Southwell Leisure Centre joins Active4Today Ltd.

An exciting partnership...

Southwell Leisure Centre hands reins over to District Council

Southwell Leisure Centre has officially transferred its management operations to Newark and Sherwood District Council on a long term lease, as part of a partnership arrangement that will protect leisure provision in the town for years to come.

The Leisure Centre will now be run by the District Council’s leisure provider, Active4Today.   As a result of the move, all Leisure Centre employees working for the Southwell Leisure Centre Trust, have been transferred over to Active4Today under a TUPE agreement, with no jobs being lost.

The Leisure Centre, which has been run independently by the Southwell Leisure Centre Trust, was opened in 1965 but was hit hard financially during the pandemic. However, as a result of its long standing partnership with the District Council, it has been able to secure a positive way forward for the future, which will see leisure provision within the town continue and employee jobs safe guarded.

To mark this new chapter for the Leisure Centre, an official handover ceremony was held with the Chairman of the Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Leisure and Environment Committee, Councillor Roger Jackson, the Chairman of the Southwell Leisure Centre Trust, Roger Blaney and the Chairman of Active4Today, Keith Girling on Friday 1 October.

Councillor Roger Jackson, Chairman of the Leisure and Environment Committee, at Newark and Sherwood District Council said: “We have always had a positive relationship with Southwell Leisure Centre Trust and I am delighted that we have come to this agreement to continue this partnership moving forward with Active4Today running the service.

“They’ll be ensuring that the facility can be enjoyed for generations, improving the health and well-being of everyone in the area, both now and into the future.”

“We have now come to this agreement to continue this partnership with Active4Today to ensure the facility will be continued for future

“Southwell residents account for nearly 10% of the district’s total population and it is more important than ever for our residents to access local leisure facilities. 

“Members will still be able to enjoy the same facilities, with the same service from the same fantastic members of staff.”

Roger Blaney, Chairman of the Southwell Leisure Centre Trust, said: “The pandemic has been a very difficult period for the Trust but our staff at the centre have been awe-inspiring during this time, working hard to ensure our customers receive a quality service.

“My fellow trustees and I are immensely thankful for the support the centre has received from our customers and partners and are thrilled that we have come through the pandemic still serving our community.

“By forming this partnership with Newark and Sherwood District Council we’ve been able to safeguard the jobs of our employees and  can look ahead to a bright and exciting future. 

“With Active4Today running the service, we’re confident we can ensure the continued long-term provision of high-quality health and wellbeing facilities for the people of Southwell and the surrounding area.”

Keith Girling, Chairman of Active4Today Ltd, said: “Active4Today Ltd are looking forward to working with the existing teams at the leisure centre to continue to offer first class services to the people of Southwell and the surrounding areas”

“As a result of the already existing partnership agreement with Southwell Leisure Centre, it has been a seamless transition for the employees to TUPE into Active and we hope for the customers also.

“From 1^st October it will be business as usual, as we continue to get more people, more active, more often.”

Southwell Leisure Centre now joins the Active4Today group, which includes Blidworth Leisure Centre, Newark Sports and Fitness Centre and Dukeries Leisure Centre.  In addition, Active4Today supports the leisure operations of Newark Academy, Bishop Alexander LEAD Academy, Barnby Road Academy, Samworth Academy and Suthers Academy, through service level agreements.

To find out more or to join, go to: www.active4today.co.uk/memberships/joinnow

From left to right - Roger Blaney, Chairman of the Southwell Leisure Centre Trust, Penny Rainbow, Trustee of Southwell Leisure Centre Trust, Councillor Roger Jackson, Chairman of the Leisure and Environment Committee, at Newark and Sherwood District Council, Keith Girling, Chairman of Active4Today Ltd and Bruce Ashworth, Trustee of Southwell Leisure Centre Trust

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