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The Pods

Scunthorpe’s largest sports and fitness facility, offering swimming, gym, classes, and a café in a modern architectural setting.

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The Pods is a striking and environmentally conscious leisure centre located in Central Park, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. Officially opened in July 2011, it replaced the town’s former leisure centre on Carlton Road and quickly became a landmark due to its futuristic design and sustainable credentials. The £21 million project was developed by North Lincolnshire Council with funding support from Sport England and the National Lottery.

Architecturally, The Pods is notable for its unique structure made up of five interlinked timber-framed domes, reminiscent of the Eden Project in Cornwall. These domes are clad in hexagonal panels and glass, and the building features a sedum green roof, a biomass boiler, and grey water recycling systems. These features helped it earn the title of “Most Sustainable Building/Development of the Year” at the 2011 Property Industry Awards Yorkshire.

Inside, The Pods offers a wide range of modern facilities, including a 25-metre swimming pool, a training pool, a state-of-the-art gym, a dance studio, six multi-use sports halls, a café, and a crèche. The centre is designed to cater to all ages and abilities, making it a hub for health, fitness, and community activities in the region. Its location within Central Park also provides easy access to outdoor spaces, tennis courts, and refurbished play areas.

The construction of The Pods marked a significant investment in Scunthorpe’s infrastructure and community wellbeing. Despite a construction accident in June 2011 that delayed its opening, the centre has since become a symbol of regeneration and innovation. It continues to serve as a vibrant venue for sports, leisure, and social engagement, drawing visitors from across North Lincolnshire and beyond.

Opening hours

Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri: 09:00–14:15
Wed: 09:00–15:15
Sat: 08:30–14:15
Sun: 09:30–14:15

Facilities

  • Accessible
  • Baby changing
  • Café
  • Fitness classes
  • Gym
  • Parking
  • Swimming pool

Contact details

The Pods, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe DN16 1AA
Get directions /// hello.sound.forces

Events at The Pods...

Two joggers maintaining a steady pace along a tree-lined park path during an autumn morning, wearing athletic gear and running shoes, with fallen leaves scattered around and early morning sunlight filtering through the branches
The Pods

Do Something Different - Walking Football

next on 12 August 2026
time 12:45 - 13:45
schedule repeating

Come along and try our ‘Do Something Different’ sport, leisure and cultural sessions specifically for adults with a disability aged 16 and above.
Two joggers maintaining a steady pace along a tree-lined park path during an autumn morning, wearing athletic gear and running shoes, with fallen leaves scattered around and early morning sunlight filtering through the branches
The Pods

Do Something Different - Walking Basketball

next on 12 August 2026
time 14:00 - 15:00
schedule repeating

Come along and try our ‘Do Something Different’ sport, leisure and cultural sessions specifically for adults with a disability aged 16 and above.
Lively group of adults gathered around a rustic wooden table in a cozy café, sharing stories and hearty laughter over steaming cups of coffee, one person gesturing animatedly while telling a story, others leaning in with engaged expressions, comfortable armchairs and soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere, with sunlight streaming through large windows highlighting the genuine camaraderie of the moment
The Pods

Do Something Different - Low-impact Gym

next on 13 August 2026
time 11:30 - 12:30
schedule repeating

Come along and try our ‘Do Something Different’ sport, leisure and cultural sessions specifically for adults with a disability aged 16 and above.
Two joggers maintaining a steady pace along a tree-lined park path during an autumn morning, wearing athletic gear and running shoes, with fallen leaves scattered around and early morning sunlight filtering through the branches
The Pods

Active Lincs - Walking Football

next on 14 August 2026
time 08:45 - 09:45
schedule repeating

Active Ageing is aimed at increasing the activity levels of older people or those who have limited mobility or underlying health conditions.
Two joggers maintaining a steady pace along a tree-lined park path during an autumn morning, wearing athletic gear and running shoes, with fallen leaves scattered around and early morning sunlight filtering through the branches
The Pods

Active Lincs - Walking Netball

next on 14 August 2026
time 10:00 - 11:00
schedule repeating

Active Ageing is aimed at increasing the activity levels of older people or those who have limited mobility or underlying health conditions.
Two joggers maintaining a steady pace along a tree-lined park path during an autumn morning, wearing athletic gear and running shoes, with fallen leaves scattered around and early morning sunlight filtering through the branches
The Pods

Do Something Different - Racket Sports and Team Games

next on 14 August 2026
time 13:00 - 15:00
schedule repeating

Come along and try our ‘Do Something Different’ sport, leisure and cultural sessions specifically for adults with a disability aged 16 and above.
Two joggers maintaining a steady pace along a tree-lined park path during an autumn morning, wearing athletic gear and running shoes, with fallen leaves scattered around and early morning sunlight filtering through the branches
The Pods

Wheelchair Basketball

next on 16 August 2026
time 15:00 - 17:00
schedule repeating

All Inclusive wheelchair basketball for everyone. Whether disabled or not does not matter.
Two joggers maintaining a steady pace along a tree-lined park path during an autumn morning, wearing athletic gear and running shoes, with fallen leaves scattered around and early morning sunlight filtering through the branches
The Pods

Swimming Coaching Sessions

next on 16 August 2026
time 16:00 - 17:00
schedule repeating

Full club sessions aimed at improving swim technique by using swim drills within a structured training plan.
Lively group of adults gathered around a rustic wooden table in a cozy café, sharing stories and hearty laughter over steaming cups of coffee, one person gesturing animatedly while telling a story, others leaning in with engaged expressions, comfortable armchairs and soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere, with sunlight streaming through large windows highlighting the genuine camaraderie of the moment
The Pods

Community Stroll

next on 17 August 2026
time 10:00 - 10:45
schedule repeating

Community Stroll Monday mornings 10am-10:45am 10am-Meet at the Pods entrance for a gentle stroll through central park for some fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Lively group of adults gathered around a rustic wooden table in a cozy café, sharing stories and hearty laughter over steaming cups of coffee, one person gesturing animatedly while telling a story, others leaning in with engaged expressions, comfortable armchairs and soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere, with sunlight streaming through large windows highlighting the genuine camaraderie of the moment
The Pods

Do Something Different - Rebound Therapy

next on 17 August 2026
time 13:00 - 15:30
schedule repeating

Come along and try our ‘Do Something Different’ sport, leisure and cultural sessions specifically for adults with a disability aged 16 and above.
Lively group of adults gathered around a rustic wooden table in a cozy café, sharing stories and hearty laughter over steaming cups of coffee, one person gesturing animatedly while telling a story, others leaning in with engaged expressions, comfortable armchairs and soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere, with sunlight streaming through large windows highlighting the genuine camaraderie of the moment
The Pods

Parent and Pushchair Wellbeing Walk followed by Busy Babies - Scunthorpe

next on 17 August 2026
time 13:30 - 15:00
schedule repeating

Parents, grandparents, carers or anyone in the Scunthopre area keen to get some fresh air and meet like minded people are welcome to join a new a...
Lively group of adults gathered around a rustic wooden table in a cozy café, sharing stories and hearty laughter over steaming cups of coffee, one person gesturing animatedly while telling a story, others leaning in with engaged expressions, comfortable armchairs and soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere, with sunlight streaming through large windows highlighting the genuine camaraderie of the moment
The Pods

Busy Babies

next on 17 August 2026
time 14:15 - 15:00
schedule repeating

Activities include reading area, play corner and sensory role play activities, bubbles and singing.
Lively group of adults gathered around a rustic wooden table in a cozy café, sharing stories and hearty laughter over steaming cups of coffee, one person gesturing animatedly while telling a story, others leaning in with engaged expressions, comfortable armchairs and soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere, with sunlight streaming through large windows highlighting the genuine camaraderie of the moment
The Pods

Do Something Different - Archery

next on 18 August 2026
time 12:30 - 13:30
schedule repeating

Come along and try our ‘Do Something Different’ sport, leisure and cultural sessions specifically for adults with a disability aged 16 and above.
Two joggers maintaining a steady pace along a tree-lined park path during an autumn morning, wearing athletic gear and running shoes, with fallen leaves scattered around and early morning sunlight filtering through the branches
The Pods

Street Sport: Scorers

next on 18 August 2026
time 17:00 - 18:00
schedule repeating

Scorers provide free physical activity sessions for young people with disabilities in North Lincolnshire.

Food & drink nearby...

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Scunthorpe

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Traditional English breakfast featuring hot baked beans in tomato sauce, served with perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs on top of golden toast, on a white ceramic plate
Scunthorpe

Café INDIE

973m

Café INDIE is a community café and youth-led arts venue offering fresh food, live music and support for young people through volunteer programs, creativity and social impact.
Traditional English breakfast featuring hot baked beans in tomato sauce, served with perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs on top of golden toast, on a white ceramic plate
Scunthorpe

Colosseo

1km

A warm and elegant Italian restaurant known for its authentic cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and expertly crafted traditional dishes.
Traditional English breakfast featuring hot baked beans in tomato sauce, served with perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs on top of golden toast, on a white ceramic plate
Scunthorpe

Greek Kitchen Taverna

1km

Greek Kitchen Taverna in Scunthorpe offers authentic Greek cuisine in a warm, welcoming setting, perfect for casual dining or takeaway.
Traditional English breakfast featuring hot baked beans in tomato sauce, served with perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs on top of golden toast, on a white ceramic plate
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A contemporary fine dining venue offering inventive European and British cuisine in an elegant, intimate setting.
Traditional English breakfast featuring hot baked beans in tomato sauce, served with perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs on top of golden toast, on a white ceramic plate
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1.4km

Top-rated Italian fine dining restaurant, San Pietro is known as a favourite for special occasions.

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