Lewisham extends partnership with GLL to manage leisure service for a further 13 years
Charitable social enterprise leisure provider GLL will deliver Lewisham Council's leisure service for a further 13 years from 1 April 2026, building on the work of the past five years.
The announcement came as Councillor Sakina Sheikh, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities, Libraries and Sports visited Forest Hill Pools on 16 March to hear details of the forthcoming improvements to facilities and community programmes promised in the new contract - further good news for local residents who have already benefitted from GLL's impact-driven operation of the Council's leisure service since 2021.
The £7m capital investment means improvements to the look and feel of all centres. The more attractive surroundings will boost neighbourhood vibrancy and be accompanied by expanded programmes to activate hard-to-reach and priority groups in the south London borough, home to over 300,000 residents.
Residents will benefit from more accessible community-based activities tailored to their needs and co-ordinated with the borough's Physical Activity Strategy to maximise impact on community health and wellbeing.
Phil Donnay, CEO Designate of GLL said:
"GLL has a strong and successful partnership with the London Borough of Lewisham. Built over five years of joint working, we have made really positive progress across a broad range of programmes and activities alongside a network of health operators to tackle inequalities and improve lives.
"Under the new partnership, we will continue to expand our delivery into community settings, enhance centre programmes, and introduce innovative activities to continually improve the service."
"Taken in combination with the significant capital investment into the look and feel of centres, we will be welcoming more of the borough's residents in years to come with high quality public leisure services."
GLL will work collaboratively with the Council and local community / voluntary organisations, sports clubs, schools and health partners delivering high quality services that meet and exceed customer expectations while keeping the service financially and environmentally sustainable.
Councillor Sakina Sheikh, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities, Libraries and Sports said:
“Working in partnership with GLL allows us to deliver on our ambition for a more active, and healthier Lewisham.
"This new 13 year contract strengthens our commitment to ensuring every resident, no matter their background, age or ability - has access to high‑quality, welcoming leisure facilities and community‑based programmes that encourage long‑term healthy habits.
"I’m excited for what’s ahead and confident that this renewed partnership will help us build a fairer, more active borough where everyone can thrive.”
Investments will take place across the early years of the new partnership and will be in multiple Borough’s leisure facilities. These include:
· New soft play facilities for children and young people will feature at Glass Mill Leisure Centre, Forest Hill Pools and Bellingham Leisure Centre.
· Expanded health, wellbeing and fitness facilities will be developed at Wavelengths Leisure Centre, Forest Hill Pools and Glass Mill Leisure Centre.
· Green investment in LED lighting, pool cover replacement and solar power will reduce carbon emissions - taking a contributory step towards the Council's carbon neutral goals.
· The wave machine at Wavelengths Leisure Centre in Deptford will be reinstated and there will be an expanded gym and studio space.
· The Alex Yee Ladywell Arena has a planned refurbishment of the athletics track.
· New pool features will be added at Wavelengths Leisure Centre.
Further details of facility developments will be made available as projects progress.
GLL will also expand its existing Healthwise 'Exercise on Referral' service to provide falls prevention and cancer rehabilitation.
Further innovative support for borough residents will include a Physical Activity Inclusion Fund established and the borough will continue to award over 100 GLL Sport Foundation bursaries each year to help aspiring young athletes.