Transfer of Council’s leisure centre management contract from Nuffield Health to GLL
Nuffield Health, who operates the Council’s three leisure centres under contract, has agreed in principle to transfer its Community Fitness business to GLL (Greenwich Leisure Ltd). The move will see the management contract for 13 local authority leisure facilities, including Banstead Leisure Centre, The Horley Anderson Centre and Donyngs Recreation Centre in Redhill, transfer to GLL from 31 March 2011.
Nuffield Health has taken the decision to exit from the direct management of local authority fitness facilities to concentrate on developing its clinical services and public health offering.
Cllr Adam De Save, Executive Member for Leisure and Wellbeing, said: “The deal is not yet complete but the Council is working with Nuffield Health and GLL to ensure a smooth transition for leisure centre customers and employees.
“GLL is an experienced leisure operator with a proven track record. The change in our service provider to GLL will not affect the terms of the leisure centre management contract, which will remain the same. This includes the investment at Donyngs that is already underway.
“The transfer will also have no bearing on current or future swimming pool provision at the Banstead Leisure Centre – this is a Council decision which will be taken in due course.”
GLL is a Non-Profit Distributing Co-operative (a form of charitable trust also known as an Industrial & Provident Society) that runs around 90 leisure and fitness centres across South England for local authorities including 16 London boroughs and sixdistrict councils. The trust also runs and manages Crystal Palace National Sports Centre and has close links with the London 2012 Olympic Games.
GLL is also very committed to community-based leisure and is a leading body in work to use the Olympics to encourage more citizens to take up physical exercise.
GLL tendered for the Council’s leisure centre operator contract in 2007/08 and were the only company apart from Nuffield Health to make it through the selection process to the final round. Although the quality, operational procedures, health & safety and financial aspects of the company met and exceeded the Council’s criteria, their tender was less financially advantageous to the Council, which is the only reason why they were not successful.