30-07-2025
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.
