Date: 23/09/2008
High Peak's leisure and swimming facilities are poised for a new era -- thanks to a partnership that will invest about £850,000 to boost services for customers over the next 10 years.
From Wednesday, October 1, 2008, Buxton Pool, Glossop Pool, Glossop Leisure Centre and New Mills Leisure Centre will be managed by DC Leisure Management, on behalf of High Peak Borough Council.
The move will mean that, over the next decade, new health suites and improved facilities will be provided across the Borough. In addition, about £40,000 will be spent on new technology, including a computerised booking system.
As part of the agreement, 90 High Peak Borough Council staff will be employed by DC Leisure Management, so there will be no job losses, and they will retain the same terms, conditions and pension rights. The Borough Council will also retain ownership of all the sites.
"This exciting arrangement with DC Leisure Management will allow us to re-invest some of the savings we are currently making, into long-term maintenance of our leisure facilities at no extra cost to High Peak council tax payers," said Andrew Bingham, Executive Councillor for Community and Social Development. "It also means that we can attract investment to improve and upgrade those facilities.
"Working with DC Leisure Management means that we will be able to maintain and provide an even better service for our customers in the future, and I am very much looking forward to seeing these improvements take shape."
Photo: From left, behind, New Mills Leisure Centre Manager Stacey Wilde, Business Manager Mark Warburton and Sports Coach Craig Mills; front, Councillor Andrew Bingham and DC Leisure Area Manager Ashley Mason.