Future of Ipswich's Northgate Sports Centre secured as new operator takes over
It's after a dispute between Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Borough Council about who should be responsible for the facility
A new company has been found to take over a leisure centre in Ipswich after months of disagreements over who should run it.
Ipswich Borough Council announced it would hand the Northgate Sports Centre back to the County Council several months ago - leading to accusations they were breaking an agreement which has seen them run the facility for the last 25 years.
At the time, councillors in Ipswich said they wanted to focus efforts on other leisure facilities in the town.
Northgate hosts an athletics track, as well as a gym and tennis courts.
Suffolk County Council says it will now be run by Vivify, a firm that manages around 500 sports facilities across the country.
The new agreement will cost Suffolk County Council around ÂŁ235,000 until July 2024.
Paul West, Cabinet Member at Suffolk County Council, said:
“When Ipswich Borough Council handed back its 25-year commitment to run the facilities, we were left in a challenging position.
“Traditionally we have no knowledge or experience of running sports facilities – this sits at borough level.
"However, we knew we had a duty to pick up responsibility for the popular venue and ensure its future.
"Hundreds of people use the site, whether running clubs or for racquet sports, so we accepted that - despite the unilateral decision of the borough council - we could not let the site close.
“I am delighted that we have secured a deal with Vivify. Thanks to the prompt action of officers, Northgate Sports Centre will continue to operate as a significant asset for Ipswich.”
The formal handover will take place on April 1, with the centre to be cleaned before being reopened on April 17.