THE DISTRICT council has agreed a deal to secure the future of its three leisure centres.
Last Tuesday (October 28) the Executive Board moved to award Freedom Leisure a 15-year contract to manage Malvern Splash, Sport Dyson Perrins and Sport Martley.
A total of 11 firms bid for the agreement and six were shortlisted but ultimately it was the non-for-profit trust which came out on top. The provider will take over on April 1 next year.
The council stated they would make significant savings from the move and have further agreed to invest in the three centres.
Coun Phil Grove, responsible for leisure and health, said: “We will be working with Freedom Leisure and the wider community to reach a number of target groups at our centres and out in the rural villages.
“These include older people, children and young people and people with disabilities.
“As outlined in our sport and leisure strategy, we believe big improvements can be made in residents’ health and wellbeing by encouraging greater participation in physical activities.”
Coun Paul Cumming, the council’s finance chief, added: “This is an excellent outcome for the council and its taxpayers, particularly given that local authorities across the country are closing leisure facilities due to financial pressures.”
Ivan Horsfall Turner, Freedom Leisure’s managing director, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract and we look forward to working with the council, the dual use facilities and the wider community to increase participation in sport and leisure activities.
“The new contract includes detailed performance monitoring to ensure important participation, health and environmental targets are being met and a revenue sharing mechanism to allow for any excess surplus to be shared equally between the leisure operator and the council.”
The same provider was also chosen to operate Tenbury Swimming Pool for the next ten years from April 1. The council has also committed to a five-year grant as part of the agreement.
