The market for leisure centres and swimming pools has enjoyed an unprecedented period of growth during the past decade, prompted by considerable investment in new provision funded largely by the National Lottery and, more recently, public private partnerships. However, the industry faces dual threats from the looming problem of an ageing stock of buildings, many of which were constructed in the 1960s and 1970s and need refurbishing or replacing, and the soaring cost of energy, which is a substantial overhead that has almost doubled in price during the past three years alone.

This report assesses the current state of the market, analyses consumer usage of and attitudes towards leisure centres and swimming pools and provides some pointers as to likely future trends in the marketplace. Mintel last reported on the market for leisure centres and swimming pools in May 2004.