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.
Ruth Shaw, Headteacher at 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, added: “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 our Trust schools and local communities.
Key Investments and Enhancements
“We have big plans to enhance the Centre’s facilities, starting with a complete £75k 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.” said Matt Smith, Halo Partnership Manager for Shropshire.
- £75k 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.
The future of Much Wenlock Leisure Centre has been saved from closure following months of collaborative work led by Ruth Shaw, Headteacher at William Brookes School. Ruth has worked tirelessly between the school, Trust, local partners and the wider community to secure the future of the leisure centre for the benefit of both students and the local public.
Councillor James Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for Housing and Leisure, commented: “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.
Notes for editors
The 3-18 Education Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) of primary and secondary schools across Shropshire, with a community of over 5,000 students.
For press enquiries, contact media@318education.co.uk.
