Billingham Forum’s landmark £1million gym transformation has been named among the UK’s best after securing a place in the finals of the ukactive Awards 2026, shortlisted in the Build, Design or Refurbishment of the Year category.
The national recognition celebrates the ambitious redevelopment, which completely transformed Billingham Forum’s gym through a full-scale refurbishment, increasing the gym floor space by 50 per cent, introducing a brand-new dedicated group exercise studio and delivering £300,000 of state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
The project which was delivered by Tees Active and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, reflects a shared commitment to providing residents with high-quality, accessible leisure facilities that rival the very best in the sector.
The ukactive Awards are among the most respected accolades in the physical activity industry, recognising organisations, facilities and projects that demonstrate excellence, innovation and impact in helping people lead healthier, more active lives.
The Build, Design or Refurbishment of the Year category celebrates facilities that have been created or transformed to enhance customer experience, increase participation and create inspiring environments for physical activity.
Since reopening, the upgraded gym has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from members, with the additional space, enhanced layout and cutting-edge equipment providing greater choice and flexibility for customers.
The investment forms part of Tees Active’s wider commitment to changing the face of fitness across Stockton-on-Tees by ensuring local people have access to exceptional facilities without paying premium prices.
This is the second year in succession that Tees Active has received national recognition from ukactive. In 2025, IB Leisure was shortlisted in the Regional Centre of the Year category, while Billingham Forum’s latest nomination reflects Tees Active’s ongoing commitment to developing sector-leading public leisure facilities that deliver outstanding experiences for local communities.
Leon Jones, Managing Director of Tees Active, said
“Being named a finalist in the ukactive Awards is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the vision behind this investment. To be shortlisted for a ukactive Award for the second consecutive year makes this recognition even more special.”
“Billingham Forum has always been at the heart of the community, and this redevelopment demonstrates our commitment to providing facilities that people can be proud of.
We wanted to create a fitness environment that offers the quality, design and experience often associated with premium operators while remaining affordable and accessible to everyone.”
Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Nigel Cooke said
“This national recognition is a testament to the quality and ambition of the investment at Billingham Forum.
Working in partnership with Tees Active, we are proud to have delivered this impressive redevelopment that provides residents with greater opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing.”
Winners will be announced at the ukactive Awards 2026 on Thursday 8th October 2026 at the ICC Birmingham, where Tees Active will compete against leading facilities and developments from across the UK. Find out more about the ukactive Awards here.
