Published on Tuesday 01 October 2024
The Dolphin Leisure Centre, Rossmore Leisure Centre and Ashdown Leisure centre are all set to receive significant investment in their facilities as BCP Council takes over management from Tuesday 1 October 2024.
The three centres will join the award-winning Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, along with Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre, as council-operated facilities under the newly formed commercial vehicle BCP Leisure.
Once the facilities are managed in-house, the council will begin to implement a six-month investment plan across the three leisure centres, modernising the facilities and installing state of the art new gym and class fitness equipment.
Alongside the new equipment, the refurbishment will also include resurfacing of studio floors, an upgrade of sports and health and safety equipment, a new GP referral system, internal digital signage, and investment in staff training.
With all five leisure centres managed in-house by BCP Leisure, the council can significantly improve accessibility and the services on offer, allowing them to create harmonised services alongside programmes that meet the individual needs of each community.
In addition, from January 2025 the integration means that members at Two Riversmeet will gain access to Rossmore, Dolphin, and Ashdown Leisure Centres and vice versa at no extra cost.
Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, said: “We want to enable lifelong active living among our residents and making our leisure centres vibrant and welcoming for everyone in the community is a vital component. I’m really looking forward to seeing the modernisation and improvement of these facilities over the coming months.
“The success of Two Riversmeet in Christchurch, which is performing exceptionally well against other leisure providers in the UK, demonstrates how locally managed services can really meet community needs - helping to connect people and encourage active, healthy lifestyles.”
The BCP Leisure management model includes a capital repayment investment plan across the three facilities. There will be no additional or ongoing revenue pressure to the Council.
During the transition to bring the three centres in-house, members will continue to receive the same service they currently enjoy, with minimal disruption, and will be able to book online for classes from Tuesday 1 October.