The Dolphin Leisure Centre, Rossmore Leisure Centre and Ashdown Leisure centre are all set to receive significant investment in their facilities as BCP Council takes over.
The decision to bring the three centres in-house was approved by Cabinet in September 2023 and follows the end of the council’s current contract with Sports and Leisure Management operated by Everyone Active.
The three centres will join Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, along with Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre, as council-operated facilities under the newly formed commercial vehicle BCP Leisure.
Once the facilities are managed in-house, the council will begin to implement a six-month investment plan across the three leisure centres, modernising the facilities and installing state of the art new gym and class fitness equipment.
Alongside the new equipment, the refurbishment will also include resurfacing of studio floors, an upgrade of sports and health and safety equipment, a new GP referral system, internal digital signage, and investment in staff training.
In addition, from January 2025 the integration means that members at Two Riversmeet will gain access to Rossmore, Dolphin, and Ashdown Leisure Centres and vice versa at no extra cost.
Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, said: “We want to enable lifelong active living among our residents and making our leisure centres vibrant and welcoming for everyone in the community is a vital component. I’m really looking forward to seeing the modernisation and improvement of these facilities over the coming months.
“The success of Two Riversmeet in Christchurch, which is performing exceptionally well against other leisure providers in the UK, demonstrates how locally managed services can really meet community needs – helping to connect people and encourage active, healthy lifestyles.”
The BCP Leisure management model includes a capital repayment investment plan across the three facilities. There will be no additional or ongoing revenue pressure to the Council.