Gateshead Council has appointed national leisure services provider GLL to run Blaydon, Dunston and Heworth leisure centres, as well as Gateshead International Stadium.

A 10 year contract, with an option to extend for a further 5 years, will take effect from 1 April 2025 after members approved the partnership during today’s Cabinet meeting.

GLL is the charitable social enterprise behind the Better group of leisure, fitness and cultural activities and facilities. They have a strong track record of working with local councils to operate more than 240 modern and cost-effective sports and leisure centres that attract over 57 million visits a year.

As part of a competitive tender process, they set out their plans to deliver significant savings whilst improving the experience of leisure centre visitors by updating gym equipment, swimming pools, technology and more.

Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said:

“Working with GLL to deliver leisure services across the borough will result in significant savings for the council, making much-needed funds available for our essential services. We know how much these facilities mean to our communities and I’m confident that this partnership will enhance our leisure offer and give the sites a positive and sustainable future.”

In line with the council’s commitment to tackling inequalities and providing affordable and accessible ways to get active, GLL will also deliver a physical activity programme that includes targeted sessions in community settings. They’ll also manage tennis courts in Derwent, Chopwell and Marley Hill parks, which are due to reopen in the Spring following refurbishment funded by the Lawn Tennis Association.

Peter Bundey, GLL Chief Executive said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to operate Gateshead’s leisure facilities and look forward to working with the local community, clubs and other stakeholders as we invest in and improve both facilities and programming. 

“We will be introducing new health initiatives to the leisure centres, recognising the vital role that physical activity can have on physical and mental health. Local residents will also be able to apply for financial and ‘in kind’ support from the GLL Sport Foundation – established to help talented young athletes achieve their sporting ambitions.

“We are proud to be a Real Living Wage employer and are preparing to welcome across existing staff to our charitable social enterprise.”

GLL will also continue to work with the groups that currently use the facilities on a regular basis, including Gateshead Football Club. As part of the contract, GLL has committed to ensuring the team can continue to play its home games at Gateshead International Stadium, subject to an agreed licence between the two parties. This fulfils the English Football League’s entry criteria if the club becomes eligible for promotion.

Council officers will start to work with GLL immediately to finalise details of the contract and prepare for the transition, including working with trade unions to transfer the employment of around 150 members of staff.

The stadium and leisure centres will remain open as usual in the meantime and GO Gateshead members will be contacted soon with details of their membership options.

Councillor Gannon concluded:

“We’ll continue to support the community groups now operating Birtley Community Pool and Gateshead Leisure Centre and as their charitable status means they can access a wider range of funding sources, I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to avoid the permanent closure of any of Gateshead’s leisure facilities.

“After a difficult few years, this is a really positive outcome for our leisure services staff and customers. I’m looking forward to welcoming GLL to Gateshead and working together to support the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

The contract awarded to GLL is subject to a 10 day standstill period, which takes effect from today (19 November 2024).

 

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