Leisure centres return to council management

Three leisure centres have returned to council management after previously being run by a private operator.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has taken over day-to-day running of the Dolphin Leisure Centre, Rossmore Leisure Centre and Ashdown Leisure Centre in Poole, Dorset.

It comes after the previous contract with private operator Everyone Active expired.

The council announced improvements to facilities and equipment and said managing the centres in-house would "significantly improve accessibility and the services on offer".

Alongside the new equipment, refurbishment will also include resurfacing of studio floors, an upgrade of sports and health and safety equipment, a new GP referral system, digital signs, and investment in staff training.

Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre and Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre are already run by the council's newly-formed commercial vehicle BCP Leisure.

The council's cabinet agreed last year to take over the management of the centres when the current contract with Everyone Active expired.

The company operates more than 200 leisure venues on behalf of local councils across the country.

Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said users would see the "modernisation and improvement" of facilities in the coming months.

“The success of Two Riversmeet in Christchurch, which is performing exceptionally well against other leisure providers in the UK, demonstrates how locally managed services can really meet community needs - helping to connect people and encourage active, healthy lifestyles.”

The council said the BCP Leisure model included a capital repayment investment plan across the three facilities.

There will be no additional or ongoing revenue pressure on the local authority, it said.

You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.