary year in Wealden, it remains committed to its founding mission of Improving Lives Through Leisure. With strong partnerships, dedicated colleagues and a proven track record of innovation and impact, the organisation is well placed to continue supporting healthier, happier and more active communities for many years to come.
A Standout Year of Achievement
UK Active Awards
Outstanding Leisure Centre of the Year
Swim England Awards
Pioneering Pool Operator of the Year
Swim Wales Awards
Learn To Swim Provider of the Year and Sustainabilty Initiative of the Year
Energy Managers Association Awards
Energy Management Team of the Year