press release: Serco Leisure
Serco Leisure secures 15-year contract to manage three facilities in Chichester
Serco Leisure, working in partnership with More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), is set to deliver a major £8 million investment programme across Chichester District’s three leisure centres as part of a new 15-year contract, which will commence on 1 May 2026.
The new contract includes operation of Westgate Leisure Centre, Grange Community & Leisure Centre and Bourne Leisure Centre.
Central to the new agreement is the £8 million investment initiative, funded by Chichester District Council, aimed at rejuvenating current services and implementing innovative approaches to boost participation, encourage active lifestyles, and promote overall wellbeing.
A significant portion of the investment will support the Council in delivering its strategic priorities, including the introduction of £1.3m in new carbon‑efficient technology designed to save 229 tonnes of CO₂ annually. The programme will also establish a mobile wellness offer to enhance accessibility and expand the reach of the service.
Cllr John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Place at Chichester District Council said: “This investment marks a significant step forward for our district. We know how important high quality leisure facilities are for people’s health, wellbeing and sense of community. By securing this new contract, we’re not only protecting the services residents value, but enhancing them for the future. The introduction of initiatives like ‘Wellness on Wheels’ programme shows a real commitment to our outreach work, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthier, more active life. We’re also really excited to see the upgraded facilities and activities – including the new padel courts, subject to planning permission – and we know the residents of our district will be too.”
Simon Lane, Serco Leisure’s Managing Director said: ”We are delighted that Chichester District Council have placed their trust in Serco Leisure and MLCT to support delivery of their forward-thinking investment programme, which will see us modernise facilities, introduce cutting-edge sustainability measures, and bring new, innovative services directly to the community.”
Brian Taylor, Chair of MLCT added: “As a leisure trust, we’re very proud to have been chosen to operate these fantastic facilities, which offer such an exciting range of fitness, wellbeing and community‑focused amenities for local people.”
Serco Leisure and its operating partners manage over 50 facilities in the UK, including Bisham Abbey, Lilleshall and Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement.
Steve Nelson, director, leisure
Sally Kurton, director of operational support
Steve Lawrence, director of stakeholder engagement
Leigh Brooks, director of marketing & customer engagement
Warren Higgins, business development director
Nikhil Ghelani, director of business improvement
Lisa Boylin-George, director of finance
■ WheelPower
■ Local authorities
In 2024, we launched our national Active Wellbeing Strategy, outlining our strategic approach to addressing health inequalities within the communities we serve. Building on existing best practices, we aim to enhance and expand our efforts in this area, positioning our centres as inclusive community hubs dedicated to supporting the most underrepresented groups.
We are particularly proud of the free to attend, after dark running/walking clubs we launched in 2024 in support of This Girl Can’s ‘Let’s Lift the Curfew’ campaign.
– Dave Wagg, head of sport & development, Birmingham City Council
