Following a recent assessment by Sport England’s trusted trade body, Right Directions, Stokewood Leisure Centre situated in the Winton/Charminster area of Bournemouth, has been praised for its professionalism, customer service, and range of activities and equipment.
Benchmarking centres in the sport and leisure industry, assessors look at factors such as cleanliness, operations and people skills. They recognise operators and teams for their commitment to making being physically active an inviting, rewarding, and safe pastime. The rigorous assessment process includes interviews, online research a mystery visit, to get an accurate and authentic picture of a customer’s experience.
Following its review, the assessor commented that Stokewood’s class timetable was “impressive” and they “offered something for all intensities.” Stokewood’s team was also commended for their knowledge and customer service, sharing that the team seemed to feel “pride in giving me as much information as they could to assist with my queries.”
The centre is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
The BH Live Active team received praise for their responsiveness, with enquiries on social media and online Help Centre being resolved either within 30 minutes or on the same day.
A recent project to transform Stokewood’s poolside changing facilities was completed earlier this year, with registered charity and venue and leisure centre operator BH Live investing hundreds of thousands of pounds to install new shower facilities, toilets, vanity units, and lockers following customer feedback. The assessor remarked how well upcoming refurbishments or centre changes were communicated, sharing that it was “positive” to see investment being made into the centre.
On behalf of BH Live, Stokewood Centre Manager Stacey Saner shared:
“I’m so pleased that our efforts to make Stokewood a fantastic place to work, play, learn and visit have been recognised. To be commended for our commitment to delivering great customer service and helping people in our local community to be more active is brilliant. Participating in Quest’s assessments provides an opportunity for us to continuously improve the experience of our customers and employees. I’m so proud of the team for their dedication, hard work and support.”
Sarah Lobo, Head of External Accreditations at Right Directions shared:
“It’s fantastic to award Stokewood Leisure Centre with a ‘Very Good’ Quest certification. Stokewood is a well-maintained and impressive centre, attracting visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Their commitment to delivering fantastic customer service and actively responding to visitors’ feedback about the centre is truly commendable.”
Stokewood Leisure Centre opened in 1930 with a swimming pool and bathing facilities for the local community. The centre has since expanded with the addition of poolside spa facilities, a gym over two floors, and exercise studios running a timetable of daily classes seven days a week.
Activities are accessible via a BH Live Active multisite membership or on a pay-as-you-go basis. BH Live also offer concessions for people on low income and discounted health and wellbeing programmes for people living with long-term health conditions.
For further information, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/stokewood.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
BH Live is a leading operator of leisure and event venues; a registered charity and social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn, X – @BHLIVE_UK
Facebook @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Stokewood Leisure Centre
Stokewood opened as a public baths in 1930.
It is now operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Set in the heart of the Winton/Charminster area of Bournemouth, Stokewood is a thriving community leisure centre with circa 300,000 attendances a year.
There is a well-equipped gym which is split over two levels with lift access. The group exercises class timetable is extensive with more than 70 classes each week spanning from HIIT to spin to yoga.
In 2024, the centre’s poolside changing rooms were completely transformed with new shower facilities, lockers and toilets. Accessible changing rooms are also available.
The centre is home to local sports clubs for activities including triathlon, water polo, lifeguard training, and Kanku Shotokan Karate. Stokewood is also popular for hosting pool parties, school swimming lessons and Bournemouth Swimming Academy activities.
Free customer parking including accessible spaces for blue badge holders, subject to availability.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/stokewood
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @stokewoodleisurecentre