District’s ambitious leisure vision – next steps

Harborough District Council is continuing to “explore all options” as it seeks to invest in its existing leisure centre in Lutterworth and a proposed new leisure centre for Market Harborough, as well as wider physical activity opportunities across the Harborough district.

Last year, the Council had an overwhelming response to its public consultation into what sport, leisure and physical activity opportunities residents would like to see in the district.

These responses helped shape the Council’s ambitious ‘Healthy Harborough’ vision which is building active communities through sport and recreation in towns and villages across the district.

The Council said it is continuing to talk to potential bidders regarding the out-dated leisure centre in Market Harborough and to increase services at the Lutterworth Sports Centre.

A leisure management company is also being sought to run the Council’s leisure centres from March 2019 when the current contract with Harborough District Leisure Trust (HDLT), which operates the leisure centres across the district with management company Serco, comes to an end.

Councillor James Hallam, Harborough District Council’s portfolio holder responsible for Strategic Asset Management, said: “We are committed to providing more leisure opportunities and improving our existing leisure centres in a way that is timely and cost-effective for the taxpayer.  It is important for our residents that we take the time to explore all options to ensure we get value for money and that the public are able to continue to use and enjoy the services our leisure centres currently have to offer while this major project moves forward.”

Councillor Janette Ackerley, Harborough District Council’s portfolio holder responsible for Leisure and Sport Commissioning and Delivery, said: “Through our Physical Activity Strategy, which was developed following feedback from the public, we are continuing to provide new and exciting leisure opportunities across the whole district, as well as maximising links with parishes, sports clubs and schools to provide more venues for physical activity, funding opportunities, and providing major improvements to the Council’s leisure facilities.”