10/10/2023 - Permalink

Management changes recommended for leisure services in Bishop’s Castle

Related topics: Leisure, culture and heritage / Partner organisations

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet is being asked to approve changes to the management of the SpArC leisure centre in Bishop’s Castle.

A report to Cabinet for their meeting on Wednesday 18 October 2023 recommends that the centre’s management is transferred from Shropshire Council to Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, which currently runs the council-owned leisure centres in Oswestry and Market Drayton, The Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre, Shrewsbury, and Shrewsbury Sports Village, through Serco as managing agent.

SpArC, Bishop's Castle

SpArC, Bishop’s Castle

The report states the benefits of the management transfer are:-

  • Improved marketing and development of the leisure offer at SpArC
  • A more consistent approach across Shropshire, with the opportunity for a joint membership with other SCLT centres
  • Increased training and development opportunities for staff
  • Improved cover for staff, with a Shropshire-wide team
  • Financial saving of around £23k/per annum, based on current projections
  • SpArC Leisure Centre would then be an integral part of the main leisure contract when it is tendered for August 2027.

SpArC offers a 3G Floodlit pitch,21- station gym, a three-court sports hall, two glass-backed squash courts, a 20m x 4 lane swimming pool, sauna and theatre studio.

Under the transfer there are no plans to change the facility offer, opening hours or staffing, and it is not envisaged there will be any negative effect on equalities, social inclusion or health.

Consultation with local councillors, SpArC Trustees, service users and staff has also shown there is enthusiasm for the management transfer.

Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and digital, said:-

“Access to leisure facilities is essential to maintaining the health and wellbeing of people in the Bishop’s Castle area.

“In recommending the management transfer we can be assured that there will be no change to services, and in fact will bring the advantage of a more consistent leisure offer across Shropshire, development of the centre for the local community and increased training and development opportunities for staff, as well as providing financial savings for Shropshire Council.”