Leisure: local trust to spearhead innovation

Updated: 16 November 2005

Hertsmere Leisure Trust will be awarded the contract for managing William Penn Leisure Centre and the Fairway Inn at Rickmansworth Public Golf Course

Hertsmere Leisure Trust will be awarded the contract for managing William Penn Leisure Centre and the Fairway Inn at Rickmansworth Public Golf Course, it was decided on Monday night.

The decision by Three Rivers District Council Executive Committee to award the Trust the contract was made after assessing a variety of bids on questions such as service quality, value for money, innovation and customer care. The specification for the contract was drawn up following consultation with users of the popular leisure centre and golf course clubhouse.

Three Rivers District Council's portfolio holder for leisure and community, Councillor Chris Whately-Smith, said:

"It's a very exciting time for health and leisure in the district. Hertsmere Leisure Trust is passionate about sport and has a strong track record in the county. It has been praised by assessors of the national quality award, Quest, for its high standards in customer care, cleanliness and service quality.

"Hertsmere Leisure will be taking over two venues that are already successful. Customers have noticed how much both venues have improved, particularly in the last few years. We are confident that Hertsmere Leisure Trust will work with existing staff to build on this success."

The decision to outsource the management of key leisure venues is part of the District Council's commitment to providing high quality, value for money services.

A £3.5m swimming and poolside renovation programme at William Penn Leisure Centre is scheduled to begin in January 2007.

Chairman of the Hertsmere Leisure Trust, Jonathan Passmore, said:

"We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract. We look forward to working with the District Council, its residents, customers of the facilities and the existing staff to promote a healthy lifestyle through exercise and to provide services that cater for all needs. "

The contract will be extended to The Centre, Sir James Altham Pool and the rest of Rickmansworth Public Golf Course in January 2008.