10 Nov 2016
BH Live secures contract for Portsmouth sport and leisure venues
BY Matthew Campelli
South coast leisure operator BH Live has secured a long-term deal to manage six venues in Portsmouth, and will plough in more £1m (US$1.2m, €1.1m) of investment.
The 10-year contract will see BH Live take over Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre, Portsmouth Tennis Centre Eastney Swimming Pool, Wimbledon Park Sports Centre and Charter Community Sports Centre from February 2017.
As well as the improvement of facilities the operator will also establish multi-site membership, concessions for people on low incomes and pay-as-you-go prices.
The deal means the local council will no longer have to subsidise the facilities.
Peter Gunn, BH Live’s chief executive, said the “shared ambition” with Portsmouth City Council was to “increase community participation”.
“Improving the health and wellbeing of communities through physical activity, promoting major events and boosting sports development are high on our agenda, as is improving the overall quality of services, supporting the local economy and contributing to environmental improvements,” he added.
Portsmouth City Council cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure, Linda Symes, said: “There are some big plans to invest in the sites and improve the facilities which should inspire more people to get out and use them.
“Not only will this help make Portsmouth residents more active, it will also make the council significant savings as we won’t have to subsidise the running of the centres.”
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