Wealden Leisure Ltd, better known today as Freedom Leisure, is marking almost a quarter of a century as one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit leisure operators, while proudly reaffirming its deep roots in the Wealden District in Sussex where it all began.
The organisation’s story stretches back to the 1980s, when Wealden District Council opened new leisure centres in Crowborough, Hailsham and Uckfield followed shortly by Heathfield. These centres quickly became vital community hubs, supporting active lifestyles and social connection.
By the late 1990s, councils across the country were rethinking how best to deliver public leisure services. In response, Wealden District Council took a pioneering step and established a new charitable trust called Wealden Leisure Limited.
Founded in January 2002, on 1 April, the newly formed leisure trust officially took on responsibility for four centres, employing 240 staff and guided by nine volunteer trustees. Its mission was clear:
From the outset, Wealden Leisure Ltd invested heavily in its facilities including major upgrades at Uckfield and soon began to expand beyond its original Wealden base. The organisation went on to operate sites in Ringmer, Hastings, Helenswood and Rother, enabling it to share resources, strengthen services and deliver long-term savings that helped safeguard local leisure for the future.
Ivan Horsfall Turner, Chief Executive of Freedom Leisure, was instrumental in the formation of Wealden Leisure Ltd and one of the founding transferees from Wealden District Council.
Nearly 25 years later, Wealden Leisure Ltd. has evolved from a small local charity into one of the UK’s largest not-for-profit leisure operators, supporting millions of visits each year. Despite this growth, the organisation remains firmly connected to its Wealden District origins.
Ivan Horsfall Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Freedom Leisure, said: “When we created Wealden Leisure Ltd back in 2002, our vision was to build something that truly put communities first. We wanted to protect local leisure, invest in people and facilities, and deliver services that made a real difference to everyday lives. I’m incredibly proud that nearly 25 years on, that same vision still drives us. Freedom Leisure may now operate across England and Wales, but our heart, our purpose and our values remain firmly rooted in Wealden.
Today, Wealden Leisure Ltd:
As local government continues to evolve, Wealden Leisure Ltd, trading as Freedom Leisure, sees new opportunities for charitable trusts to support communities in innovative and sustainable ways.
Whatever the future brings, the organisation remains dedicated to its founding mission; Improving Lives Through Leisure.
And no matter how far it grows, its heart, and its name, will always remain in Wealden.
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