Wrexham council leisure centres taken over by firm

Leisure centres (clockwise from top left) Waterworld, Queensway, Gwyn Evans and Chirk

Leisure centres run by Wrexham council are to be taken over by a separate firm as the authority looks to cut costs.

Freedom Leisure said it would invest £2.25m in upgrades at Waterworld, Chirk, Gwyn Evans and Queensway leisure facilities.

It will also manage five other schools-based centres at Darland in Rossett, Rhiwabon, Clywedog, Rhosnesni and Ysgol Morgan Llwyd.

The authority has to make £45m in budget cuts over the next three years.

The 10-year leisure services deal allows the council to retain managerial powers over pricing.

'Smooth transition'

Councillor Hugh Jones, lead member for communities and partnerships, said transferring leisure services to a not-for-profit company "ensured their sustainability for the future".

Jeremy Rowe from Freedom Leisure added: "We will bring in additional staff to support those already in place to help them implement any changes and manage a smooth transition for all concerned."

The company currently manages 15 other sites in Powys.

A planned revamp at Waterworld will see improvements in the cafe, a larger gym and refurbished toilets and changing areas.

Chirk Leisure Centre will get a larger gym.