Community-focused centre aims to become a "village of activities"
The Bene Leisure Centre on Little Horton Lane has established itself as a new sporting focal point in Bradford since opening in November 2025, and its operators say there are plans to widen the range of activities on offer.
Run by a team led by operations manager Mazn Ahamed, the venue now hosts padel courts, cricket training lanes, golf simulators and a growing number of independent businesses. Mr Ahamed said the centre’s long-term ambition is to create what he described as a "village of activities" rather than simply a facility for single sports.
"We're trying to become like a village of activities. We want to provide other things, from cricket to golf. We've got two golf simulators and we're offering coaching and golfing as well."
Awareness of the centre has risen in the ten months since it opened, but staff are aiming to reach further across the region. Mr Ahamed told local press the next objective is to attract more people from across West Yorkshire to the venue.
Rising footfall and a clear favourite
Operators estimate that on busy weekend days between 200 and 250 people visit the leisure centre, with numbers continuing to grow as more facilities open and new operators move in.
Padel, a racket sport that has seen rapid expansion nationally, has emerged as the most popular single activity at the Bene Leisure Centre. Mr Ahamed pointed to the sport’s accessibility as a driver of its appeal, saying it was easy to take up while offering challenge for those who want to master it.
"The most popular thing has been padel. It's very easy to play. It's very hard to master, but it's very easy to play."
He noted the sport’s suitability for older participants because it demands less running than many traditional racket sports and can support mobility and motor skills.
Independent businesses and community links
Alongside sporting facilities, the centre is home to a number of independent operators, including Era Pilates and the soon-to-open Alpha Gym. The mix of businesses reflects an attempt to offer a broader set of activities under one roof and to provide coaching and structured sessions as well as casual participation.
While the centre is expanding its commercial offer, its management has highlighted community engagement and provision for schools and local groups as part of its purpose. Details of those schemes have been referenced by management as part of the centre’s role within the local area.
Facilities at Bene Leisure Centre
The range of amenities already in place or announced at the centre include:
- Padel courts — the most popular activity
- Cricket training lanes
- Two golf simulators with coaching on offer
- Independent fitness and wellbeing businesses such as Era Pilates and Alpha Gym
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Estimated weekend visitors | 200–250 people on busy days |
| Opening | November 2025 |
For Bradford residents the development of Bene Leisure Centre represents both an additional leisure option in the city and a potential local employer as new businesses open within the building. Council planners and community groups have for some time emphasised the role of sports and leisure in supporting public health and local cohesion; the centre’s managers say they want to position Bene within that wider agenda while continuing to grow its commercial viability.
As the centre seeks to increase its regional profile, the coming months will show whether expanding activity provision and business partnerships can translate into sustained growth in participation from across West Yorkshire.
