Petition launched to fix aircon and parking at leisure centre

A petition has been launched on change.org calling for parking and air conditioning improvements at the council-owned Hartham Leisure Centre.

The petition calls on operator Everyone Active and owner East Herts District Council to urgently address longstanding issues that continue to affect members despite repeated complaints.

On the air-conditioning, the petition states:

The gym has experienced ongoing problems with its air conditioning, leaving members to exercise in uncomfortable and at times, excessively hot conditions. Many members have raised concerns over a long period without seeing a lasting solution.

For some members, this is more than an inconvenience. Those living with pre-existing health conditions may be at greater risk when exercising in excessive heat, making the current situation a genuine health and safety concern. We ask that the air conditioning is repaired as a matter of urgency and that members are provided with regular updates and a clear timetable for completion.

With regard to issues with car parking:

Parking at Hartham Leisure Centre is regularly insufficient for the number of people using the facilities. Members who pay for access should not have to spend excessive time searching for a parking space or risk missing classes because there are simply not enough spaces available.

The issue is often made worse when multiple classes, sporting activities and other events are scheduled at the same time without sufficient consideration of the available parking capacity. This frequently results in the car park reaching full capacity, leaving members unable to park or arriving late for activities they have paid to attend.

We ask Everyone Active and East Herts District Council to review parking capacity and consider how the scheduling of classes and events affects parking demand, ensuring that members can access the facilities they pay for.

At the time of publication, the petition has received 337 signatures.

Speaking to this website, East Herts Council's Executive Member for Wellbeing, Cllr Sarah Hopewell,  explained that the air conditioning uses air source heat pumps that were installed in March 2026.  However, the extreme heat means the system struggles, especially as Everyone Active are also required to provide fresh air into the gym.  The large windows and metal roof structure have further added to the challenges of cooling the space under the hot conditions.  

In response to the challenges, EA have added extra fans and called in contractors to see if any quick options exist for improving the system.  They are also looking at longer-term solutions, including potentially adding extra units, and/or options to better shade the windows to reduce the solar gain that the system is battling against.  

Commenting on the parking, Cllr Hopewell said: "it is always going to be a challenge to juggle the demand for classes and the demand for parking, and I can understand the frustration for customers who then struggle to find a spot."

Cllr Hopewell also explained that it was not possible to create more spaces by removing the "green mound" due to the presence of asbestos. However, the centre is looking at relocating some staff parking, which should free up space.

Hartham Leisure Centre was extensively redeveloped in 2023 at a cost of £9m and reopened in September of that year.