A 15-year partnership which will see £1 million ploughed into leisure centres to revamp facilities across Fenland has been launched today.
Freedom Leisure has taken over the management of Fenland’s four leisure centres - Chatteris, George Campbell, Hudson and Manor.
In the pipeline are extended and refurbished gym and studio spaces, state-of-the art fitness kit and improved catering offerings, plus the recruitment of an Active Communities executive and new community-focussed outreach programmes.
At the official launch event held at the George Campbell Leisure Centre this morning (December 4), Cllr Mark Buckton hailed the initiative as being a “huge commitment to the district”.
Bosses from Freedom Leisure were joined by local councillors, along with mascot, Jim Trainer and staff members to formally mark day one.
Cllr Buckton said: “When we embarked on this the motive was around saving money and we have to realise over the past few years that it’s not just about saving money but what we can offer the people of Fenland.
“I am confident that they will make a brilliant partner. This is a huge commitment to the district.
“The initial investment will be on the Hudson Leisure Centre, which will see around half a million pounds put in.”
Controversy surrounded the revamp at the centre in Wisbech earlier this year, as it was proposed that the indoor hall - currently used by the Hudson Bowls Club – would be transformed into a gym, dance and spinning room.
Cllr Buckton added: “We are still in talks with Living Sport and are set to have a meeting with the bowls committee soon to make sure that options are available for them to continue enjoying their sport.”
The George Campbell Leisure Centre has already been kitted out in new signage, branding and new uniforms for staff.
Matt Hunt, Freedom Leisure’s operations director, said: “We have lots of exciting plans for the reinvestment and we want to set the scene for what Freedom Leisure is about.
“We have a shared objective about improving the health and wellbeing of the area.”
It was also confirmed that the council initiative Time Credits will also still be available across Freedom Leisure Centres.
For more information visit www.freedom-leisure.co.uk
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