Gateshead Council set to appoint new operator for leisure services
Cabinet members will decide on new management arrangements for the council's leisure facilities next week, securing a sustainable and cost-effective future for the sites.
Due to budget challenges, it was agreed last year that the council would seek an operator to run Blaydon, Dunston and Heworth Leisure Centres along with Gateshead International Stadium. Following an extensive procurement process, the council is now in a position to confirm next steps.
Subject to approval from Cabinet members, a national leisure services provider will take over the operation of the stadium and leisure centres from April 2025. Council officers will start to work with them immediately to prepare for the transition, including working with trade unions to transfer the employment of around 150 members of staff from the council to the new operator.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said:
"It's an exciting time for Gateshead as we work towards partnering with an organisation who has a strong track record of delivering modern and efficient leisure services across the country.
As part of a rigorous tendering process, this particular provider has set out how they'll improve our facilities and ensure that they can continue to support the health and wellbeing of our communities. Thanks to their expertise and investment, the partnership is expected to result in significant savings for the council whilst also offering a better experience for leisure centre visitors."
The 10 year contract, with an option to extend for a further 5 years, will see the appointed partner provide sports and leisure services across community venues as well as the stadium and leisure centres, in line with the council's strategy for making physical activity accessible and affordable for all. This includes managing the tennis courts in Derwent, Chopwell and Marley Hill parks, which are currently being refurbished thanks to funding from the Lawn Tennis Association. They will reopen in the Spring.
The new provider will also continue to work with the groups that currently use the facilities on a regular basis, offering long-term stability for partners including Gateshead College and Gateshead FC.
Councillor Gannon continued:
"It's been a turbulent few years and we've had to make some difficult decisions. However, with Birtley Swimming Centre and Gateshead Leisure Centre now operated by community groups and a pending partnership with a successful national provider for Blaydon, Dunston, Heworth and the stadium, I'm confident that we have secured a positive and sustainable future for leisure services in Gateshead."
Cabinet members will meet on Tuesday 19 November. More details and information for current GO Gateshead members will be shared following their decision.
Cabinet members will decide on new management arrangements for the council's leisure facilities next week, securing a sustainable and cost-effective future for the sites.
Due to budget challenges, it was agreed last year that the council would seek an operator to run Blaydon, Dunston and Heworth Leisure Centres along with Gateshead International Stadium. Following an extensive procurement process, the council is now in a position to confirm next steps.
Subject to approval from Cabinet members, a national leisure services provider will take over the operation of the stadium and leisure centres from April 2025. Council officers will start to work with them immediately to prepare for the transition, including working with trade unions to transfer the employment of around 150 members of staff from the council to the new operator.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said:
"It's an exciting time for Gateshead as we work towards partnering with an organisation who has a strong track record of delivering modern and efficient leisure services across the country.
As part of a rigorous tendering process, this particular provider has set out how they'll improve our facilities and ensure that they can continue to support the health and wellbeing of our communities. Thanks to their expertise and investment, the partnership is expected to result in significant savings for the council whilst also offering a better experience for leisure centre visitors."
The 10 year contract, with an option to extend for a further 5 years, will see the appointed partner provide sports and leisure services across community venues as well as the stadium and leisure centres, in line with the council's strategy for making physical activity accessible and affordable for all. This includes managing the tennis courts in Derwent, Chopwell and Marley Hill parks, which are currently being refurbished thanks to funding from the Lawn Tennis Association. They will reopen in the Spring.
The new provider will also continue to work with the groups that currently use the facilities on a regular basis, offering long-term stability for partners including Gateshead College and Gateshead FC.
Councillor Gannon continued:
"It's been a turbulent few years and we've had to make some difficult decisions. However, with Birtley Swimming Centre and Gateshead Leisure Centre now operated by community groups and a pending partnership with a successful national provider for Blaydon, Dunston, Heworth and the stadium, I'm confident that we have secured a positive and sustainable future for leisure services in Gateshead."
Cabinet members will meet on Tuesday 19 November. More details and information for current GO Gateshead members will be shared following their decision.
