A year’s free membership was awarded to the one millionth visitor of the brand new White Oak Leisure Centre, two and a half years after its opening in 2022.
The £20 million White Oak Leisure Centre in Swanley opened in February 2022 and has become increasingly popular among the local community, with customers enjoying its 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, recently refurbished fitness suite, soft play area, and indoor obstacle course, TAGactive.
Local resident Kate Fernandez, who lives just five minutes away in Hextable village, became the millionth visitor and received a complimentary year-long membership. Kate has been using White Oak Leisure Centre for more than 12 years, regularly attending the new facility since its launch in 2022.
Kate said: “I visit White Oak Leisure Centre at least four times a week, playing badminton during the Primetime sessions with the same group of friends. I also use the gym and bring my granddaughter to enjoy the soft play, TAGactive, and occasional family swims on weekends.
“The gym’s recent upgrade is fantastic – I’ve had personal training sessions that helped me manage my chronic arthritis, and the trainers even created a programme tailored to my needs.
“It was such a lovely surprise to be named the centre’s one-millionth visitor and to receive the gifts, including the free membership. My badminton friends are very envious! The staff are amazing – friendly, helpful and always accommodating.”
The centre’s success in such a short space of time prompted a substantial reinvestment in its facilities earlier this year. Everyone Active, which manages the centre in partnership with Sevenoaks District Council, funded a £200,000 gym upgrade in response to a 58% surge in membership since opening.
The renovation doubled the number of Olympic squat racks and expanded the functional training area with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment.
Everyone Active Area Contract Manager Hasan Romel said: “Seeing our millionth visitor walk through the doors is a huge milestone for the facility. Since opening, we’ve worked hard to engage with the local community, providing a variety of activities to suit all ages and abilities.
“The centre has become a central hub for the local area – delivering benefits to both mental and physical wellbeing – which was our mission when starting the project. We’ve formed valuable partnerships, such as with the NHS Health Checks team, who conducted pop-up health checks for over 35 individuals, and Talking Therapies, who supported Men’s Health Month. These partnerships help us deliver a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, extending far beyond traditional fitness.”
Cllr Lesley Dyball, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for People and Places, added: “Reaching our millionth visitor less than three years after opening is a massive achievement for White Oak Leisure Centre.
“The Centre is such an important part of our community and is popular with people of all ages and the recent investment in the gym has attracted even more customers.”
With 45 full-time and 35 part-time staff members, White Oak Leisure Centre has become a fitness destination and a significant employer in Swanley.
Kate was presented with her annual membership and a gift hamper on Friday 15 November by Everyone Active colleagues, Councillor Lesley Dyball, and Swanley Mayor, Rita Wood.