Council take step toward preferred leisure supplier
West Berkshire Council is in negotiations with Parkwood Leisure with a view to making them the preferred leisure supplier for the whole district.
Parkwood is one of four companies that responded as part of the tendering process and the decision to enter into negotiations was taken at a recent meeting of the Council's Executive.
Parkwood currently manage the Northcroft Leisure Centre in Newbury and the Cotswold Sports Centre in Tilehurst and if negotiations are successful will take on Hungerford Leisure Centre, Kennet Leisure centre in Thatcham and the Willink Leisure Centre in Burghfield Common on July 1st.
A subsidiary of Parkwood Holdings Plc, a fully quoted support services company, Parkwood Leisure is the third largest leisure management company operating in the public sector. They currently manage over 50 leisure centres in the UK and have passed the Triple A World Wide Accessibility Test. The company has an established reputation for high quality management and customer focused service provision. Committed to the natural environment, they have also achieved the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard.
Marcus Franks, West Berkshire's Executive Councillor for Leisure said, "We are delighted to be expanding our partnership with Parkwood, they have an impressive track record which is already proven within West Berkshire.
He added,"The appointment of a single supplier for the district will serve to strengthen the existing leisure facilities and enable a programme of continuous improvement for these very important services."
He also stressed that whatever the outcome it would be 'business as usual' at all West Berkshire leisure facilities.
Andrew Holt, Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure said, "We are very excited about the opportunity to bring investment to the West Berkshire district and to deliver integrated, consistent and high quality leisure services. We have enjoyed a successful partnership over the last three years and look forward to replicating and extending the success throughout the district. We have a passion for the leisure industry and take pride in helping as many people as possible achieve their health and fitness goals."
Issued on 27 Feb 07 by West Berkshire Council Public Relations (01635) 519125
