Freedom Leisure, one of the UK’s leading charitable and not-for-profit leisure trusts, is delighted to announce it has been re-awarded a new 10-year management partnership by Guildford Borough Council to operate three of the region’s key leisure facilities: Guildford Spectrum, Guildford Lido, and Ash Manor Sports Centre.
This renewed partnership is a testament to the success of the past 15 years, during which Freedom Leisure has delivered continuous improvements across all three sites. The leisure trust has significantly increased participation levels and visitor numbers, making these venues more sustainable and central to the health, wellbeing and recreational lives of local residents and other regional visitors.
Key Achievements Over the Past 15 Years:
- Sustained increase in community participation in sport and physical activity
- Enhanced customer experience and service delivery
- Significant reinvestment in facilities and infrastructure
- Development of inclusive programmes and services for all ages and abilities
Freedom Leisure is absolutely delighted to have been re-awarded the contract to manage Guildford Spectrum, Guildford Lido and Ash Manor. We're very proud of the strong partnership we've built over the 15 years we've been working in partnership with Guildford Borough Council and this renewed commitment allows us to continue supporting the health and wellbeing of the local community for the next ten years.
Ivan Horsfall Turner
Looking to the future, Freedom Leisure has committed to a bold new vision for the next ten years, including major investment to improve the longevity and sustainability of the leisure facilities. Key plans include:
- Guildford Spectrum - Substantial facility upgrades to enhance the visitor experience including a new redesigned gym, improved indoor soft-play area and brand-new entertainment attractions within Spectrum Bowl
- Guildford Lido – this historic venue has recently undergone significant investment but Freedom Leisure doesn’t want to stop there. They plan to extend access to the much-loved outdoor pool beyond the traditional summer months with the re-introduction of ‘Winter Swimming’ to make swimming available 12 months of the year along with the welcome addition of a poolside woodfired sauna for users to enjoy. Proposals are also in the planning phase to introduce one of the fastest growing sports to the Lido with a Padel court coming on stream very soon.
I am delighted by the outcome of the extremely comprehensive procurement process we have undertaken. As a Council, we remain firmly committed to delivering excellent leisure facilities for our residents. This new contract awarded to Freedom Leisure builds on the existing leisure offer in the borough and I look forward to seeing more opportunities for people to take part in leisure and well-being activities over the coming years.
Councillor Catherine Houston
The new contract will run for 10 years, with the option to extend for a further five years, offering long-term stability and continuity for the borough's leisure provision.