Five key leisure facilities across Somerset have been saved from permanent closure thanks to a £215,000 rescue deal brokered by Somerset Council. The decision comes after Fusion Lifestyle, the previous operator managing centers in Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Street, and Wells, entered administration on April 1 due to severe financial difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
To prevent immediate closures, the council initially provided £370,000 in interim funding, keeping the leisure sites operational for three months while seeking a new service provider. By late April, two companies with existing Somerset operations were shortlisted to assume control under a two-year contract, although this short-term arrangement may not include significant new investments.
On Tuesday evening, Somerset Council confirmed that Freedom Leisure will take over the management of these five sites starting July 1. Freedom Leisure, headquartered in East Hoathly, East Sussex, already operates several facilities in the former Sedgemoor and South Somerset regions, including gyms and leisure centers in Bridgwater, Chard, Wincanton, and Yeovil.
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The sites now under Freedom Leisure’s management are:
- Glastonbury Leisure Centre
- The Tor Sports & Leisure Centre (Street)
- Wells Leisure Centre
- Frome Sports & Leisure Centre
- Shepton Mallet Leisure Centre
The two-year contract is valued at £214,594, and current users will receive communication about necessary membership changes shortly.
Council deputy leader Liz Leyshon, representing Street, expressed relief and optimism about the announcement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these facilities and safeguarding staff employment. She noted that Freedom Leisure will conduct a thorough audit of the venues, laying the groundwork for a longer-term contract set to commence in 2028.
Notably, the Tor Sports and Leisure Centre recently benefited from a £2.2 million upgrade funded by the government-backed Glastonbury town deal. Following Fusion Lifestyle’s collapse, the council clarified that none of the grant funding was paid to the operator.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, portfolio holder for communities, environment, and climate change, highlighted the vital role these leisure centers play not only in offering sports and recreation but also serving as community hubs. She praised the collaborative efforts within the council that ensured the continuity of leisure services despite challenges.