Following a competitive tendering process, Serco Leisure and its operating partner in the region, More Leisure Community Trust (MCLT) have been awarded a five-year contract by Buckinghamshire Council to operate five centres, starting April 1st 2024.
The new contract includes management of Aqua Vale Swimming & Fitness Centre, Swan Pool & Leisure Centre, Evreham Leisure Centre, Beacon Sports Centre & Theatre as well as the continued operation of the Little Marlow Running Track, which Serco Leisure and MCLT have been managing on behalf of the council since 2018.
The decision to award the contract to Serco Leisure and MLCT was made by Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet following a competitive procurement process. As well as bringing positive financial benefits, the arrangements will continue to provide benefits for local residents. This includes a range of concessionary membership rates, working closely with health partners to support residents’ health and wellbeing through more active lifestyles and increasing the number of users across all these sites, supporting local work placements with schools and colleges, and an apprenticeship programme.
Clive Harriss, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said:
“As a council, we pride ourselves on providing a range of top-quality, affordable leisure facilities for our residents. After a rigorous and exhaustive procurement process, we are pleased to be working with Serco Leisure and MLCT who bring with them great experience and expertise in running successful and thriving leisure facilities for local communities.”
Simon Lane, Serco Leisure’s Managing Director said:
“I’m absolutely delighted at this news, which allows us to extend our current relationship with Buckinghamshire Council. We are eager to get started and are looking forward to making a positive impact within the community.
“In partnership with the council, we have a range of exciting projects in the pipeline to enhance the customer experience for visitors to the five centres, including major refurbishment work for the gym spaces at Aqua Vale Swimming & Fitness Centre and Swan Pool & Leisure Centre.
”Brian Taylor, Chair of More Leisure Community Trust added:
“This is wonderful news. More Leisure Community Trust are looking forward to broadening their presence in Buckinghamshire having successfully operated Stoke Mandeville Stadium and Little Marlow Running track since 2018. We are looking forward to working in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council to achieve our vision - to inspire all individuals to engage in activity and to be at the heart of improving health and wellbeing in the community.’’
The five facilities within the contract were previously managed by a number of different operators, with Aqua Vale and Swan Pool under the SLM banner, Evreham Leisure Centre and Beacon Sports Centre & Theatre under GLL, and the Little Marlow Running Track managed by Serco Leisure and MCLT.