Freedom Leisure is very pleased to announce that it has been chosen as the new provider for leisure services by Southend-on-Sea City Council. The new partnership covers the operation of three leisure centres - Belfairs Swim Centre, Shoeburyness Leisure Centre and Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre.
The decision to award the management contract followed a competitive procurement process, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for leisure facilities and programmes in Southend-on-Sea.
As well as bringing positive and long-term financial benefits, the new arrangements will see immediate improvement works begin across all three facilities, which will improve the leisure experience for everyone, whether they are skilled athletes, individuals prioritising their health and wellbeing or families looking to stay active and have fun.
The leisure trust and the council were keen from the outset that a ‘customer first’ approach was paramount and customers should expect a higher standard of customer service. This will include opportunities for customers to share their perspectives and feedback with representatives from both organisations, ensuring they get the best possible experience when they visit the leisure centres.
The new contract starts from Tuesday 1 July 2025 for an initial 3 years with the option for a further two years.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with Southend-on-Sea City Council. It's an exciting time for Southend as we can now start to work towards delivering inclusive, accessible and efficient leisure services across the city. We look forward to working with the council, new colleagues, customers and stakeholders to evolve and improve Southend’s leisure offer and help residents to have healthy active lifestyles.
Ivan Horsfall Turner
he Council is extremely pleased to have appointed Freedom Leisure as its operator for Belfairs Swim Centre, Shoeburyness Leisure Centre, and Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre. This appointment and Freedom Leisure’s experience and capability evidences the council’s commitment to developing its leisure facilities, improving its sport and physical activity offer and providing the high standards of customer service our residents expect at these sites.
Councillor Matt Dent