Estates Masterplan update: Closure of WLV Gym City Campus 

As shared in previous communications of the Estates Masterplan, the University’s sports facilities at City Campus have now been confirmed as the location for the development of the new medical facility. 

Careful thought has been given to the timing of the closure of the facilities to support the enabling works for the Black Country Medical School, including the potential impact on the academic term and the growing demand for enhanced physical activity offer for students and staff. As a result, the decision has been taken to close the Wolverhampton sports facilities ahead of the new academic year on 31 August 2025. 

We understand this news may raise concerns, particularly in relation to health and wellbeing provision, but please be assured that we remain fully committed to supporting the wellbeing of both students and staff. 

To that end, we are pleased to announce a new partnership with the City of Wolverhampton Council and WV Active, which will provide access to all three WV Active leisure centres at significantly discounted rates. The membership costs will be lower than the existing fees charged for the University facilities, and heavily discounted to the rates paid by members of the public, with access to much better and modern facilities including swimming. 

The membership fee covers access to the WV Central leisure facilities (only a few minutes’ walk from the current Sports Centre) alongside the Aldersley and Bilston-Bert Williams sites. While the partnership is currently being finalised, the proposed offer includes: 

• Students: Full access to gyms, swimming pools and fitness classes for £10 per month; 
• Staff: The same access for £10 per month (subsidised by the University down from £19.80 per month as part of our employee health and wellbeing benefits). 

This partnership reflects our continued collaboration with the City of Wolverhampton Council to enhance the quality and affordability of services for students and staff.  

Students and staff will also be able to access a range of sports activities – including badminton, five-a-side football, netball and basketball – at Aldersley Leisure Village at discounted rates. Student-led sports activities currently based on campus will be relocated to Aldersley. 

The new membership offer will be available from 1 September 2025. To access the facilities, students and staff can visit their chosen WV Active leisure centre and present a valid University ID badge.  

 You can explore WV Active’s facilities here: www.wvactive.com 

In addition, we are arranging preferential rates with other local providers, including JD Gyms and The Gym Group Wolverhampton and will provide a further update in due course. 

WLV Gym membership  

Current WLV Gym membership will still be valid at our Walsall Campus facility, which remains unaffected by these changes.  

However, if you wish to cancel your membership, please email the WLV Gym team at gym@wlv.ac.uk before 26 August 2025 to discuss cancellation options.  

1. If you do not contact us before this date, your membership may automatically renew and be charged for September. 
2. For yearly memberships, the WLV Gym Team are working to issue refunds for any remaining months. To help us process this more quickly, please get in touch at your earliest convenience. 

We appreciate that these changes come at a busy time as we prepare for the new academic year and we are committed to ensure a smooth transition. 

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this transition. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Gym Team. If you have any feedback, you can also share your views with the Students' Union through this feedback form