A report providing an update on the performance and delivery of Leisure Services and development of new facilities by Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL).

Further to Minute 21 of the meeting held on 21 February 2024, the Committee considered a report providing an update on the performance and delivery of Leisure Services and development of new facilities by Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL). Craig Woodward and Stephanie Smith of GLL attended the meeting and gave a presentation on the annual report. The report set out the following priorities for 2025:

·       Increase physical activity, reduce obesity and widen participation in the local population;

·       Educate participants on healthy eating habits and sustainable weight management;

·       Foster a sense of community through group activities and social support;

·       Enhance mental well-being by providing a positive outlet for stress and anxiety;

·       Financial sustainability.

The report explained that the Council’s £40m investment programme in leisure provision had included further significant works to the leisure centres this year. Structural repairs to the pool tank and the upgrade of the swimming pool and associated changing areas at South Reading Leisure Centre had been completed. The new swimming pool, diving pool and splash pad at Rivermead Leisure Centre had been completed and since reopening to the public in June 2024 the Leisure Centres had attracted over one million visitors. The Council had also successfully applied to the Swimming Pool Support Fund for a capital grant to help improve energy efficiency at Meadway Sports Centre and had been awarded £29,000 to cover the cost of replacing the swimming pool hall windows and pool cover in February 2025. The Artificial Turf Pitch at Rivermead had been refurbished in August 2024 and a significant increase in use had been observed.  Formal comparison of user numbers would be made at the end of the winter season. The Stadium track lights and outdoor sport court lights at Palmer Park Leisure Centre and Stadium had been replaced in October 2024.

GLL was required to obtain Quest accreditation for quality assurance and continuous improvement and maintain it throughout the contract period, with 'Good' being the quality management target. Palmer Park Sports Stadium and Rivermead Leisure Centre had been audited by Quest this year and had received scores of “Excellent” and 'Very Good,' respectively. South Reading Leisure Centre and Meadway Sports Centres were due to be audited in Summer/Autumn 2025 and were aiming for ‘Good’.

Use of the centres continued to grow as new facilities opened, and service improvements were made. GLL continued to broaden the range of services being provided including:

• the Healthwise Programme to increase participation by underrepresented groups and those with specific health conditions;
• developing partnerships locally with schools and other community organisations to increase participation in physical activity beyond the boundary of the leisure centres;
• improving the quality of customer service;
• improving data collection and analysis to measure the impact of the services provided and to engage and increase participation by underrepresented groups, reflecting the demographics of Reading.

The Committee discussed the presentation and took the opportunity to ask further questions of GLL.

AGREED:

(1)      That the report and the presentation by GLL in respect of the operation of the leisure contract be noted;

(2)      That the following be noted:

(a)      The opening of the new swimming pools at Rivermead Leisure Centre in June 2024;

(b)      The successful refurbishment of changing rooms, pool tank, reception area plus relocation of Reading Football Club Community Trust to South Reading Leisure Centre;

(c)      That the new and improved leisure facilities welcomed over 1,000,000 visitors in 2024;

(3)      That the priorities for 2025-26 as set out in the report be endorsed.