The UK’s leading leisure and cultural charitable social enterprise GLL - which runs services under the Better brand - will start an exciting new partnership with Newham Council to take over the operation of Newham leisure centres from next year.

Newham Council’s Cabinet Meeting on 9 November approved the recommendation to award the contract to GLL following a public procurement process. Subject to finalising the contract between the parties, it is anticipated that GLL will start operating Newham’s leisure centres from 1 April 2024

The new 10 year partnership aims to increase physical activity levels and improve satisfaction levels for residents in one of London’s fastest growing boroughs. This will support the Council’s “Building a Fairer Newham” objectives to make Newham healthier and support people to age well.

Not-for-profit GLL will use its wealth of experience and socially purposed business model to enhance the leisure service – investing in grass roots sports, facilities and accessible activities to improve the health and wellbeing in Newham.

Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “I am excited to start work with GLL. Our new partner shares our ambition to achieve sustainable results in addressing health inequalities through increasing activity levels and improving the overall wellbeing of our residents.

The new Leisure Services Management contract will allow us to build on progress to boost physical activity levels, which remain low within the borough, while also tackling obesity rates within our children.

This is a huge opportunity for us to reassess and meet specific needs.”

Peter Bundey, CEO of GLL said: "We are delighted to be returning to a long term partnership with Newham Council. Newham is a dynamic Borough and we look forward to working together to enhance leisure services and provide increased opportunities for residents.

As a charitable social enterprise and the largest operator in the leisure sector, we will bring our experience and expertise to increase services on offer. We look forward to sharing plans and developments with users and local communities."

Beyond the centres, the contract will also support residents to be active in community settings, including green spaces, as part of the Active Communities programme – as well as supporting the ‘50 Steps to a Healthier Newham’.

Customers will initially notice GLL and ‘Better’ branding appearing in centres. Further details of the transfer will be communicated with customers and staff in due course.

 

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