The Executive approved a change to the operational model between the council and Places Leisure Camberley at its most recent meeting.
The new arrangement supports the financial viability of the council while maintaining a strong working partnership with the centre's operator, Places Leisure.
Places Leisure Camberley (PLC) is the borough’s successful premier leisure centre, offering high quality facilities to thousands of local people every week.
The change only relates to the legal relationship between the council and PLC, so there will be no noticeable effect on customers.
The existing set-up uses an Operator model, which will now move to an Agency model for service delivery. PLC will act as an agent of the council, running the leisure centre on its behalf, a model which is increasingly becoming standard industry practice. A recent change to VAT rules means where a council provides leisure services, those services should be treated as non-business income for VAT, rather than exempt.
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 should see no difference in their day-to-day use of the centre, but the alternative operating model will improve the financial position of the council.”
The flagship £22 million leisure centre in Camberley was built in 2021 in partnership with Places Leisure. The award-winning centre has been a huge success with annual attendance levels passing 1 million and membership approaching 5,000.