The city council (SCC) has announced that Active Nation, which has been running leisure facilities across the city, will cease trading, and Places Leisure will be stepping in to run facilities.
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SCC has already moved to reassure residents that bookings and subscriptions will remain valid as main contractor Places Leisure, which operates leisure centres nationwide, will continue service “wherever possible” from April 3.
Facilities affected include the already threatened Woodmill Outdoor Activities Centre in Swaythling, and Bitterne Leisure Centre, as well as The Quays swimming complex, the Outdoor Sports Centre and others.
Bookings of pitches and facilities, including at Riverside Park and other recreation grounds, will also be affected.
The council said it is working closely with Places Leisure to “ensure a smooth and seamless transition” and said it would do all it can can to minimise disruption.
Leader of the city council, Lorna Fielker, said: “Southampton City Council is working closely with Places Leisure, our leisure services provider, to ensure that residents can continue to enjoy our leisure facilities, as our sub-contractor, Active Nation, has ceased trading. Due to the contract that we have in place, we anticipate residents and members will still be able to access our leisure facilities across the city.
"I appreciate that this will be a difficult time for staff and have been assured that they will be offered appropriate support during this transition period. I would like to thank them for their continued dedication and support to our residents.”
The council has set up a frequently asked questions page about the transition on its website.