Buckinghamshire Council appoints new partner to run select leisure services
Buckinghamshire Council has today announced the appointment of industry specialists Serco Leisure to run five of its leisure facilities in the county.
Serco Leisure and its partner, More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), will take on the running of Aqua Vale Swimming & Fitness Centre in Aylesbury, the Swan Pool & Leisure Centre in Buckingham, Evreham Sports Centre in Iver and Beacon Sports Centre and Theatre in Beaconsfield. They will also continue to run the Little Marlow Running Track. The five-year contract will start from 1 April 2024.
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.
Current memberships will transfer across to the new leisure provider automatically. Serco Leisure and MLCT will be contacting all existing members before 1 April to formally let them know of the changes.
Speaking after the announcement, 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.”
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 Athletics 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.’’
