Preston residents can benefit from discounted swimming, gym sessions and fitness classes thanks to a new scheme.
Those using Better leisure centres can now take advantage of a Resident Discount Card to benefit from 20 per cent off on activities and hot drinks. GLL, a charitable social enterprise and worker-owned co-op operating under the ‘Better’ brand, introduced the scheme at the start of November in collaboration with Preston City Council.
At Fulwood and West View Leisure Centres, GLL runs a range of Swimming sessions, for fun or fitness, to suit all ages and abilities, supervised by fully qualified lifeguards and Swimming Teachers.
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The deal is unrelated to the Cost of Living measures recently announced by the local authority and is supported by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund as well as match funding from GLL. It is designed to encourage and support individuals and families who want to be more active and means residents can access the leisure facilities on a subsidised pay as you go basis, making it easier, more accessible and affordable for people to exercise.
The benefits include a 20 percent discount on all swimming sessions, adult and junior gym sessions, fitness classes and hot drinks, as well as discounts on selected holiday and seasonal programmes. A priority booking system allows residents to sign up for sessions seven days in advance.
Alongside the discounts, new sessions will be starting in early 2026, including Aqua Play on a brand-new pool inflatable; pickleball; and a seniors club, with a range of activities specially designed for older residents.
Michael Manley, GLL Partnership Manager, said: “The concessionary membership scheme provides a financial incentive to help encourage more people, particularly low-income families and households, to access a range of affordable sessions and give those often precluded from gym membership a chance to get active in an inclusive environment.
“A membership will always be the best value option for customers visiting at least once per week, but as part of our vision to build, create and shape healthier and happier communities, we know many residents will appreciate the benefits of the Resident Discount Card to try out the different activities for the first time, book occasional sessions for fun with their family and friends, or to support their other fitness goals.”
Councillor Zafar Coupland, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Preston City Council, said: “We’re delighted to partner with GLL on this initiative that is partially funded by the UKSPF.
“By introducing the new Residents Discount Card, we’re helping to remove one of the biggest obstacles to physical activity, affordability. This initiative is about inclusivity and empowerment. It ensures that everyone in our community, regardless of income, has the opportunity to improve their health, connect with others, and enjoy the benefits of staying active. We believe this is a vital step toward building a healthier, more resilient Preston.”
During an interview with Blog Preston in September the city council’s leader, councillor Matthew Brown, hinted the future of the leisure centres could return to be run in-house by the city council in the future. The leisure centres were handed to GLL back in 2017 due to the rising costs of operating the swimming pools across both Fulwood and West View.
How to sign up?
Residents can sign up to the Resident Discount Card by visiting Preston Resident Card. There are options for a Junior Resident Discount Card (17 and under) and adult membership (18+ years). As well the Resident Discount Card, GLL supports Preston residents with other subsidised schemes, including £1 Swimming, Warm Spaces, Healthwise, Work Well and Holidays, Activity & Food.
A winter open weekend is also being held by both Fulwood and West View leisure centres on Saturday 22 November and Sunday 23 November with a range of free activities taking place.
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