Private firm to take over at Bristol leisure centre

A private firm has taken over the running of a Bristol sports centre after a review of leisure services was carried out by the city council.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees has announced that Elite Sports has taken over the management and operations at Kingsdown Sports Centre,

Rees said: “After more than a decade of national austerity, the council cannot afford to do everything it might like to, and this means that we need to come up with new approaches to help ensure continued provision of fitness facilities across the city.

“We have rationalised the council’s leisure offer and invested in the centres that provide the highest footfall and the most impact for deprived communities.”

As a result of the review Kingsdown Sports Centre was removed from the council’s leisure services contract portfolio.

From April the council will enter into new arrangements with Elite Sports UK, to manage, operate and maintain Kingsdown Sports Centre.

Rees added: “We have kept our commitment to ensure Kingsdown Sports Centre remains affordable and accessible to the community.

“The sports centre currently provides a range of affordable options for members, including a varied programme of sports hall activities, very strong and highly valued badminton and squash facilities, and a gym and fitness offer.

“There are also community spaces on the ground floor. Elite Sports UK submitted a strong proposal which protects and develops community sports Elite Sports UK has a great reputation and works with local communities to provide for innovative programmes around sport, leisure, and recreation.”

The council will sign a 25 year agreement with Elite and the centre will be renamed Elite Sports Centre Kingsdown,

On Saturday 15 April, Elite Sports Centre Kingsdown will be hosting am open day for residents.

The council has also successfully transferred Jubilee Pool in Knowle into community ownership.