We have awarded a contract to Parkwood Leisure to run our leisure services, after Fusion Lifestyle, the company that currently runs leisure services in South Hams, advised that it has gone into administration.
Fusion Lifestyle held long-term contracts to operate the following leisure centres:
- Dartmouth Leisure Centre
- Ivybridge Leisure Centre
- Quayside Leisure Centre (Kingsbridge)
- Totnes Leisure Centre
For several years, we have repeatedly stepped in to support Fusion to keep these centres open but a few weeks ago, Fusion warned us that it was likely to enter administration, or possibly liquidation if agreement could not be reached over the funding of the period of administration.
As a result, whilst working with Fusion to avoid liquidation and the centres closing, we started looking for alternatives to ensure that the services could transfer as quickly as possible.
We have now awarded a short-term contract to Parkwood Leisure to operate its leisure services. A national operator, Parkwood also runs leisure centres in Torbay and North Devon.
We are working closely with Parkwood and Fusion’s administrator to ensure that the centres, their staff, swim school, fitness classes and memberships continue without any interruption and transfer seamlessly over to Parkwood.
Council Leader, Cllr Dan Thomas, said: “It is deeply disappointing that we have reached this point with Fusion, not only have they failed to honour their contract, but they have let our residents, our leisure services customers and their own staff down badly.
“Residents and leisure centre customers can be assured that we will do everything we can to enable Parkwood who have a strong local presence to get up and running as quickly as they can.”
Cllr Julian Brazil, Executive Member for Leisure, said: “Over the last couple of years, Fusion have continually failed to keep their promises, and it is our leisure centre customers that have suffered. Quite frankly I am delighted that they will no longer be running our leisure services.
“We are doing everything we can to make sure residents still have access to the facilities they rely on. Our focus now is on securing a stable, long-term solution that protects local provision and supports the wellbeing of our residents.”
A list of frequently asked questions is now available here and also on Fusion’s website.
Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is available.
