Charitable social enterprise GLL will start operating in Bedford Borough leisure centres in the coming days under the 'Better' brand. The new partnership means customers and staff will transfer on 1 February 2024.

To facilitate a smooth transition and prepare staff and services, Bedford’s leisure centres will be temporarily closed from 1 to 2 February.

Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: “We are committed to improving leisure and sports opportunities for local people to enable more active lifestyles and are delighted to welcome GLL (‘Better’) as our new provider of leisure centre services. This new partnership will see changes to the ‘look and feel’ of the facilities and create new opportunities for active leisure in Bedford Borough.

“We look forward to working with GLL to further develop Bedford Borough’s sports and leisure provision.”

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 applications until 20 February."

See: www.better.org.uk and https://www.gllsportfoundation.org