Number of UK Swimming Sites decreases by 1%
3% rise in public swim pay and play fees
The 2016 State of the UK Swimming Industry Report reveals that the industry has experienced another year of slight decline over the twelve month period to the end of March 2016, with a decrease of 1% in the number of swimming pool sites.
The 2016 report highlights that although the number of swimming pool openings is up this year, more swimming pools have closed in the last 12 months than opened. This is especially marked in the private sector after Pure Gym acquired the LA Fitness brand in mid 2015 and removed the swimming pools.
The 2016 report concludes that 84% of the UK population lives within 2 miles of a public or privately owned swimming pool with some public access.
Summary of Key Facts
There are now 3,229 swimming sites in the UK, down from 3,265 last year.
40 new public and private swimming pool sites opened, up from 22 in 2015.
Public pay and play fees have increased by 3% over the last 12 months.
Commentating on the figures, David Minton, Director of The Leisure Database Company said: “Despite a slight decrease in overall swimming pool numbers, the future is still bright as long as we ensure that the swimming facilities are there to meet the demand. In evolutionary terms, swimming trackers and wearables have some catching up to do on the latest technology for cycling and running, but I have little doubt that for keen swimmers they will start to become an integral part of the fun and interest the sport provides in the next 12 months”.
Notes
The State of the UK Swimming Industry Report is compiled from the most comprehensive review of the UK swimming industry, involving individual contact with all sites. The reporting period is the 12 months to 31st March 2016. The audit and resulting figures are compiled by independent leisure market analysts, The Leisure Database Company who have been monitoring the performance of the fitness industry for over 30 years. Further details of the report can be found here 2016 State of the UK Swimming Industry Report.
Further Information:
The Leisure Database Company
The Leisure Database Company is a leading independent database specialist who provides key market intelligence and analysis across the industry. Established over 30 years ago, the company works with a wide range of fitness operators providing member profiling reports, new site analysis and latent demand estimates. 2016 sees the launch of 2 new services: LeisureDB Mobile Apps and the LeisureDB Social Media Fitness Index.