Olympia Leisure Centre in Belfast has won ukactive’s Regional Public Centre of the Year Award for Northern Ireland and Wales. Regarded as the UK’s most prestigious awards for excellence and best practice across the sector, Olympia Leisure Centre won the Northern Ireland & Wales category against fierce competition from five other leisure centre finalists – including GLL’s Andersonstown Leisure Centre.

Olympia Leisure Centre

Opened in 2017 as part of Belfast City Council’s £105 million leisure transformation investment, Olympia Leisure Centre & Spa is operated by GLL, the UK’s largest leisure charitable social enterprise and worker-owned co-op. GLL’s services are provided under the ‘Better’ brand.

Gareth Kirk, Senior Regional Director, GLL, said: “This win is a huge endorsement of the longstanding partnership we enjoy with Belfast City Council. We are delighted with this award and could not be prouder of the impact our programmes and team are having in tackling local health inequalities and getting more people more active more often.”

Councillor Jenna Maghie, Chair of Belfast City Council’s People and Communities Committee, said: “This award is a significant achievement for Olympia Leisure Centre and a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnership working. It recognises the Council’s investment in high-quality leisure facilities, GLL’s commitment to excellence, and the dedication of the team who work every day to improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life of Belfast residents.”

Facilities at Olympia Leisure Centre include a 25m swimming pool, a teaching pool, a full gym, cycle and exercise studios, a sports hall, children’s party room, sports pitches, cafe and a day spa with sauna, steam room and cold plunge.