Three Poole leisure centres set for major investment

BCP Council's taken over management of Dolphin, Rossmore and Ashdown

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 2nd Oct 2024

Three leisure centres in Poole are to undergo 'significant investment' as they've been taken over by BCP Council.

They're promising new state of the art gym and fitness class equipment, as well as resurfaced studio floors, upgraded sports and health & safety kit, a GP referral system, digital signage and enhanced staff training.

The management's changed hands, to add to the facilities run by the authority at Two Riversmeet in Christchurch and Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre in Bournemouth.

The Council think having the centres run in-house, accessibility can be improved, while meeting the needs of each community.

Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations at BCP Council said:

“We want to enable lifelong active living among our residents and making our leisure centres vibrant and welcoming for everyone in the community is a vital component. I’m really looking forward to seeing the modernisation and improvement of these facilities over the coming months.

“The success of Two Riversmeet in Christchurch, which is performing exceptionally well against other leisure providers in the UK, demonstrates how locally managed services can really meet community needs - helping to connect people and encourage active, healthy lifestyles.”

The BCP Leisure management model includes a capital repayment investment plan across the three facilities, with no additional or ongoing revenue pressure to the Council.

From January 2025 members at Two Riversmeet will also gain access to Rossmore, Dolphin, and Ashdown Leisure Centres and vice versa at no extra cost.

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