Refurbished Prestwick Leisure Centre celebrates early success
Published 17 November 2025
Just weeks after reopening, South Ayrshire Council's newly refurbished Prestwick Leisure Centre is already proving to be an outstanding success for the community.
Recent figures show the positive impact of the upgraded facilities, with memberships and attendance increasing beyond pre-refurbishment levels. Our active fitness memberships have increased by 18% since the closure of the facility, and total attendance for this October has increased by 8% in comparison to October 2023.
Gym usage has also risen by an impressive 61% during the first month of operation, and participation in wet-side classes, including Evolve Aqua Fit, and GP Referral sessions have grown by 83%.
The centre's refurbishment has also delivered significant sustainability benefits. A comparison of energy use between 2023 and 2025 shows a 38% reduction in gas consumption and a 60% reduction in electricity use. Taken together, these efficiencies are projected to save the council approximately £45,000 annually in avoided energy costs.
Feedback about the upgraded centre has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers have praised the new Changing Village for its spacious, modern design. Visitors to the centre have also commented on the bright and accessible poolside area, welcoming reception layout, comfortable gym environment, and thoughtfully designed vanity spaces with improved lighting and amenities.
Our Sport and Leisure staff have echoed this enthusiasm, describing the centre as a pleasure to work in, with clean, modern facilities and improved office space that creates a lovely working environment.
Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Policy Lead for Commercial/Operational Services, Councillor Alec Clark, said: "It's wonderful to see how strongly the community has responded to the Prestwick Leisure Centre refurbishment. The transformation has created a modern, welcoming and sustainable facility that our customers are clearly enjoying. The early results speak for themselves with increased memberships, higher attendance and positive feedback from both customers and staff. This success reflects the dedication of everyone involved and shows what can be achieved when we invest in our community's health and wellbeing."
South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, Councillor Chris Cullen, said: "We're thrilled with the response from our members and the wider community. The refurbishment has truly transformed Prestwick Leisure Centre, not only in terms of facilities but also in the overall experience we're able to offer. To see this strong membership growth, high satisfaction levels and sustainability savings so soon after reopening is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved in the refurbishment project and our customers who are now benefitting from the improved facilities."
South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Housing and Property Services, Councillor Martin Kilbride, said: "Prestwick Leisure Centre is looking fantastic following the programme of upgrade works. We're extremely proud of the positive environmental impact the refurbishment is already having. By upgrading our systems and improving efficiency, we've managed to cut energy use significantly, meaning that we are saving on energy costs and reducing our carbon footprint at the same time."
