press release: Serco Leisure
Serco Leisure secures long term agreements with local authorities in Charnwood and Tunbridge Wells
Serco Leisure, in partnership with Leisure Solutions Community Trust (LSCT), is the new operator of six venues across Tunbridge Wells and Charnwood, further strengthening its growing national portfolio of community leisure services.
The appointment of Serco Leisure and LSCT follows the previous operator of the facilities, Fusion Leisure, entering into administration and has been designed to ensure continuity of service and safeguard jobs.
On behalf of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Serco Leisure and LSCT have taken on the management of three leisure facilities:
- Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre.
- Putlands Leisure Centre.
- The Weald Sports Centre.
On behalf of Charnwood Borough Council, the partnership are now operating leisure centres in:
- Loughborough.
- Soar Valley.
- South Charnwood.
Mobilisation plans have been underway in both regions for a number of months, with teams working to ensure a smooth transition for customers and employees at the six centres. Substantial investment programmes have been announced for both Tunbridge Wells and Charnwood, which will be funded by the local councils and the new operating partnership.
Steve Nelson, Serco Leisure’s managing director, said: “These long-term agreements reflect the confidence local authorities have in our ability to deliver resilient, community-focused leisure services. We’re pleased to have been in a position to help both authorities during this period of uncertainty.
“Alongside Leisure Solutions Community Trust, we are committed to providing sustainable, high-quality facilities, backed by long-term investment and a strong focus on health, wellbeing and inclusion.”
Serco Leisure operates over 55 facilities in the UK, including the national sports centres at Lilleshall and Bisham Abbey, as well as Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement.
For more information about Serco Leisure, visit: https://www.serco.com/uk/sector-expertise/citizen-services/leisure-services.
For more information about Leisure Solutions Community Trust, please visit: https://www.leisuresolutions.org.uk/
Sally Kurton, director of operational support
Leigh Brooks, director of marketing & customer engagement
Warren Higgins, director growth & strategic partnerships
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
