PLANS to revitalise sports and leisure centres in Petersfield, Alton and Bordon have taken an important step forward.
East Hampshire District Council has selected Sport and Leisure Management Ltd (SLM) as the ‘preferred bidder’ to manage its leisure facilities from April 2017.
The council and SLM, which operates as Everyone Active, are now working to close a deal that could see new leisure centres in Alton and Whitehill and Bordon, and significant improvements to the Taro Leisure Centre in Petersfield.
Details remain confidential because of the commercial sensitivity of the bidding process and ongoing negotiations are subject to the council’s agreement of contractual arrangements.
Hadley's peak performance as youngster raises £1,700 from Butser challenge
Children are the future: EHDC mulls pioneering campus plan for Penns Place
Bordon and Kingsley residents demand urgent action over dangerous potholes on A325
REVIEW: So good, so good - Winton Players rise to challenge with proper pantoCouncil deputy leader Cllr Richard Millard said: ‘These are very exciting times and we are looking forward to working with SLM to get the best possible facilities both for our residents and our visitors.”
Managing Director of Everyone Active David Bibby said: “We are delighted to be chosen by the council to manage its leisure facilities in the area.
“We already operate leisure services in nearby Chichester, Fareham and Hart, so it’s fantastic that we’re now being given the opportunity to extend our experience in the area.
“Our aim is to encourage more participation in physical activity and, ultimately, a healthier lifestyle. “We’re confident this partnership will develop the leisure provision in East Hampshire and offer a wide range of advanced facilities for local people to enjoy.”
The selection process by the council began more than a year ago when leisure providers were asked to join the bidding process, since then the council has been whittling down the candidates.
Sport and Leisure Management, which runs more than 140 leisure centres across the country, was chosen just before Christmas.
The award-winning company formed in 1987 and is the UK’s longest-established leisure operator. It works in partnership with 44 local authorities to deliver high-quality sports and leisure facilities and improve the health and wellbeing of communities.