‘Not For Profit Trust’ Takes Over Running of Wrexham’s Leisure Facilities

Leisure centres run by Wrexham Council have been taken over by a ‘not for profit’ trust as part of the authority’s ongoing attempt to make savings and restructure services.

Wrexham Council has signed an agreement with Freedom Leisure to take over the management of four Leisure and Activity Centres and five Dual Use sports facilities across Wrexham.

The agreement will be in place for 10 years and Wrexham Council will retain some managerial powers over pricing and price rises.

Back in November 2015 Wrexham Council reported that Freedom Leisure had emerged as the preferred bidder to take over the running Wrexham Council’s leisure facilities.

Freedom Leisure’s website describes the company as a ‘not for profit leisure trust’ which was established in 2002. The trust initially ran four centres on behalf of Wealden District Council and has since taken on the management of 70 leisure facilities.

Speaking about the agreement Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “I am delighted that, whilst other local authorities are closing leisure facilities, we in Wrexham have planned and successfully transferred leisure services to a not for profit company which has ensured their sustainability for the future. I would like to thank everyone involved in the process for all their hard work in achieving this outcome.”

Freedom Leisure will ensure the activity timetable including the Welsh Government Free Swim Initiative for over 60’s and Under16’s, the Armed forces veterans scheme, the National Exercise Referral Scheme, Lifestyle programmes and Cardiac Rehabilitation remain in place.

The Centres at Waterworld, Chirk, Gwyn Evans and Queensway will benefit from £2.25 million of refurbishment. Visitors to Waterworld will see improved reception and café area, a larger gym and refurbished toilets and changing areas. Chirk Leisure and Activity Centre will benefit from a new larger gym whilst the existing gym is converted into a studio.

There will also be investment in energy saving measures to reduce the carbon footprint of all the buildings.

Jeremy Rowe, Head of Operations, Wales and West, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract in Wrexham and feel all the sites have great potential as they each have a loyal and active customer base with whom we will enjoy working.

“As with all our new contracts, we will have an initial period of consultation with our new colleagues and members and will encourage comment and feedback from them to ensure our plans can be tailored to suit the needs of the local communities in Wrexham. 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.”

It will be business as usual at all the centres and the only change that will be noticeable to visitors is that of signage and branding.

Freedom Leisure is a not for profit company who already manage 15 sites in Powys.