Leisure Centre Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Council changing its leisure centre operator?

The existing contract for management of the Council's two leisure centres is coming to an end. As a public sector organisation, we have a legal duty to procure services and supplies that represent the best value for money defined as "the best mix of quality and effectiveness for the least outlay over the period of use". Best value is achieved through competition and public sector procurement is subject to a legal framework which encourages free and open competition. A full and competitive tender process was undertaken to appoint an operator, the result of which determined the new operator as the one that provided best value.

When is the change happening?

Places Leisure will take over the management of both centres in October 2024.

What happens with the existing leisure centres?

Everyone Active will continue to run both Spelthorne and Sunbury Leisure Centres until the new Spelthorne Leisure Centre opens. We will be working closely with the incumbent operator and the new operator to ensure as smooth a transition as possible.

When will the new Spelthorne leisure centre open?

The building work for the new Spelthorne Leisure Centre is on track and the new centre is expected to open in October 2024.

What will happen with my current membership?

Customers are able to continue using both Spelthorne and Sunbury Leisure Centres with their current membership until the new Spelthorne Leisure Centre opens. Existing members will be contacted about transferring their membership to the new operator in due course.

How much is membership at the new centre?

For full details of membership, please visit: Eclipse Leisure Centre | Spelthorne | Places Leisure

Is there a price concession for older residents?

To bring Spelthorne in line with industry standards, the decision has been taken to bring the age-related concession in line with state pension age which is currently 66.

Is free swimming offered to people over 75?

Residents who are over 75 and swam for free whilst Everyone Active operated them will be able to continue to do so under Places management. However, any new customers over the age of 75 and interested in taking up swimming at either Sunbury Leisure Centre or Eclipse Leisure Centre will be required to pay.

Is a 'pay as you go' option still available under the new operator?

Yes, a 'pay as you go' option will still be available under the new operator. As part of the new contract, Spelthorne Borough Council will maintain some control over some of the core pricing. Concession pricing will be available to eligible users.

Can I take part in the same classes and activities?

The new Eclipse Leisure Centre is larger than the current centre enabling more activities and a greater mix of classes to be offered. There are some changes to some of the classes offered; the new operator offers a comprehensive programme of activities and fitness classes, with programmes reviewed regularly to respond to changing needs and customer views.

What will happen to the current staff?

Spelthorne Borough Council is working with both the incumbent operator and the incoming operator to liaise with the staff at both centres. Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations (TUPE) will apply.

What about self-employed instructors?

Concerns around the future of self-employed instructors has been noted and will form part of our conversations with the new contractor moving forward.

What will happen with our current club block booking?

Clubs with existing block bookings will be given preferential opportunity to book the facilities at the new centre and will be contacted in due course. Other clubs will also have the opportunity to request facility bookings. If your club is interested in making a booking, please email leisure@spelthorne.gov.uk and your details can be added to a club booking enquiry list which will be passed to the new operator in due course.

What will happen to the current Spelthorne Leisure Centre when the new centre opens?

The old centre will then be demolished and the site will be converted to car parking for the new centre.

What parking arrangements will be put in place during Phase 2 of the project?

Car parking will be available throughout the duration of Phase 2 of the project; the demolition of the existing centre and construction of the centres new car park. However, it is likely that there will continue to be some disruption and a reduction in the number of spaces at times during the work. The whole process is due to take nine months.  During that time the number of parking spaces will fluctuate but the council has a commitment to ensure 192 spaces are available at all times.  The Council has made 68 spaces available at the West Wing of the council offices at Knowle Green (inside the barrier at the rear entrance to the council car park) including 4 new disabled bays situated as close as possible to the entrance of the new centre ( outside the barrier), bringing the total number of disabled bays up to 12. The barrier has been set to rise upon approach.  The spaces will be accessible during the opening hours of the centre plus an additional half an hour either side.  They will open at 5:30am and close at 11:30pm Monday to Friday and 10:30 pm at weekends.  Once the car park is completed there will be in excess of 290 parking spaces available at the new centre compared to the 165 in the old centre.

Will a new Leisure Centre cause an increase in traffic?

We anticipate the enhanced facilities will generate more visitors and result in a little more traffic. However, because of its central location it is close to good public transport links, so the impact should be minimal. Visitors will be encouraged to walk, cycle and use more sustainable forms of transport.  We are working to ensure it does not affect residents in adjacent residential roads by ensuring that the increased parking provision meets the needs of car users. Adequate bike storage will be provided to encourage cycling.

Will the Council be making a profit by selling the current Leisure Centre site?

No. The construction costs for the proposed new Leisure Centre will be significantly greater than the value of the current Leisure Centre site and we have no intention to sell this. As the plans indicate, this area will become the new car park for the centre.

Why do we need so many car parking spaces?

With a larger Leisure Centre with a wider range of modern facilities, we anticipate a greater number of visitors, so we are increasing the number of car, coach and cycle spaces to accommodate users.

How will balls be prevented from being kicked off the rooftop pitches?

There is netting over the top that will stop the ball going out into the street.

How will the impact on noise and light pollution be minimised from the roof top pitches?

Acoustic screens are installed that limit noise transfer. The latest technology in terms of lighting has been adopted to reduce light dispersal. Whilst the glow in the distance can be seen, it won't disperse to surrounding properties.

How do the facilities meet the need for disabled residents in the Borough?

The centre is fully accessible and dementia friendly. Also, it is mandatory that the centre is Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant.  Among other things the new centre has:

• Poolpod pool access (providing independent comfortable access to the pools for anyone who may find it difficult to access the pool using a ladder or steps)
• A Changing Places changing facility with hoist.
• LED Boccia court markings in the sports hall

Is there chlorine in the new swimming pool at the Leisure Centre?

Yes, there is chlorine in the pool, however, it is significantly less than standard swimming pools. It is one of the first centres to use a process called 'microfiltration', which achieves exceptional filtration efficiency by forcing the water through a ceramic membrane, while using significantly less energy and water than traditional sand filtration. The groundbreaking microfiltration technology filters out contaminants with great efficiency and the chlorine dose is significantly reduced by using UV light as a primary means of water treatment, making the bathing experience much more pleasant.

How will this work with swimming lessons? Will they just transfer to the new provider, or will I have to sign up again?

Existing swimmers will be contacted about transferring their lessons to the new operator in due course. Swimming lessons prices will be inclusive of free swimming so students can practise between lessons.

Is there Aquafit sessions?

Yes, aqua sessions will be included in the programme.