New dawn breaks for leisure

Sport and leisure centre management in Powys has entered a new era today (Wednesday) with not-for-profit leisure operator, Freedom Leisure, assuming responsibility for the county’s facilities.

The company has become the county council’s official partner and taken over management of the county’s 15 sports and leisure centres – including The Flash (pictured) - as part of a 15-year contract.

Cabinet Member for Leisure, Councillor Graham Brown said: “We are delighted to have appointed a company with Freedom Leisure’s pedigree, they will bring a level of experience and expertise that will greatly benefit the residents of Powys.

“The decision to look for an external organisation to manage the county’s leisure and sport centres was made with the intention of protecting future provision and ensuring that residents had access to quality sport and leisure facilities.

“We were extremely pleased with the quantity and quality of applications submitted to the council and were happy to award a contract at the conclusion of a rigorous tendering process.

“I am delighted to welcome Freedom Leisure to Powys – the green heart of Wales – and look forward to working in close partnership with the team in the coming years.”

Managing Director for Freedom Leisure, Ivan Horsfall Turner said: “We are delighted to be selected to manage the Powys portfolio and are looking forward to working closely with the community. The wide range of sites gives us plenty of scope to enhance the leisure facilities in the region which, in partnership with the Council, will benefit from an investment of around £2.5 million.

“Having recently commenced the management of four leisure centres within the Malvern District, the community facilities in Powys are perfectly placed to widen our leisure operation within the region. The addition of these sites brings the number of centres managed by Freedom Leisure to 53 and all our collective expertise and experience will be called upon to deliver our very best service here in Powys.”

Freedom Leisure received a conditional award from the county council to manage the county’s centres in May with full management of facilities including the transfer of existing staff taking place from today.