It’s the news that many users of Bedford’s leisure facilities and centres have been waiting for. From the beginning of February, all of Bedford’s leisure centres will reopen under new management, as charitable social enterprise, GLL, takes over from Fusion Lifestyle.
Ahead of the relaunch on Saturday, 3 February, leisure centres in the borough will be temporarily closed to prepare staff and services.
GLL will be responsible for the running of Robinson Pool, Bedford International Athletics Stadium, John Bunyan Sports & Fitness, Kempston Outdoor Centre, Kempston Pool, Mowsbury Golf and Squash Centre and Oasis Beach Pool.
It comes after Bedford Borough Council’s decision not to renew Fusion Lifestyle’s contract after the operator had come under fire for several years for poor customer service, poor management of Bedford Leisure facilities, and a £632,000 bailout during covid.
Read: Goodbye Fusion: Council won’t extend controversial leisure operator’s Bedford contract
Peter Bundey, CEO of GLL said: “We are very much looking forward to bringing Bedford’s customers and colleagues into the GLL family and sharing the benefits of our socially purposed business model.
“In addition to helping local residents get more active and offering staff great training and development, we will be extending the opportunity to talented local athletes through our GLL Sport Foundation – which is accepting no applications until 20 February.”
Cllr Sarah Gallagher (Conservative, Shortstown) portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said that the new partnership would change the look and feel of the facilities and create new opportunities in the borough.
