FROME Leisure Centre could be set for big changes as Mendip District Council launch a review into leisure provision.
The council says that, although its facilities are extremely popular, the buildings are ageing and new investment is needed.
However, the council does not have the money to fund the improvements needed, and has approved a procurement process to establish a new partnership with the private sector.
The district council says, “With continuing pressures on local authority finances, the necessary improvements are not something that can be funded solely by the council.
“In view of this, a procurement process is to be launched in an attempt to establish a new partnership with the private sector to develop facilities and improve the district’s leisure offer.”
Cllr John Parham, portfolio holder for governance, assets and public spaces said, “Physical activity and sport have a significant role in improving the quality of life for people of all ages, which is why Mendip District Council is committed to providing quality leisure facilities across the district.
“However, the council simply doesn’t have the money that’s needed to bring our facilities up to the standard that we would like.
“This leisure review and procurement exercise would mark the first step towards a new partnership with the private sector, securing much needed investment.”
Mendip District Council says that, once option appraisals for the sites have been drawn up, users will be fully consulted on the proposals.
The council will begin the review through a ‘soft’ market testing exercise, which will see it talking to the private sector to gain insight on how the market might approach delivering leisure services in the district.
The first stage of the procurement project will get under way in April.
