Solace’s Power of Place report is a big, bold reminder that where we live, work and hang out really shapes who we are. It’s not just about buildings or maps, it’s about people, stories and the everyday stuff that makes a place feel like home.

The report pulls together voices from across the UK to talk about what makes a place thrive. It’s packed with ideas about belonging, community, health and how councils can lead the way in making places better for everyone. But one thing that doesn’t get shouted about enough?

Leisure and wellbeing centres.

Let’s fix that.

Place Is More Than Just a Postcode

The report kicks off with a simple but powerful idea: place isn’t just a dot on a map. It’s your street, your local park, your corner shop and the people you bump into every day. It’s where memories are made and where you feel like you belong.

Throughout the report, there’s a strong message that councils aren’t just there to run services. They’re the glue that holds communities together. They bring people and organisations together, help shape local identity and make sure places work for the people who live in them.

So Where Do Leisure and Wellbeing Centres Fit In?

Right at the heart of it!

Leisure and wellbeing centres might not always get the spotlight, but they’re doing a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to building strong, healthy, connected communities. Here’s how.

1. They Help People Feel Like They Belong

The report talks a lot about belonging and how important it is to feel welcome, safe and part of something. Leisure centres are perfect for that.

They’re places where:

• Kids learn to swim
• Grandparents join fitness classes
• Teenagers hang out after school
• New parents meet other families

They’re open to everyone, and they bring people together in a way that few other places do.

2. They Keep Us Healthy (And save the NHS a tonne of money)

One of the big takeaways from the report is that health isn’t just about hospitals. It’s about where you live, what you eat, how safe your area is and whether you’ve got somewhere to move your body.

Leisure and wellbeing centres are key here. They offer:

• Affordable exercise options
• Programmes for people with long-term health conditions
• Safe spaces for mental wellbeing and social connection

They’re not just gyms, they’re community health hubs.  Take a look at one of our recent development – Clay Cross Active – and you can see health, leisure and wellbeing come together under one roof.

3. They Boost Local Economies

The report highlights how place-based investment can drive growth. Leisure centres help by:

• Creating jobs
• Supporting local suppliers
• Bringing people into town centres
• Creating a healthier more productive local workforce

They also help regenerate areas that need a bit of love, acting as anchors in new housing developments or revitalised high streets.

4. They Give Young People a Positive Place to Be

There’s a section in the report about how place affects children and families. Leisure and wellbeing centres play a huge role in giving young people somewhere safe, fun and positive to spend time.

They offer:

• Sports clubs and youth programmes
• Volunteering and training opportunities
• A sense of purpose and belonging
• A place to spend time with the family (read our recent blog on Family Hubs)

In areas where young people face tough challenges, leisure centres can be a lifeline.  We’ve recognised the need to engage teenagers (a group which often struggle to find something for them in traditional leisure centres) and offer them something different.  Check out the TAGactive facilities we’ve installed in multiple locations across the UK.

5. They’re Flexible, Resilient and Ready for Anything

Leisure centres aren’t just about sport. They’re also:

• Emergency hubs during floods or heatwaves
• Venues for community events and cultural activities
• Spaces that can adapt to local needs

They’re built to serve the community, whatever that community needs.

What Needs to Change

Despite all this, leisure and wellbeing centres are under pressure. Rising costs, ageing buildings, tight council budgets and higher consumer expectations mean many are struggling to stay open.

If we want them to keep doing all this good stuff, we need:

• Long-term investment to modernise and diversify their offering
• Invest in the building fabric to make them greener
• Joined-up thinking across health, housing and education
• Proper community involvement in how they’re run
• Recognition that they’re essential, not optional

Let’s Put Leisure and Wellbeing Centres at the Heart of Place

The Power of Place report is full of hope. It’s about building places where people feel proud to live, where they’re supported and where they can thrive.

Leisure and wellbeing centres are already doing that. They’re places where people connect, grow and belong. They’re where place comes to life.

So let’s stop treating them like a nice-to-have and start seeing them for what they really are – essential, powerful and full of potential.