New Leisure partnership brings enhanced services to Guildford residents
New Leisure partnership brings enhanced services to Guildford residents
Last night, Guildford Borough Council Full Council, considered the proposed new leisure services contract, recently reviewed by the Council’s Executive.
Following a comprehensive and competitive procurement process and scrutiny, Full Council approved the award of the new Leisure contract to Wealden Leisure, trading as Freedom Leisure.
Councillor Catherine Houston, Lead Cllr for Climate Change and Leisure said:
“I am delighted by the outcome of the extremely comprehensive procurement process we have undertaken. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every team across the council; Finance, Legal, Assets, Procurement, Climate Change and especially to leisure officers in the Commercial Services team whose dedication and countless hours of coordination have delivered this fantastic result. Thanks also to our colleagues at FMG for their invaluable support.
“As a Council, we remain firmly committed to delivering excellent leisure facilities for our residents. This proposed contract builds on the existing leisure offer in the borough and I look forward to seeing more opportunities for people to take part in leisure and well-being activities over the coming years.
“Guildford Borough Council is proud to be home to the South East’s most popular leisure destination, The Spectrum, which continues to draw visitors from across the country. It’s no surprise the tender attracted such strong interest, with three of the UK’s largest operators making it to the final round. And let’s not forget the much-loved Guildford Lido. Every visit to the Lido feels like a mini break, and I’m so pleased that all shortlisted operators embraced the call for extended cold-water swimming opportunities.
“This contract not only brings financial benefits to the council but also supports our journey to net zero by 2030. We remain firmly committed to reducing Spectrum’s carbon footprint, and I’ll be watching progress closely. We’re also pleased to be continuing to provide a valued leisure facility for residents in Ash.”
Ivan Horsfall Turner, Freedom Leisure Chief Executive Officer added:
“Freedom Leisure is absolutely delighted to have been re-awarded the contract to manage Guildford Spectrum, Guildford Lido and Ash Manor. We’re very proud of the strong partnership we’ve built over the 15 years we’ve been working in partnership with Guildford Borough Council and this renewed commitment allows us to continue supporting the health and wellbeing of the local community for the next ten years.
“Between the council and ourselves, we’ve committed to some very exciting, innovative and sustainable projects to upgrade and improve the centres which will increase their appeal and expand their usage to new audiences from Guildford and the whole of the South-East.”
Local sports teams are also welcoming the news, with strong praise from Guildford Flames’ senior leadership. Kirk Humphreys, Guildford Flames, Chief Operating Officer said:
“Guildford Flames ice hockey club are extremely pleased to hear the news of Freedom Leisure retaining the operations contract for Guildford Spectrum. Freedom Leisure have been phenomenally supportive in helping us flourish in our home building for nearly 15 years since their arrival, and we are glad to retain such valuable operations continuity from the last contract to the next. We look forward to continuing to partner with Freedom for the journey ahead.”
The new leisure operating contract will run for 10 years, with the option to extend for a further five years, offering long-term stability and continuity for the borough’s leisure provision.
***Notes to Editor***
Read the new leisure contract on the Guildford Borough Council website.
The existing contract, which oversees the management and delivery of leisure services at Guildford Spectrum, Guildford Lido and Ash Manor Sports Centre, is due to expire on 31 October 2025. In preparation, Guildford Borough Council undertook a robust procurement exercise to secure a future operator from 1 November 2025.
Supported by both internal specialists and external industry experts, the procurement process was designed to ensure transparency, value for money, and the continued delivery of high-quality leisure services for residents. Following a thorough commercial and technical evaluation, Freedom Leisure scored the highest total score and therefore emerged as the preferred bidder.
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Press contact: Stephanie Maynard – email Stephanie.Maynard@guildford.gov.uk