Newark and Sherwood District Council now manages Southwell Leisure Centre
The management of Southwell Leisure Centre has officially transferred to Newark and Sherwood District Council on a long-term lease, as part of a partnership arrangement that will protect leisure provision in the town.
The centre will be run by the district council’s leisure provider, Active4Today.
All employees working for the Southwell Leisure Centre Trust have been transferred over to Active4Today.
The centre, which had been run independently by the trust, opened in 1965 but was hit hard financially during the pandemic.
However, as a result of its long-standing partnership with the district council, it has secured a way forward, which will see leisure provision in the town continue.
Roger Jackson, chairman of the council’s leisure and environment committee, said: “We have always had a positive relationship with Southwell Leisure Centre Trust and I am delighted that we have come to this agreement to continue this partnership moving forward with Active4Today running the service.
“They’ll be ensuring that the facility can be enjoyed for generations, improving the health and well-being of everyone in the area, both now and into the future.
“Leisure centre users will still be able to enjoy the same facilities, with the same service from the same fantastic members of staff.”
Roger Blaney, chairman of the centre’s trustees, said: “The pandemic has been a very difficult period for the trust but our staff at the centre have been awe-inspiring during this time, working hard to ensure our customers receive a quality service.
“My fellow trustees and I are immensely thankful for the support the centre has received from our customers and partners and are thrilled that we have come through the pandemic still serving our community.
“With Active4Today running the service, we’re confident we can ensure the continued long-term provision of high-quality health and well-being facilities for the people of Southwell and the surrounding area.”
Keith Girling, chairman of Active4Today Ltd, said: “It will be business as usual, as we continue to get more people, more active, more often.”
The Active4Today group includes Newark Sports and Fitness, and Dukeries and Blidworth leisure centres.