Somerset leisure centre operator falls into administration
Somerset Council says it has taken decisive action to safeguard leisure facilities in its eastern region after the collapse Fusion Lifestyle
Leisure centres in Frome, Wells, Glastonbury and Street will stay open for at least the next three months, as Somerset Council looks for a new operator.
It's after the previous operator, Fusion Lifestyle, went into administration.
The authority says it has taken decisive action to safeguard leisure facilities in its eastern region.
While a new operator is sought, gym and swimming facilities will continue to operate as standard, with the lido in Shepton Mallet expected to open in May.
S&W, a professional services company, has been appointed as administrator from 1st April, tasked with overseeing Fusion Lifestyle temporarily. Somerset Council's priority is to appoint a new operator to ensure long-term operations continue unhindered after this interim period.
Fusion Lifestyle operates several significant leisure facilities nationwide, including several in Somerset. These include Wells Fitness Centre and Pool, Tor Fitness Centre Glastonbury, Strode Swimming and Fitness Centre, Frome Leisure Centre, and Shepton Mallet Lido.
Somerset Council's decision to intervene was fuelled by the necessity to maintain these facilities for schools and the wider public, thus catering to the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts emphasised the council's commitment to retaining these community resources, saying, "Getting another operator on board to run these facilities is our number one priority; we know how vital they are to communities and schools."
She further assured current members to continue utilising the facilities they love without interruption, as membership agreements will persist under new management when appointed.
Fusion Lifestyle staff have been briefed by the administrator, reaffirming that operations will continue as normal, with plans to incorporate most staff into the eventual new operational structure.