Latest news with #CatherineHouston
BBC News
30-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Guildford: New operator will run leisure facilities like Spectrum
Almost £10m is to be invested in leisure services in Guildford after councillors approved a new long-term management Leisure has been named the preferred bidder to run Guildford Spectrum, Guildford Lido and Ash Manor Sports Centre for 10 years from 1 November, following a procurement a full council meeting on Tuesday, Guildford Borough Council (GBC) approved a £9.98m capital investment to support improvements across the council said its leisure facilities attract around 1.8 million visitors each year, with the Spectrum described as a "destination venue". Planned upgrades include a new soft play area and a water splash pad in the pool. Under Freedom Leisure's plans, the Spectrum would also see its three main catering outlets refurbished, a redesigned gym, and a new mini golf attraction called 'Puttify'.The Lido's opening hours could be extended to 07:00 to 21:00 during the winter months, subject to the installation of external lighting. Its existing gym would be replaced with a Pilates and hot yoga contract is set to run for 10 years, with an option to extend for a further five. Councillor Catherine Houston previously said there had been "significant interest" from major leisure to replace the Spectrum were discussed in 2016 but were later put on hold.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Leisure operator plan to invest £10m in facilities
A leisure operator said it planned to invest nearly £10m in facilities in Surrey if it took over a council contract. Guildford Borough Council said the existing leisure contract, which oversees the management at Guildford Spectrum, Guildford Lido and Ash Manor Sports Centre, is due to expire on 31 October. A spokesperson for the council said: "Following a thorough commercial and technical evaluation, Freedom Leisure scored the highest total score and has therefore emerged as the preferred bidder." According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Freedom Leisure plans to install a "state-of-the-art" soft play facility at Spectrum Gym and add all-year-round swimming in the Lido. It plans to operate the Lido pool from 07:00 BST to 21:00 BST during the winter months, subject to the installation of external lighting. It also proposes adding a Pilates and yoga/hot yoga studio to replace the existing gym. Councillor Catherine Houston said the popularity of the facilities had attracted "significant interest" from major leisure operators. "I look forward to seeing more opportunities for people to take part in leisure and well-being activities over the coming years," she added. The council said the proposed new contract would run for 10 years, with the option to extend for a further five years, offering "long-term stability and continuity for the borough's leisure provision". Councillors will discuss the new contract agreement before a final decision is made at the end of July. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Lido reopens for summer season after refurbishment Guildford Borough Council
BBC News
06-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Leisure operator plan to invest £10m in several Surrey facilities
A leisure operator said it planned to invest nearly £10m in facilities in Surrey if it took over a council Borough Council said the existing leisure contract, which oversees the management at Guildford Spectrum, Guildford Lido and Ash Manor Sports Centre, is due to expire on 31 October. A spokesperson for the council said: "Following a thorough commercial and technical evaluation, Freedom Leisure scored the highest total score and has therefore emerged as the preferred bidder."According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Freedom Leisure plans to install a "state-of-the-art" soft play facility at Spectrum Gym and add all-year-round swimming in the Lido. It plans to operate the Lido pool from 07:00 BST to 21:00 BST during the winter months, subject to the installation of external also proposes adding a Pilates and yoga/hot yoga studio to replace the existing Catherine Houston said the popularity of the facilities had attracted "significant interest" from major leisure operators."I look forward to seeing more opportunities for people to take part in leisure and well-being activities over the coming years," she added. The council said the proposed new contract would run for 10 years, with the option to extend for a further five years, offering "long-term stability and continuity for the borough's leisure provision".Councillors will discuss the new contract agreement before a final decision is made at the end of July.
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Guildford council trials night-time economy parking scheme
Night-time economy workers in Guildford will be able to park for less as part of a new Borough Council says it is rolling out parking permits for people working in pubs, clubs and restaurants which will let them park for less between 15:00 and 07:00 all scheme, a collaboration between the council and Experience Guildford, is currently limited to 100 annual permits priced at £150 as part of a trial from June until May Houston, Guildford lead council for commercial services, said: "We believe it will greatly benefit our night-time economy by providing affordable parking options when public transport is not available." Under the scheme, companies in Guildford can apply for permits on behalf of their staff. The permits are then tied to a car's registration permits will allow staff to park in eight car parks across the town: Bedford Road multi-storey, Bedford Road surface, Bright Hill, G Live, High Street, Leapale Road, Mary Road and Masters, chief executive of Experience Guildford, said: "This initiative offers affordable, secure parking for employees finishing late, helping businesses attract and retain the talent that keeps Guildford's evenings vibrant."
