The Executive approved a change to the operational model between the council and Places Leisure at its most recent meeting.
The new arrangement supports the financial viability of the council for sustainable service provision while maintaining a strong delivery model with the centre's operator, Places Leisure, which will act as the council’s agent.
Places Leisure Camberley (PLC) is the borough’s successful premier leisure centre, offering high quality facilities to thousands of local people every week.
Users of the centre will continue to enjoy the same facilities and activities. The change relates to the legal, financial and service relationship between the council and Places Leisure, and between the council and PLC customers.
The existing set-up uses an Operator model, which will now move to an Agency model for service delivery. Places Leisure will act as the agent of the council, running leisure services on the council’s behalf, a model which is increasingly becoming standard industry practice.
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Environment & Recreation Cllr Morgan Rise said: “This enables better financial resilience for the council, while continuing to work hand in hand with Places Leisure to deliver high-quality leisure services for residents.
“Places Leisure Camberley customers’ day-to-day use and enjoyment of the centre will be the same, but the alternative operating model will improve the financial position of the council to sustainably deliver community activity and wellbeing services.”
The flagship £22 million leisure centre in Camberley was built in 2021. The award-winning centre has been a huge success with annual attendance levels passing 1 million and membership approaching 5,000.