Vale Council appoints private sector partner to run its leisure centres - what will this mean for me?

The Vale of Glamorgan's leisure centres are now being run in partnership by the council and Parkwood Community Leisure. Although the leisure centres remain the responsibility of the council, Parkwood will operate the centres for a minimum of ten years with a possible extension for a further five years.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the new partnership arrangement. If you have any queries please call 01446 403000.

Has the council sold the leisure centres?

No. The leisure facilities are leased to Parkwood Community Leisure for the period of the contract.

How were Parkwood Community Leisure appointed?

Parkwood Community Leisure were appointed to manage the leisure centres following a competitive tendering process that was conducted in 2011/12.

What role does the Vale Council now play in the operation of the leisure centres?

The council plays no part in the day to day operation of the leisure centres. However, it works closely with Parkwood Community Leisure to monitor its performance, maintain the buildings and develop the services offered to customers.

Will all leisure centres remain open under the new partnership?

Yes, all of the Vale of Glamorgan’s leisure centres will remain open.

Will increased investment be made into the centres and what sort of changes am I likely to see?

The council has allocated £3m worth of investment into the leisure centres over the next 12 months. £2m is being spent on general upgrading work while an additional £1m has already been invested in a new fitness suite and dance studio in Penarth Leisure Centre, as well as a revamped fitness suite at Barry Leisure Centre. A new cafe is also now open in the reception area at Penarth Leisure Centre, with one planned for Barry Leisure Centre in Spring 2013. The fitness suite at Llantwit Major is also being expanded, with work due to be completed in the next couple of months. 

Is the FreeStyle membership scheme continuing?

The FreeStyle scheme is being discontinued, but existing cards will be honoured until they expire.

What is happening with my LifeStyle membership? 

The LifeStyle membership scheme is being replaced by a new Expressions Fitness membership scheme, and Parkwood Community Leisure will be contacting all members to inform them about future developments.

Will the new membership let me move between the leisure centres to train across all sites as I currently do?

Yes. Parkwood Community Leisure also currently operates Cardiff International Pool and discussions are being had about cross promotions that would benefit Vale members at this venue too.

Are swimming lessons continuing?

Swimming lessons are continuing and are operated under the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) national guidelines, through Parkwood Leisure’s Aquazone Programme. Please contact your local centre on 01446 403000 if you have any specific queries about swimming lessons.

Is the free swimming initiative continuing?

Free swimming is included as part of the contract and Parkwood Community Leisure will be expected to deliver the free swimming initiative as long as the Vale Council continues to receive a grant for this from the Welsh Government. If the grant ceases then, in all likelihood, free swimming would also cease.

Is the Exercise Referral Scheme continuing?

The Exercise Referral Scheme is continuing with all of the existing staff remaining in their current positions. The Vale of Glamorgan Council will continue to run this aspect of the service with the full co-operation of the new partner organisation.

Have any changes been made to the fitness class programme?

The up to date fitness class programmes can be found at www.leisurecentre.com. A significant aspect of the tender submission received from Parkwood Community Leisure is the creation of more dance studios in the current facilities and, given this emphasis on creating new dance studios at various sites, it can reasonably be expected that the current fitness class programmes will be expanded further.

Are Zumba classes continuing?

Yes. Zumba classes have proven to be extremely popular in the Vale and are also run as part of Parkwood Community Leisure’s dance programme, Sway Dance.

Is there a possibility that the car park at Barry Leisure Centre might be improved?

Unfortunately the car park at Barry Leisure Centre is outside of the scope of the leisure centre partnership project. However, the Vale of Glamorgan Council is aware of customer frustrations with parking arrangements and will be looking to address these problems.

What has happened to the staff at the leisure centres?

All staff who wished to do so have transferred to the partner organisation on their existing terms and conditions. This process, known as TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment regulations) is part of European law and is designed to protect the existing workforce.

Which other leisure centres are Parkwood involved in running?

Parkwood Community Leisure manages 82 leisure centres around the UK on behalf of 25 clients, this includes Cardiff International Pool. In February, Hengrove Leisure Centre was opened in Bristol, a £35m project. Additional facilities managed by Parkwood Leisure include two theatres, Tourist Information and two conference centres. Further details can be found at the Parkwood Leisure website.

Who do I contact to make a complaint about the leisure centres?

In the first instance you should contact the manager at the facility concerned by calling 01446 403000. However, if you are not satisfied with the response you receive then please contact the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Operational Manager for leisure and Tourism Dave Knevett by calling 01446 704817 or email dpknevett@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff at the leisure centres, or contact the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Operational Manager for leisure and Tourism Dave Knevett by calling 01446 704817 or email dpknevett@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.