Council appoints operator for new Marina Centre and Phoenix Pool

Freedom Leisure is one of the largest not-for-profit leisure trusts in the UK managing accessible, value for money, community-led leisure and cultural venues nationwide.  It runs over 100 centres across England and Wales - from sports and leisure centres to swimming pools, lidos and stadiums - with a vision of 'improving lives through leisure'.

In East Anglia, it manages centres at March, Wisbech, and Chatteris, and in total employs over 4000 people across its 108 sites and head office.

Freedom Leisure will be contracted for a 10-year term. It will take over the operation of the Phoenix Pool from January 15, 2022, replacing current operators Sentinel Leisure Trust, and will manage the new Marina Centre from its opening, expected to be in late July next year.

Council leader Cllr Carl Smith said: "Freedom Leisure impressed us with its proven track record in over 100 sports and leisure complexes around the UK, and a supportive approach to running community facilities like the Phoenix.

"The council is making a significant long-term investment in the new Marina Centre and we look forward to working with Freedom to make it a success for the whole borough."

Labour group leader Cllr Trevor Wainwright said: "As a not-for-profit leisure trust, Freedom can focus on helping our residents and visitors have fitter, healthier, lifestyles. It is also committed to reducing its environmental impact and developing and rewarding the people it employs."

Freedom Leisure chief executive Ivan Horsfall Turner said: "We are delighted and excited to be working in partnership with Great Yarmouth Borough Council, to both develop and improve the Phoenix Pool & Gym and to launch the new Marina Centre.

"We know how valued these centres are by residents and visitors alike, and with the new Marina Centre due to open its doors next year, customers, staff, local residents and tourists can look forward to seeing positive changes and improvements to their local leisure centres and importantly, their health and wellbeing."