We’ve received confirmation from Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council that community access to the gym and studio facilities at Woodley Sports Village will now continue until December 2026.

This follows discussions between the Council, Life Leisure and Stockport County Football Club, and comes after sustained concern and pressure from residents, members and local representatives.

First and foremost, this shows something important:

When communities speak up, they can be heard.

That matters. But let’s be honest — this still isn’t ideal!

An extension is welcome. It gives breathing space. It protects access for now. That is positive.

However, this is not a long-term guarantee, and many in the community firmly believe that public assets should remain public beyond temporary extensions.

Woodley Sports Village isn’t just a building.
It’s not “just a gym.”

For many people — including those navigating addiction recovery, neurodivergence, long-term illness, and complex mental health challenges — it is:

Routine
Stability
Social connection
Prevention
A safe, familiar space
Losing facilities like this has real consequences for physical and mental wellbeing.

 This situation demonstrates the power of constructive engagement.

Residents raised concerns.
Questions were asked.
Pressure was applied.
Conversations happened.
And something shifted.

That is not nothing.

But there are still important questions about the long-term future of the site, financial transparency, and how public health provision will be protected beyond 2026.

 
What happens next?
The extension gives us time — and time matters.

Over the coming months, we must continue to:

Ask for clarity about long-term plans
Ensure meaningful consultation happens
Protect accessibility and affordability
Keep mental health and community wellbeing at the centre of decisions
This campaign has already shown that people care deeply about their local facilities.

And when people care — they speak up.

Thank you for being part of this.

We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.