The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding and Long Sutton Leisure Centres will be run by a new company from March.
South Holland District Council has chosen Parkwood to run the services, replacing 1Life.
A spokesperson for South Holland District Council, said: “The five-year contract, which will commence on 1 March 2019, will include the management and operation of Castle Sports Complex and Pool in Spalding and Peele Leisure Centre in Long Sutton.
“Parkwood, who manage more than 80 facilities on behalf of councils and schools throughout England and Wales, was awarded the contract due to its commitment to provide an improved leisure offer for the district, supporting health improvements across the district and investing in facilities.
“The bid also contained impressive financial incentives, looking to build confidence in the facilities and encourage increased use through an exciting programme of leisure activities and pro-actively spreading awareness of offers and opportunities with the community.”
The proposal to award the contract received unanimous support from members at a South Holland District Council meeting on Wednesday 28 November. Cllr Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for communities and facilities, said:
“South Holland District Council is committed to providing residents of all ages and abilities with a range of exciting opportunities to get involved in leisure, sport and physical activity.
“Our leisure facilities are an invaluable resource for many of our residents, including for me and my family. We want to create a more active, happy and healthy district and the service being offered by Parkwood completely supports the achieving of this goal.
“Throughout the process they have demonstrated the commitment, experience and ambition to work with us to make the most possible of our leisure facilities, supporting improved health and wellbeing through quality of service and increased participation.
“We would all like to thank 1Life for its 20 years of service to managing the facilities in the district, and are now looking ahead to this exciting new chapter and working closely with Parkwood over the next five years to create high-quality and affordable facilities for our residents to enjoy.”
Glen Hall, Parkwood Leisure’s operations director, said: “We are delighted to have been selected. Our focus is on helping communities to be happier and healthier and we look forward to supporting the council’s physical activity targets.
“Our team will be working hard over the coming weeks to ensure we hit the ground running. Plans are being finalised and we’re confident that they will have a very positive impact.”
