The agreement with Places, part of the PfP Group and one of the UK’s leading social Enterprises, will deliver new leisure services and improved facilities across the borough, providing more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active in Kingston.
In an exciting change, Chessington Sports Centre and Albany Outdoors will now be managed by Places Leisure, and will benefit from new investment.
Improvements are already underway at Chessington Sports Centre. The council has recently invested to replace the floodlights with new energy-efficient LEDs and the multi-use games areas will be refurbished. Further investment is planned, including replacing the artificial pitch surfaces.
At Albany Outdoors, investment will support enhancements to the popular outdoor education and water sports centre, helping to expand opportunities for training, holiday camps, and community activities.
As part of the new agreement, which started on 1 October 2025, Places Leisure will also be investing in energy saving projects that help to reduce the carbon output of sports and leisure facilities, supporting the council's carbon reduction goals.
Kingston Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Economic Development Cllr Alison Holt said:
We are committed to offering all residents a wide range of opportunities to be active and healthy. We’re delighted to begin this new partnership with Places Leisure. It will enable us to work together to deliver improved leisure services and upgraded facilities that meet the diverse needs across our borough, so people of all ages and abilities can live their healthiest and happiest lives.
We will also be working with Places to deliver on our sustainability goals.
Dan Walker, Business Development Director at Places Leisure, said:
Places Leisure has proudly operated and managed facilities across Kingston for many years, giving us a first-hand view of the meaningful impact these centres have on the local community. We are thrilled to be continuing our strong partnership with Kingston Council for another decade.
Together with Kingston Council we look forward to delivering the investment plan which will deliver essential upgrades whilst also enhancing services and experiences for residents within the community.
Places Leisure is a leading social enterprise and leisure management company with a strong reputation for excellent customer service and community-focused facilities. It was awarded the new 10 year contract following a competitive tender process.
The borough’s remaining leisure sites, including the Malden Centre, Tolworth Recreation Centre, and Weir Archer Athletics and Fitness Centre will transfer into the new agreement from 1 April 2026, following the completion of the current contract.
From Spring 2027 Places Leisure will also be the operator for the new leisure centre in Kingston town centre. Kingston Council has reached an exciting milestone in the delivery of the centre, with construction now well underway.
