New operator selected for Bedford council leisure centres

Oasis Beach Pool is one of the services that will be ran by the new operator

A new operator has been selected to run council leisure centres after a charity lost its contract.

Bedford Borough Council has signed a two year contract with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) for the management of leisure facilities.

Fusion Lifestyle currently runs the services, including the Oasis Beach Pool, which was described as "like Chernobyl" during lockdown in 2020.

Customers and staff will transfer to the new provider from 1 February 2024.

The Oasis Beach Pool in Bedford photographed during the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020

Fusion also runs Bedford International Athletic Stadium, John Bunyan Sports and Fitness, Kempston Outdoor Centre, Kempston Pool, Mowsbury Golf and Squash Centre, and Robinson Pools and Fitness.

GLL, a charitable social enterprise, was founded in 1993 and currently operates more than 240 leisure centres.

Councillor Sarah Gallagher, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said she was looking forward to working with the new provider and thanked Fusion's "dedicated staff".

She said that during the pandemic the council appreciated "their efforts throughout to deliver our commitment to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents".

Fusions contract was for two years, with an option for an extension of up to three more years at the council's discretion.

The council began the process to find a new provider in August.