Freedom Leisure wins contract to continue running Wealden centres

Freedom Leisure has won a contract to continue running four leisure centre at Uckfield, Crowborough, Heathfield and Hailsham.

Wealden District Council which awarded the contract says the deal will ensure improvements in the centres and generate "significant savings in the running costs".

Cllr Johanna Howell, cabinet member for Community and Voluntary sector at the council said: "We are particularly pleased that the company best able to meet our demands has been Freedom Leisure, our existing supplier.

"This should ensure smooth continuation of an excellent service which has seen increases in the number of people enjoying our leisure centres to pursue a fit and healthy lifestyle."

Cllr Howell said the new contract would see £7 million invested to provide refurbished gym areas, changing rooms, cafes and reception areas.

At the same time the amount of grant the council paid to support the running of leisure centres would gradually be reduced, securing savings of £6.54 million over the contract period.

Specific improvements at Uckfield are not detailed in a story on the Wealden Council website but 17 new spin bikes and other studio equipment are to be installed at Crowborough leisure centre and 66 new pieces of kit including weights, bars and spin bikes at Hailsham.

The new contract with Freedom Leisure for Crowborough and Hailsham Leisure Centres will be for 15 years while the contract will last for ten years at Uckfield and Heathfield, where the buildings are owned by East Sussex County Council.

Jeff Hart, managing director at Freedom Leisure, which has its head office at East Hoathly and manages 34 leisure and fitness centres across Sussex, Kent and Surrey, said he was delighted the not for profit leisure trust had been appointed for another term.

Twelve companies were involved in a tendering process for the contract. Five of them were shortlisted.