Leisure Industry News - January 2026

January opens the year with clear momentum across the UK leisure industry, as operators invest and expand. 

Holiday parks are gearing up for the new season through significant upgrades and ownership changes, while golf continues to demonstrate strong demand and rising revenues nationwide. Major projects like the redevelopment of Selhurst Park highlight the scale of ambition shaping sport and leisure assets, alongside continued activity in hotels, gyms, and community facilities. 

From historic venues entering new chapters to ambitious rollout plans across fitness and hospitality, the year begins with confidence and intent. 

Here’s what’s driving the leisure sector as 2026 is well underway...

• The Carter family is investing £1.3m in winter upgrades for Ladram Bay and Castle Brake to prepare their Devon holiday parks for the upcoming summer season. Following these extensive improvements, both sites are scheduled to officially reopen to the public this March.

• Two Pembrokeshire holiday parks previously operated by Celtic Holiday Parks have been sold to separate buyers for a combined £13.5 million. Meadow House was acquired by Hall Bros Leisure for £10 million, while Croft Country Park was purchased by Henson Leisure Group for £3.5 million.

• Golf clubs across the UK and Ireland achieved a record-breaking average green fee income of £189,240 in 2025, marking a 17% increase over the previous year. This £28,000 surge in revenue, reported by The Revenue Club, was driven by unprecedented levels of golfer demand throughout the season.

• Royal Dornoch’s historic 1909 clubhouse is scheduled for demolition starting 2nd February, following the recent opening of a new £13.9 million replacement facility. Despite heavy Highland snowfall, dedicated members have been visiting the site to secure memorabilia and preserve a piece of the club's century-long history.

• Bolstered by strong member growth and rising revenues, The Gym Group is launching an ambitious expansion plan to open 75 new UK gyms over the next three years. This rollout includes 20 new branches scheduled to open this year, reflecting the company’s confidence in the continued demand for fitness facilities across Britain.

• The Nuneaton and Bedworth Leisure Trust are seeking a new home for Empire Gym as its Leicester Street base is slated for demolition to make way for a new traffic island and road layout. Despite losing the site they have occupied since 2014, Finance Director Neil Jarrett expressed confidence in the charity’s plans to secure a replacement venue within the town.

• A local leisure centre has unveiled an "unrecognisable" £3.8m refurbishment featuring a new women-only gym, an expanded fitness suite, and a revamped water slide. The facility was officially reopened by Gladiators star Nitro during a community event that showcased additional upgrades, including a massive new soft play area and a complete interior refresh.

• Accor has finalised a franchise agreement with TAG Chester Limited to launch a 144-room ibis Styles hotel within the Chester City Gateway regeneration zone. Slated to open in 2028, this new-build development is designed to serve as a vital link connecting the city's railway station with its central district.

• The historic 4-star Bush Hotel in Farnham has been acquired by an unnamed expanding UK hotel group after being marketed with a guide price of £12 million. Dating back to 1618, the Grade II-listed property features 95 en-suite bedrooms and landscaped gardens situated in a prime location in Farnham town centre.

• Crystal Palace is set to begin construction on Selhurst Park's redevelopment after acquiring the final necessary residential properties close to the ground. The project, approved by Croydon Council, will expand the Main Stand's capacity from 5,200 to 13,500 seats, bringing the stadium's total capacity to over 34,000.