Gentle start for leisure switch
NEW CONTROLLING BODY PROMISES SMOOTH TRANSITION TO 10-YEAR CONTRACT
THE new controlling body behind East Staffordshire’s leisure centres is aiming to cause “as little disruption as possible” as it takes over the reins for a decade.
Hinckley-based Sports and Leisure Management Ltd has been handpicked by East Staffordshire Borough Council to run leisure facilities in the area for the next 10 years.
Although the council will retain ownership of the centres, which include Meadowside Leisure Centre in Burton, Uttoxeter Leisure Centre , Shobnall Leisure Complex and leisure project Active East Staffs, the Leicestershire firm will run them.
It has already been announced that £1.7 million is set to be invested in the centres after the private firm was given the go-ahead to take the reins on Friday, February 1.
According to the council, the move will ensure “quality leisure services for the community,” while bosses at the firm – who manage more than 170 UK leisure centres – are eager to stress customers will have access to a “wide range of benefits”. Area contract manager for the Hinckley firm’s Everyone Active arm Simon Fearn said: “Everyone Active is delighted to be taking over the management of East Staffordshire Borough Council’s leisure facilities. Our aim is to ensure there is as little disruption as possible during the transition period.”
Mr Fearn said the firm promises a new online platform where customers can track their own progress and set goals for themselves to achieve.
An online archive will also be available with information on workouts, training plans and video instruction.
Mr Fearn added the sports management firm will be launching the “Everyone Active Sporting Champions” scheme, allowing athletes in the area to apply for support and funding to help boost their sporting aspirations .
They will also look to refurbish the leisure centres, with details to be announced following discussions with the borough council.
He said: “We are also continuing to liaise with the council about the refurbishment due to be carried out across the centres. Further information on the investments will be provided by both parties in due course.”
An East Staffordshire Borough Council spokesman has previously confirmed the £1.7 million injection would be invested by themselves and Sport and Leisure Management Ltd.