New Better Partnership to Provide Leisure Service for Residents in Dorking and Leatherhead
GLL - the social enterprise behind the 'Better' brand - has signed a 15-year contract with Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) for the management and operation of leisure centres in Dorking and Leatherhead.
The new partnership means customers and staff at Dorking Sports Centre and Leatherhead Leisure Centre will transfer to Better Memberships later this year; on 26th November for Dorking Sports Centre and 1st December for Leatherhead Leisure Centre.
Councillor Nick Wright, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: “We are excited to see this new partnership emerging and look forward to working with GLL on the provision of leisure services in Mole Valley. We want our leisure centres to not only be places for exercise, but also hubs for fostering health, friendships and shared experiences for all.
“GLL, a Charitable Social Enterprise operating under the brand ‘Better’, are a trusted national leisure services operator that has great experience in delivering activities in an affordable and accessible way. This new partnership will see significant investment in the look and feel of the centres, create new opportunities and improve customers’ experience."
GLL is the UK’s largest staff-owned co-op that provides leisure services and exists to prioritise health and wellbeing. It operates over 250 leisure facilities – including leisure centres, pools, adventure play, courts and pitches – and the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme – the GLL Sport Foundation.
Peter Bundey, CEO of GLL said: “We are looking forward to an exciting partnership with Mole Valley District Council and to welcome the staff and customers of the two leisure centres into the ‘Better family’, boosting the presence of our services in the region.
“GLL’s charitable social enterprise model offers huge benefits to public services. We don’t have shareholders to pay and can invest back into grass roots programmes and facilities for the benefit of customers. Our employee-owned business offers great training and career opportunities locally and across the UK.
“Our goal is to build upon work achieved to date and make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of the community for many years to come.”
Customers can look forward to exciting plans for both centres. Initially, ‘Better’ branding will appear in both locations. Further details of the transfer will be communicated with customers and staff in due course.