Hello, Andy here from Be Active Urmston, your community hub for health and fitness in Manchester.
I wanted to take some time today to take you back to the roots of our centre, to share why the George H Carnall Centre- now proudly known as Be Active Urmston- was a cause worth fighting for, and how this journey has defined the spirit of our community.
The Beginnings of a Community Battle
It was back in 2016 when the news hit that the beloved George H Carnall Leisure Centre was earmarked for closure. This decision was not just about shutting down a building; it was about taking away a cornerstone of our community in Urmston. Known for its wide range of sports and leisure facilities, the centre was a second home to many, from young toddlers meeting their first friends to over 65’s enjoying a game of walking football.
The announcement was a shock to everyone, but it also ignited a spark.
There was a core group of people who couldn’t (and wouldn’t) sit back and watch our community lose such an important asset. That’s when they decided to act.
Mobilising the Community to Keep Inclusive Fitness in Manchester
The fight to save the centre was nothing short of a grassroots campaign driven by pure community spirit. They took to social media, newspapers, and local events, spreading the word and gathering support. The highlight was collecting over 5,000 signatures that demonstrated just how much the centre meant to everyone.
The real turning point came with the change in the council administration in 2018. The relentless campaigning and the overwhelming support from the public led to a series of consultations on the future of the centre. The community's voice was loud and clear, and in mid-2019, it was finally decided: the centre would remain open, to be operated directly by the community.
A New Chapter as Be Active
Transitioning the management of the centre from local authority to a community-run initiative was challenging yet inspiring. We established the George Carnall Community Group CIC—a community interest company, to keep the centre running and sustainable for the next 25 years . Our commitment was to keep the centre’s legacy alive by transforming it into an inclusive hub that goes beyond physical fitness to support overall well-being for every age and ability.
With the community asset transfer finalised in March 2020, followed by the unexpected delays due to the global pandemic, we were thrilled to reopen our doors in June 2021 and develop a new identity- Be Active Urmston. (As we re-branded in June 2022)
Today, our centre is not just a gym but a vibrant community space where health, well-being, and community spirit thrive together.
Celebrating Our Community and Staff
None of this could have been possible without the heart and soul of Be Active Urmston—our board, staff and community members. From the fitness instructors and personal trainers to the receptionists and volunteers, everyone contributes to creating a welcoming environment.
Our team’s dedication goes beyond their job descriptions; they are the fabric of our community, offering support, encouragement, and friendship to everyone who walks through our doors.
We’re especially proud of how we cater to a diverse membership base, proving that fitness is inclusive and accessible to all.
Looking Forward
As we look to the future, our mission remains clear—to maintain Be Active Urmston as a beacon of health and community engagement in Trafford . We continue to expand our services, host community events, and introduce new wellness programs that cater to the needs of our growing community. We’re in the process of completing new changing rooms and soon our community cafe space will be up and running. It’s a very exciting time.
We invite you to join us at Be Active Urmston, where every visit supports not just your health, but the health of an entire community that stood together to save a place that is much more than just a gym. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause.
Connect with Us
Want to see Be Active in action or join one of our many classes?
Follow us on social media for the latest updates and stories from our community.
Let’s keep the spirit of George H Carnall alive and thriving.
This story isn’t just ours—it’s yours too, because every step we took, we took together.
We continue to build on this legacy, one workout, one class, and one community event at a time and we want you to come with us.
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