Leisure centres to join Better group from 1 April
Charitable organisation GLL will operate Blaydon, Dunston and Heworth leisure centres along with Gateshead International Stadium from next month.
Council leaders appointed GLL, the social enterprise behind the Better brand, to run the facilities in November 2024 following an extensive review of Gateshead's leisure services and a rigorous process to find the right partner operator.
Now, Gateshead communities are set to benefit from GLL's commitment to social value and experience of operating more than 250 modern and cost-effective sports and leisure centres across the country.
During the competitive tender process, they set out their plans to deliver significant savings for the council whilst improving the facilities by updating gym equipment, swimming pools, technology and more.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "We're delighted to welcome GLL to Gateshead. They have a strong track record of working with councils nationwide to provide affordable and accessible ways to get active, not just within leisure centres but through community programmes too.
"It's great news for Gateshead that through this partnership, we have been able to secure a positive and sustainable future for these much-loved facilities and make savings to support the delivery of our essential services."
Council officers have been working closely with GLL over the last few months to prepare for the transition, including working with trade unions to transfer the employment of the council's leisure services staff.
Tim Bestford, GLL's Head of Service for Gateshead said: "We are delighted to have been invited to work in partnership with Gateshead Council and are committed to providing first class leisure and sporting facilities to local residents.
"We believe our experience - GLL now operates more than 250 public leisure centres across the UK - coupled with our status as a 'not for profit' social enterprise means that we have both the operational skills and community focus that will enable us to deliver top quality leisure services and encourage increased participation from local residents."
The switchover will be seamless for current GO Gateshead members, with membership and payment details securely and automatically transferred. Members will be contacted directly with more information.
GLL will also continue to work with the groups that use the facilities on a regular basis.
Charitable organisation GLL will operate Blaydon, Dunston and Heworth leisure centres along with Gateshead International Stadium from next month.
Council leaders appointed GLL, the social enterprise behind the Better brand, to run the facilities in November 2024 following an extensive review of Gateshead's leisure services and a rigorous process to find the right partner operator.
Now, Gateshead communities are set to benefit from GLL's commitment to social value and experience of operating more than 250 modern and cost-effective sports and leisure centres across the country.
During the competitive tender process, they set out their plans to deliver significant savings for the council whilst improving the facilities by updating gym equipment, swimming pools, technology and more.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "We're delighted to welcome GLL to Gateshead. They have a strong track record of working with councils nationwide to provide affordable and accessible ways to get active, not just within leisure centres but through community programmes too.
"It's great news for Gateshead that through this partnership, we have been able to secure a positive and sustainable future for these much-loved facilities and make savings to support the delivery of our essential services."
Council officers have been working closely with GLL over the last few months to prepare for the transition, including working with trade unions to transfer the employment of the council's leisure services staff.
Tim Bestford, GLL's Head of Service for Gateshead said: "We are delighted to have been invited to work in partnership with Gateshead Council and are committed to providing first class leisure and sporting facilities to local residents.
"We believe our experience - GLL now operates more than 250 public leisure centres across the UK - coupled with our status as a 'not for profit' social enterprise means that we have both the operational skills and community focus that will enable us to deliver top quality leisure services and encourage increased participation from local residents."
The switchover will be seamless for current GO Gateshead members, with membership and payment details securely and automatically transferred. Members will be contacted directly with more information.
GLL will also continue to work with the groups that use the facilities on a regular basis.
