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£1.8million refit for leisure centre
"SIGNIFICANT improvements" to revitalise and modernise Gurnell Leisure Centre in Ealing are to start later this month.
The news comes after Leisure Connection - the company which previously ran four leisure centres in Ealing - lost their contract in August, having been dogged with complaints about levels of cleanliness at the facilities.
Since taking over on November 1 after Leisure Connection's contract finally expired, new council partners Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) have pledged to pour £1.8million into the facility over the next two years.
One Ealing resident who uses Gurnell leisure centre twice a week, was thrilled with the news.
"It is fantastic," she said. "Since Leisure Connection lost the contract they did not bother doing anything.
"Machines were lying broken in the gym all summer because they knew they were not going to bother mending them. It was obviously a really easy job to do because they have all been mended this week."
GLL will also take over the running of Acton Swimming Baths, Dormers Wells leisure centre and, for a short time, Northolt Swimmorama.
Mark Sesnan, managing director of GLL, said: "We are proud to be implementing these changes, which will bring Gurnell Leisure Centre up to modern standards. We have been working with our customers to understand their needs and will keep them updated on the refurbishment as it progresses."
"We believe our experience - the GLL currently operates more than 50 public leisure centres across Greater London - coupled with our status as a not for profit' social enterprise, means we have both the operational skills and community focus that will enable us to successfully operate a range of facilities across the borough."
The new contract will ensure stringent measures are in place to monitor and address poor performance, and ensure quicker response to day-to-day maintenance issues.
It also provides protection on hours of use for the long-standing clubs that use the facilities.
At Gurnell from early December the entire first floor will be refurbished to include a new fitness centre, complete with new changing rooms, a new reception area, a refurbished studio and a cafe.
The work will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption to customers.
Cllr Nigel Sumner, cabinet member for health and community well being, said: "I am delighted that our new partners Greenwich Leisure Limited have been able to start their improvement works so quickly since their contract began in November.
"Gurnell Leisure Centre is an important facility to this borough and it is well used by our residents. The refurbishment will revitalise and modernise it so that it is better suited to their needs."
Residents who are interested in viewing the refurbishment plans are invited to do so at the facility. For more information people should contact Gareth Kirk (lead manager) via email gareth.kirk@gll.org or ring 020 8998 3241.
9:10am Friday 8th December 2006
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