Suella Braverman Visit to Horizon Waterlooville | Building a Stronger Community

We were delighted to welcome Suella Braverman, Member of Parliament for Fareham and Waterlooville, to Horizon Leisure Centre. Her visit focused on learning more about the improvements taking place at our Waterlooville site and how we continue to support our community through health, fitness, and wellbeing.

The purpose of the visit was to discuss how Horizon, as a charity, is investing in its facilities and services to better meet the needs of local residents. It was also an opportunity to showcase the positive impact our team and members are making every day through inclusive activities, friendly spaces, and accessible programmes that help people of all ages enjoy staying active.

Celebrating Our Community

During the visit, Suella Braverman met our Chief Executive, Mike Lyons, and Chairman of Trustees, Peter Lewis, who shared Horizon’s ongoing commitment to making fitness and wellbeing accessible to everyone. They discussed our future plans for the Waterlooville centre, which include significant improvements to the gym, wellbeing areas, and social spaces. These developments are designed to make our facilities even more welcoming and adaptable for all members of the community.

The visit was also a valuable opportunity to highlight how Horizon plays a vital role beyond exercise. Our centres act as community hubs, providing a safe and supportive place for people to connect, recharge, and take care of their overall wellbeing. As a charity, we reinvest directly into our facilities and services, ensuring that the benefits stay within the local area.

Supporting Every Generation

Throughout the tour, Suella saw a range of activities taking place across the centre. Families were enjoying the pool, children were learning to swim through our popular Swim School, adults were working out in the gym, and older members were taking part in low-impact fitness sessions. This variety reflects what Horizon is all about — creating opportunities for everyone to stay active and connected, whatever their age or ability.

Our team also spoke about our specialist programmes, such as our Exercise Referral Scheme and Wellbeing Hub, which support people managing long-term health conditions or looking for a gentler introduction to fitness. These services are a key part of Horizon’s approach to making physical activity inclusive, achievable, and part of everyday life.

Listening and Growing Together

Community feedback continues to shape the future of Horizon Waterlooville. During the visit, we shared how we regularly listen to our members, local residents, and partners to understand what matters most to them. This feedback has been central to the plans for our upcoming redevelopment, ensuring the centre continues to meet the needs of everyone in our community.

We are proud to have secured funding for a major refurbishment of our Waterlooville site, marking an exciting new chapter for Horizon. The next phase will include upgrades to our gym and health and wellbeing facilities, improving equipment, accessibility, and services to help attract people who may not currently be active. One of the most anticipated additions is the installation of two outdoor padel courts, bringing this fast-growing and sociable sport to the area for the first time.

Our redevelopment plans have been shaped in partnership with local residents, the council, and our members. Together, we are creating a modern, inclusive leisure centre designed to be as good as anywhere on the south coast — a space that is accessible, engaging, and welcoming for all ages and abilities.

Looking Ahead Together

The visit from Suella Braverman was an encouraging moment for our team and members. It recognised the ongoing investment and dedication that goes into making Horizon a space where people feel confident and supported to move more and look after their wellbeing.

As we look to the future, we remain focused on creating opportunities for everyone in our community to enjoy being active, from fitness classes and swimming to social events and wellbeing programmes.

We would like to thank Suella Braverman for taking the time to visit our Waterlooville centre and learn more about what we do. Her visit gave us a platform to celebrate our members, our staff, and the incredible community that makes Horizon such a special place. Together, we will keep growing, listening, and supporting one another to build a healthier, stronger, and more connected Waterlooville.