FREEDOM Leisure will remain open after the Malvern District Council (MHDC) said they would help keep the centre running amidst rising energy costs.
The Executive Committee agreed to accept a reduction in their management fee from Freedom Leisure this year and next year, which will offer the centre a relief in payments.
Ivan Horsfall Turner, CEO of Freedom Leisure, said: “Public sector leisure is one of the most exposed sectors because energy costs are such a large proportion of overall costs, particularly facilities with swimming pools.
“At Freedom Leisure, we are experiencing a three-fold increase in our annual energy bill despite the recent government announcement of a temporary cap.”
Freedom Leisure is a not-for-profit leisure trust, and the contract is built on a partnership arrangement approach, with the council in normal operating circumstances receiving an annual management fee.
Since April 2015, MHDC had a 15-year contract with Freedom Leisure to operate the Malvern Splash, Sport Dyson Perrins, and Sport Martley leisure centres, within the Malvern Hills District.
Ivan added: “We welcome the support and strong partnership working with Malvern Hills District Council.”
Coun Tom Wells, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Leisure centres were one of the industries that were hit the hardest during the Covid-19 pandemic and now we are in an energy crisis, they are being hit once again.
“Leisure centres are valued extensively by our residents, and they play a critical role in helping not only the physical health of our communities but also their overall wellbeing.
“We are pleased to be supporting Freedom Leisure to help them continue to run our centres during this difficult time.”
