Rivermead Leisure Centre in Reading has been selected as a finalist in the Public Club/Centre of the Year category of the 2026 ukActive Awards.
Rivermead is one of six GLL centres to be shortlisted in the UK leisure industry’s most prestigious awards for excellence and best practice. A rigorous independent assessment of its facilities will now take place – including mystery shopping.
First opened in 2023 and run by charitable social enterprise GLL on behalf of Reading Borough Council, Rivermead’s latest accolade comes hot on the heels of an outstanding rating by Quest, Sport England’s continuous improvement tool.
“This is another endorsement of Rivermead’s exceptional facilities,” said Craig Woodward, GLL Partnership Manager for Reading.
“They include a brand new eight-lane competition swimming pool, a diving and teaching pool, a 120-station gym, cycle and exercise studios, a six-court sports hall, children’s soft play, party rooms, cafe and a full-size all-weather pitch.
“General Manager James Bayliss and his team do an amazing job in ensuring customer service is equally impressive, and we’re all delighted that Rivermead has been chosen as a ukActive finalist. It really is an honour.”
The winners will be announced during the ukactive Awards Ceremony on 8 October 2026 in Birmingham.
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