Leisure Industry News - December 2024

In December, we highlight key achievements, challenges, and changes across the UK leisure industry. From prestigious awards in travel and education to exciting developments in sports, hospitality, and leisure, these stories capture the evolving landscape of the industry.

Here’s a roundup of the latest developments making an impact this month…

• Park Holidays UK staff have been celebrated for their role in securing three major accolades at the British Travel Awards, including the top titles of Best Provider of UK Park and Lodge Holidays and Best Provider of UK Short Breaks. The group also earned a silver award in the Best UK Provider of Family Holidays category.

• The family owners and team at Paignton’s Beverley Holidays celebrated a record-breaking 2024 season, with over 55,000 bed nights booked. The park welcomed over 35,000 guests, boosting the English Riviera’s economy and vibrancy.

• The golf industry is facing significant changes, with Caird Park Golf Course in Dundee set to close on 30th April 2025, after a challenging period for Scottish clubs.

• Balmoral Golf Club in Northern Ireland plans to relocate to a new 149-acre site, while Maidenhead Golf Club and Flackwell Heath Golf Club in England will merge by 1st January 2026, forming Maidenhead and Flackwell Heath Golf Club at the latter's current site.

• The UK’s first XF Gym has opened in a 40,000 sq. ft former Debenhams store at Merry Hill shopping centre near Dudley, marking the start of a planned small chain. The gym features an open-plan workout zone, a women-only area, group exercise classes like yoga and boxing, and a wellness area with a sauna, steam room, tanning beds, and massage services.

• Hotel du Vin Edinburgh has unveiled a £1.2m refurbishment, blending historical architecture with sustainable upgrades, while guestrooms reflect Scottish heritage and natural landscapes.

• Leonardo Hotels UK and Ireland won the 'Best Large Employer' award at the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 Awards, highlighting their commitment to inclusivity and flexible opportunities for disabled employees.

• KKR and The Baupost Group have acquired a portfolio of 33 Marriott and Delta by Marriott hotels across the UK. Managed by Amante Capital, the properties, located in cities such as London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, will remain Marriott-branded and undergo continued investment in collaboration with Marriott International's UK team.

• New Leyton leisure centre officially opened. The Score Centre, with one of the UK’s largest new sports halls, was officially opened on 28th November in Coronation Square next to Leyton Orient Football Club. It features versatile courts for sports like basketball, futsal, and badminton.

• Machynlleth Town Council has pledged to keep opposing Powys County Council's proposals to close the Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre, after the decision was delayed. Citing a survey where 72% of residents called the centre "essential", councillors vowed at their last meeting to maintain pressure to prevent the closure.

• Families are devastated over the potential closure of Leeds' Abbey House Museum, a popular attraction with exhibitions, a Victorian street experience, and a Santa’s Grotto. Leeds City Council is considering the closure as part of a cost-cutting plan with the closure expected to save £160,000 annually.

• Reigate Grammar School is the winner of the Sunday Times' Independent Secondary School of the Year 2025 award. The school provides means-tested bursaries each year, features over 200 clubs covering topics from anime to sports, and offers students opportunities to become qualified first-aiders or lifeguards.