William Brookes School and The 3–18 Education Trust have confirmed a new 10‑year partnership with Halo Leisure to operate Much Wenlock Leisure Centre. The agreement, which takes effect on 1 April, ensures the future of the centre, which had been at risk following Shropshire Council’s decision to withdraw funding beyond 31 March.
The agreement will see the provision secured across both Much Wenlock and Bridgnorth Endowed Leisure Centres, strengthening relations between the Trust’s schools and their local communities.
The announcement follows months of work led by Ruth Shaw, Headteacher at William Brookes School. Ruth said: “We are delighted and greatly relieved that the leisure centre has been saved. It will be the heartbeat of our school, underpinning our ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ vision and our values as a Coubertin School. This has been a remarkable team effort and marks another important moment in the rebuilding of William Brookes School.”
Halo Leisure is a registered charity and social enterprise. Scott Rolfe, Chief Executive, said: “We are confident that, together, we can transform services and facilities for the benefit of local residents and get more people more active more often.”
Councillor James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Leisure at Shropshire Council said: “We have been working alongside the school, Trust and town council to identify a funding source. We are delighted that money from the town’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) will be used to do this, without the need for a council subsidy.”
Councillor Dan Thomas, Shropshire Councillor for Much Wenlock and Town Mayor added: “It was a pleasure to work with the Trust and Shropshire Council to secure confirmation of funds required to refurbish the facility for public use.”
CAPTION: From left, Councillor Dan Thomas, Shropshire Councillor for Much Wenlock and Town Mayor; Ed Lloyd, student, William Brookes School; Scott Rolfe, CEO, Halo Leisure; Ruth Shaw, Headteacher, William Brookes School; Sophie Buckland, student, William Brookes School; Councillor James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Housing & Leisure, Shropshire Council.
