Woking Conservatives have agreed a plan to save millions of pounds of taxpayers' money while improving facilities at the Leisure Centre and Pool in the Park by handing their management to a not-for-profit outside operator.
The landmark decision, made as part of the party's manifesto commitment to improve leisure facilities and keep council tax down, will see Woking Leisure Centre, Pool in the Park, children’s holiday activities and Borough pitches and pavilions, managed by the partnership of trusts on behalf of the council.
The new arrangements will see improvements to the existing services with investment approaching £2million and a saving nearing £6million over the 10-year initial lifetime of the contract. Users of the services will see investment including 3G football pitches, a larger and more appealing gym, increased space to cater for high demand and improved creche and bar facilities.
David Bittleston, Deputy Leader of the Conservative group and Portfolio Holder for Woking Leisure Centre and Pool in the Park, said: “The health and well-being of the Borough’s residents is one the Council’s key priorities, and sports and leisure facilities play a vital role in delivering this commitment.
“We were very impressed with the submission made by Greenwich Leisure and Freedom Leisure Limited. Selecting such well established and trusted leisure operators will bring some exciting new changes to the Council’s leisure facilities, while also ensuring that we will continue to offer a wide choice of activities, invest in the future and deliver a high standard of customer service in a cost-effective manner.”