Highgate residents to enjoy bigger gyms and better facilities

Haringey Leisure Centres will see around £15m of investment when Fusion Lifestyle Ltd takes over management of the service in December.

Improvement works including new studios, a complete overhaul of changing areas, gym expansion and the upgrade of Park Road Lido are likely to begin next year after the council agreed to outsource the service to Fusion Lifestyle for 20 years, saving £500,000 a year.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Richard Watson, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to see our leisure centres modernised so they can provide better services to more people. This new contract will also see significant savings for the council as well as securing concessions and access to services for those vulnerable groups who already enjoy the facilities."

Peter Kay, Chief Executive of Fusion, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be working with Haringey Council to deliver a transformation of the facilities and services available at the leisure centres. Fusion Lifestyle is an independent charity dedicated to increasing participation in sport and physical activity and we are committed to working with the council and other partners in Haringey to ensure that the leisure facilities are attractive and accessible to the whole local community."

The 20 year contract relates to the council's three main leisure facilities: Park Road, Tottenham Green and Broadwater Farm - and there will be a three year arrangement for White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre.

Plans for Park Road Leisure Centre include:

• refurbishment of the pool
• a moveable floor for the diving pool
• expansion of the gym
• a health suite
• three new studios
• improvement works to the Lido
• cafe relocation
• complete redevelopment of the pool changing rooms

Plans for Tottenham Green Leisure Centre include:

• a new cafe and soft play area
• a new teen zone with interactive games and dance
• a new spa
• expansion of the gym
• new dry changing area
• interactive water feature for under 5s
• new multipurpose and spin studios
• complete redevelopment of the pool changing rooms

Both centres will benefit from renewable energy provision through use of combined heat and power.

Broadwater Farm Community Centre will also get a new fitness suite and further office space.

All 93 Sports and Leisure Service staff can transfer to the new company on their current terms and conditions. Concessionary pricing for vulnerable groups will continue after the transfer and accredited sports clubs will retain discounted access to the facilities.

Staff, leisure centre members and users will be contacted about the new management and the improvements.

The leisure centres are expected to remain open for business throughout the improvement works.

The contract will start on 1 December.