New investment for Guildford leisure facilities

Guildford Spectrum is considered a destination venue

Almost £10m is to be invested in leisure services in Guildford after councillors approved a new long-term management contract.

Freedom Leisure has been named the preferred bidder to run Guildford Spectrum, Guildford Lido and Ash Manor Sports Centre for 10 years from 1 November, following a procurement process.

At a full council meeting on Tuesday, Guildford Borough Council (GBC) approved a £9.98m capital investment to support improvements across the sites.

The council said its leisure facilities attract around 1.8 million visitors each year, with the Spectrum described as a "destination venue". Planned upgrades include a new soft play area and a water splash pad in the pool.

Guildford Lido would have longer opening hours

Under Freedom Leisure's plans, the Spectrum would also see its three main catering outlets refurbished, a redesigned gym, and a new mini golf attraction called 'Puttify'.

The Lido's opening hours could be extended to 07:00 to 21:00 during the winter months, subject to the installation of external lighting.

Its existing gym would be replaced with a Pilates and hot yoga studio.

The contract is set to run for 10 years, with an option to extend for a further five.

Councillor Catherine Houston previously said there had been "significant interest" from major leisure operators.

Plans to replace the Spectrum were discussed in 2016 but were later put on hold.