Clay Cross Active Archives

North East Derbyshire Steps up for Macmillan on National Fitness Day

Leisure centres across North East Derbyshire including Clay Cross Active, Dronfield Active, Eckington Active and Killamarsh Active came together to support National Fitness Day and to help raise funds for the Chairs charity Macmillan Cancer Research.

The day kicked off with the Climb Everest Stairmaster Challenge, where members, staff members and councillors all participated from each centre took on the virtual ascent of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest which stands at 8,848.86 metres.

Together, the centres climbed an incredible 32,000 metres – or the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest 3.7 times!

Congratulations to Dronfield Active who collectively climbed the highest and surpassed the summit of Everest by a whopping 295 metres.

This was followed by the Big Workout, Cardio Blast, Conditioning Strength, Combat Fitness and Cycle Power – seeing hundreds of members workout and sweat towards a worthy cause.

Fundraising continued throughout the day, which is all being donated to Macmillan Cancer Research through the Chair’s Charity Fund, Chairman of the Council Councillor Hartshorne who said;

‘I’ve really enjoyed my part in the Stairmaster challenge helping not only support National Fitness day, but to help raise money towards Macmillan Cancer Research. Thank you to all of our amazing staff and members for donating and taking part, your support is much appreciated.”

For those that have participated but were unable to give on the day, or those who just want to support a great cause, you can visit the just giving webpage. Any donation you can afford would be greatly appreciated.

You can find out more about our leisure service by visiting https://www.justdomore.co.uk.

Cllr Hartshorne with staff

Cllr Hartshorne with Just Do More members of staff by the stairmaster at Killamarsh Active.

Staff at Dronfield Active

Staff and members celebrate Stairmaster challenge at Dronfield Active.

Just do more members after the Big Workout on National Fitness Day in Dronfield Active.

Just do more members after the Big Workout on National Fitness Day in Dronfield Active.

Just do more members after the Big Workout on National Fitness Day at Clay Cross Active.

Just do more members after the Big Workout on National Fitness Day at Clay Cross Active.

More smiles as staff and members take part in the Stairmaster challenge.

More smiles as staff and members take part in the Stairmaster challenge.

Cllr Hartshorne and staff at Clay Cross Active following a successful Stairmaster challenge.

Cllr Hartshorne and staff at Clay Cross Active following a successful Stairmaster challenge.

Cllr Nigel Barker doing his bit for National Fitness Day.

Cllr Nigel Barker doing his bit for National Fitness Day.

Workout session in support of National Fitness Day.

Workout session in support of National Fitness Day.

National Fitness Day comes to NE Derbyshire

It’s time to step into your shorts, pull on a t-shirt and lace up those trainers, in preparation for National Fitness Day!

To mark the event, the UK’s biggest celebration of health and fitness, North East Derbyshire District Council’s four leisure centres will be holding a packed day of activities on 24 September with all money raised going to NEDDC’s Chair’s Charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

Cllr Lee Hartshorne, Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “Macmillan Nurses provide critical care, comfort and support to those facing cancer, helping not only patients but also their families through immensely challenging times.

“I am committed to raising as much as possible to support their invaluable work and I will be incredibly grateful for any support you can give on National Fitness Day.”

Each site – Clay Cross Active, Dronfield Active, Eckington Active and Killamarsh Active will be running a StairMaster Challenge – Powered by Macmillan from 7am-5pm.

Using the StairMaster, which mimics the action of climbing stairs, each centre will battle it out (virtually!) to see who can climb the furthest up Mount Everest – a height of 8,849m.

Then, in the evening, we have the Big Circuit Workout – Powered by Macmillan at Dronfield (6pm-7:20pm), Clay Cross (6pm-7pm) and Killamarsh (6:30pm-7:30pm).

These sessions will include cardio, functional, core and strength-based movements for a full body workout!

At Eckington Active, back-to-back fitness classes will also be taking place, consisting of 20-minute sessions each with a five-minute break in-between:

Cardio – 5.30pm – 5.50pm
Conditioning – 5.55pm – 6.15pm
Combat – 6.20pm – 6.40pm
Cycle – 6.45pm – 7.05pm

Four workouts, one cause! Are you up for the challenge?

Cllr Kathy Rouse, NEDDC’s Portfolio holder for Leisure, said: “This is a great opportunity to either continue with, or start your fitness journey, and help raise money for a worthy cause at the same time.”

Members can now book on at the reception of each leisure centre from today for any of the challenges. They will also be available on the JDM app shortly, so keep a look out!

If you would like to donate to the cause, please visit Cllr Hartshorne’s JustGiving page.

Community investment as 3G pitch comes to Clay Cross

North East Derbyshire District Council will begin construction for the new 3G pitch on Monday 21^st July which will be located behind the newly built Clay Cross Active, providing more facilities for Clay Cross and surrounding areas and continues the investment in high quality community leisure facilities.

A 3G pitch is a modern, all-weather pitch which not only enhances opportunities for year-round football training and matches but will also strengthens community cohesion, supports youth development, and promote healthier lifestyles.

The project is funded by NEDDC, Football Foundation, The FA and the Premier League, with contributions also received from New Tupton Ivanhoe FC, Pilsley FC, Ashover JFC and Clay Cross Bulldogs.

Work is expected to complete in January 2026. Demand for the pitch is already high but is you are interested in hiring the facility, please register you interest by emailing ccaenquiries@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk

In delivering such a facility, there will be increased construction traffic along the road at the side of Clay Cross Active for a period of time. We apologies for the inconvenience this may cause, and we really appreciate your patience and cooperation.

Cllr Kathy Rouse, Cabinet Member for Leisure at North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “We are passionate about supporting our local communities and providing services and facilities that provide a fantastic platform for exercise or even developing a future Millie Bright – these are the grassroots opportunities that make a difference to local clubs and this is set to be another great addition to what is a hugely successful community leisure offer at Clay Cross Active..”

Clay Cross Active Officially Opened with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Cross Active was officially opened with a celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony attended by local dignitaries, including the Leader of the Council, Imogen Clarke, Commonwealth silver medallist, who had the honour of cutting the ribbon.

The event also welcomed representatives from Alliance Leisure, Universal Design & Build, Clay Cross Town Board, and Sport England, key partners who provided funding and support for the development of the centre.

The ceremony marked the formal unveiling of a commemorative plaque and celebrated the transformation of the site into a vibrant, state-of-the-art community hub. Although the centre opened its doors to the public on 18 June, the official launch highlighted the significance of the project for the town of Clay Cross and the wider region.

Clay Cross Active has already seen thousands of visitors in its first week, with glowing reviews praising the facility’s modern design, welcoming atmosphere, and wide range of amenities. The centre features a fully equipped gym, a wellness suite, a soft play area for children, TAG Active and the inviting ‘Sharley’s Café’ — named in tribute to the legacy of the former site and its importance to the local community. In the coming weeks and months, Citizens Advice and Clay Cross Clinic will also open their doors to the public along with work starting on the new 3G Football Pitch.

The centre has been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating solar panels and energy-efficient systems to reduce its environmental impact. The project also retained and repurposed elements of the original building, blending those with innovation to both reduce overall cost and carbon.

Cllr Kathy Rouse, Cabinet Member for Leisure at North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “Clay Cross Active is more than just a leisure centre—it’s a space where people of all ages can come together to improve their health, connect with others, access services, and enjoy everything the facility and park has to offer. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved here.”

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director for Place, Sport England, said:

“The doors are open! In a short space of time, we have already seen how Clay Cross Active will enable local communities to come together and share the benefits of being active.

“Throughout the construction, we worked hand in hand with North East Derbyshire Council and I’m so pleased to see we have delivered on our promise of Clay Cross Active being a low carbon, low energy destination hub for all the community to enjoy for years to come.

“We are working in this way across England – investing in places and spaces to create both formal and informal opportunities to support more people to be physically active and change their lives for the better.”

A spokesperson for Alliance Leisure said, “It’s thanks to the dedication of our delivery team, the strong collaboration between our partners and the flexibility of the UK Leisure Framework that we have successfully delivered this transformational project for North East Derbyshire.

Completing a community-led project like this is a proud occasion for the team, as we now get to see the huge benefits it will bring to the health and wellbeing of local residents.”

Clay Cross Active is set to become a cornerstone of the town, offering not only health and fitness opportunities but also a welcoming environment for social interaction and community engagement. The centre represents a significant investment in the wellbeing and future of Clay Cross and its residents alongside the other Clay Cross Town deal projects, soon to be completed in the town.

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Pictured Leader of NEDDC Cllr Nigel Barker cutting the ribbon to mark the official opening of Clay Cross Active

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Picture L-R: NEDDC Leader Cllr Nigel Barker, MP Louise Jones and Cabinet Member for Leisure at NEDDC Cllr Kathy Rouse.

tagactive2

TAG Active arena

softplay

Huge pirate themed soft play centre

wellness

Wellness suite

cafe1

Café seating area

gym1

Gym upstairs, weights area

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Gym upstairs

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Treadmills in the upstairs gym

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Main pool, learner pool and accessible pool pod entry

Clay Cross Active – Dawn of a new era as centre opens to the public

North East Derbyshire District Council is proud to announce that Clay Cross Active, the much anticipated leisure centre and community hub, opens its doors to the public on 18 June 2025.

A Centre for Everyone

Clay Cross Active replaces the former Sharley Park Leisure Centre and offers a modern, inclusive space designed to meet the needs of all ages and abilities. The new facility includes:

A 25-metre swimming pool and learner pool with spectator seating
Fully equipped fitness and spin studios
A large sports hall for team games and events
Soft play and interactive play areas for children
A welcoming community café
TAG Active arena for children 8+ and adults.

Memberships That Work for You – Sign up now and get the rest of June completely free!

Monthly memberships start from just £26/month
Includes full access to all facilities, classes, and the new Just Do More app
Membership includes access to any of the other council run centres in the district – Dronfield Active, Eckington Active and Killamarsh Active.

A Boost for the Local Community

Clay Cross Active is more than just a leisure centre – it’s a community hub. The centre will:

Provide new employment and volunteering opportunities
Attract visitors and boost the local economy
Offer inclusive and rehabilitation programmes for those recovering from illness or injury in the wellness suite
Serve as a key anchor in the Clay Cross Town Deal regeneration programme

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Councillor, Kathy Rouse, said, “We are absolutely delighted to open Clay Cross Active – a facility that reflects our ambition to invest in our communities and support healthier, happier lives. This is a space for everyone, and we can’t wait to welcome you through the doors.”

She added, “The new centre is a game-changer for the district. It’s not just about coming here for fitness – it’s about community, a place to spend time as a family, whatever the weather and an opportunity to put Clay Cross on the map with all the fantastic developments in the town.”

Join Today

Visit https://justdomore.co.uk/clay-cross-active or drop into the centre from 18 June.

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