TWO COMMUNITY centres in Malvern are set to remain in safe hands as the town’s council have extended a contract to keep its operators running the centres until at least 2030.
Freedom Leisure, who took on the management and operation of Malvern Vale and Upton Hill Community Centre’s in February 2024, will continue to maintain them.
Malvern Hills District Council’s executive committee approved the companies contract extension, from April 2025 to March 2030, at a meeting on Tuesday, September 17.
Councillor Tom Wells, portfolio holder for communities, health and wellbeing at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are really pleased approval has been made.
“The progress made so far has been really encouraging and we look forward to seeing further positive impact on our communities and the health and wellbeing services provided across the centres in the future.”
Since the organisation took over, significant improvements have taken place. Freedom Leisure has created a new free youth engagement programme, providing opportunities to be active, socialist and seek specialist support and guidance.
New operations managers have been brought in across the two centres who have supported an overall increase in the total usage of the centres’ facilites. Successful open days have been held as have new exercise programmes and walking sports for inactive residents.
Freedom Leisure has also completed all of its statutory health and safety testing, risk assessments and business processes to ensure the sites are managed properly. Over £50,000 has also been spent on repairs, maintenance and improvements.
Rob Tyler, area manager at Freedom Leisure, said: “We’re delighted to have been given the opportunity to manage the centres for the next five years.
“Since initially taking on the centres in February, we’ve already seen many successes, from increased community engagement to enhanced services that benefit local residents.
“Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue working closely with the council to further improve the health and well-being of the people of Malvern, ensuring these community hubs thrive as welcoming spaces for all.”
Further plans for the centres include new dementia, menopause, bereavement, and soft play/toddler cafes, as well as warm spaces, more after school clubs, sports activities, fitness classes and holiday camps.
Born to move, pre-and-post-natal sessions, midwifery services, footcare, physiotheraphy and immunisation provision are also on the horizon.
