Plymouth City Council is set to consider major changes to the way its leisure facilities are managed when its contract with operator SLM (Everyone Active) expires next year.
A report being discussed by Cabinet members next week recommends that when the contract ends in March, the operation of Brickfields Sports Centre, Mount Wise Pools, Plympton Swimming Pool, Plymouth Life Centre and Tinside Lido be transferred to a new local authority trading company (LATC), set-up and owned by the Council.
It follows a detailed review of different options available, taking into account the significant impact of COVID-19 on the leisure sector and independent financial advice that it would be unlikely for a commercial tender to deliver best value in the current market. It is estimated that over five years, an LATC model would be the most cost-effective for the Council.
Most importantly, the report says the company would be best placed to run facilities in a way that will meet the Council’s new strategic priorities for the city and the physical activity needs of its communities.
These are reflected in a number of objectives outlined in the Plymouth Plan 2014 to 2034 and Active Devon’s ‘Towards an Active Plymouth’ report, which includes an aim for Plymouth to be the most active coastal city in England by 2034.
As well as tackling health inequality in the city and supporting its most vulnerable residents, the Council is committed to making the most of Plymouth’s natural environment and the role it can play in helping people to stay active and well. The future use of Tinside Lido and Mount Wise Pools, for example, is an integral element of the National Marine Park vision for the waterfront.
Under the new leisure management proposals, separate business cases would also be developed for much-needed capital investment in improvements at Plympton Swimming Pool and upgraded facilities at Brickfields, including a review of its green spaces.
Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “Our current leisure contract was set up a decade ago and we’re looking at a very different landscape now, not least because of the massive impact of the pandemic on the sector right across the country.
“As we take our next steps we want to make sure we’re running our facilities in a way that will best meet the health and wellbeing needs of our residents, as well as our wider priorities and aspirations for Plymouth.
“We recognise the valuable links that can be made between our fantastic green and blue spaces and helping people stay active and well and we’ve made a number of commitments to make better use of our local environment – including Tinside and the rest of our spectacular waterfront.
“We also want to make much-needed investment and improvements to ensure our leisure facilities are fit-for-purpose not just now but for future generations.”
The Council has been briefing SLM and other key stakeholders on the recommendations and if they are approved, further details will be announced in due course.
Cabinet members will consider the report when they meet on Tuesday 10 August. It can be viewed on the Council website.