Leisure centre contract opened to bids

SOLIHULL Council has put the contract for North Solihull Sports Centre out to tender.
The Chelmsley Wood-based facility has been run by Parkwood Leisure Ltd for many years, as part of a deal between Rivendell Leisure Ltd and the local authority.
This contract has now been terminated, but Parkwood will continue to operate the centre as part of an interim arrangement.
The re-tendering process will see the council consider who should run the service going forward. The council has previously indicated that the current provider is likely to be among those in the running.
It is expected the operator will be selected by the end of March 2018, with the new management contract taking effect from next June.
A Solihull Council spokesman said: "In the meantime current services will continue as normal and leisure centre users will not be affected."

Timeline:
2007: Major refurbishment of North Solihull Sports Centre runs in tandem with the redevelopment of Tudor Grange Leisure Centre.
Jan 2009: Free swimming sessions launched for under 16s and over 60s as part of a get fit drive ahead of the London Olympics.
July 2012: Local mums, led by firefighter Leanne Byrne, protest against a proposed reduction in creche opening hours.
July 2015: Campaign to reinstate long-standing lifeguard Ray Lill, who is sacked after more than 30 years following allegations he used his phone at the poolside.