Filton gym-goers ‘bought £500 memberships’ just before leisure centre closed

But there is hope that it could reopen within weeksActive Nation Filton(Image: Active Nation Filton)

Bristol gym-goers say they spent hundreds of pounds on long-term memberships before Filton Leisure Centre closed. Some now fear they will be left out of pocket amid uncertainty about the centre’s future.

Members were issued with an email on April 2 from gym provider Active Nation, which has multiple gym venues up and down the country, telling them the venue would ‘cease operations’ and be ‘handed over’ to Filton Town Council immediately. Others elsewhere have faced similar news.

The leisure centre has since been closed but the council says it is “working hard to reopen the doors” to a “bigger and better” hub. Papers for a council meeting this week suggested they are hoping to reopen before the end of the month, although the council is yet to confirm this ambition.

In the original email seen by BristolLive, Active Nation told its customers: “Due to immense pressure from the ongoing utility crisis, Active Nation has made the difficult decision to cease operations at Filton Leisure venues from Wednesday, 2nd April.

“From Thursday, 3rd April, the venue will be handed over to Filton Town Council, who will take on the management and continue providing services to the community.”

The email went on to say: “For any queries regarding memberships, bookings, or venue services, Filton Town Council will be able to assist you. They will be in touch soon with further updates.”

(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Those with gym memberships were left wondering if the gym would reopen, if they’d be left out of pocket, or if they’d be able to get refunds.

Some have told BristolLive, or shared to social media pages, that before Active Nation’s email, they had bought 15-year memberships for the gym at the Filton location, priced at £500 each.

One gym member, who did not wish to be named, said: “I thought it seemed like a good idea at the time. I couldn’t afford the usual £20-£30 a month plans that many gyms offer – but around £2.80 a month seemed like an absolute bargain.

“It doesn’t feel like that now, though – after I’ve paid the £500 upfront and have no gym to go to.” Others on social media said that they had been offered the deal by Active Nation, and those who used the gym regularly ‘snapped it up’.

Some even bought multiple memberships at £500 a time, so their family and friends could have one too, potentially leaving them thousands of pounds worse off.

‘Financial challenges’

Filton Town Council issued a statement on April 2 which stated that Active Nation had entered the process of liquidation, resulting in the ‘withdrawal of all associated services’.

The statement said: “It is with deep regret that we announce that Active Nation Filton have ceased trading as of 2nd April 2025. This was due to ongoing financial challenges and other unforeseen circumstances.