Leisure contract extended as new centre planned

Torridge District Council said the old Bideford Town Hall and Library would be converted into a leisure centre

An organisation's contract to run leisure centre services in a Devon district has been extended to 2032, it has been announced.

Torridge District Council said Active Torridge had "outperformed the ambitions" set when it took over the contract in 2022 despite having to deal with rises in energy costs and inflation.

The council added it had also approved plans to convert the former Bideford Town Hall and Library into a leisure centre, with an opening date set for early 2026.

Active Torridge chief operating officer Chris Keeble said he was delighted the contract had been extended.

'Membership growing'

Mr Keeble added the opening of the new centre in Bideford would also provide a big boost to the company's long-term goals.

"By adapting the site at the Old Library, we will be able to deliver a state-of-the-art gym that meets public demand," he said.

"Many of our fitness classes are oversubscribed and as membership levels continue to grow, by offsetting popular classes from existing Active Torridge facilities we will have more space to offer a greater range of sessions and classes."

Council leader Ken James said it was a "very exciting" time for leisure services in the district.

He added: "We are now looking forward to being able to take a longer-term view of the strategy for leisure provision in Torridge, so that we can continue to grow and expand our services to suit the needs of our communities."