Leisure bosses get £1.1m centre revamp under way

BH Live chiefs say they have already been buoyed as hundreds of people have flocked to sign up at the Mountbatten Centre.

The firm took over the running of the centre in Stamshaw earlier this month.

Since then they have already seen 400 people sign up to their offer, which starts from £24 and gives people access to seven leisure centres across Portsmouth, including four swimming pools.

Mike Lyons, director of spots and leisure at the firm, said plans were already underway to change the reception area and cafe, plus an overhaul of the cafe’s menu, before they will move on to the conference rooms, fitness rooms, children’s play areas and the gym.

He said: ‘Over the next 12 months we will see some dramatic improvements and investment. We want to make a real impact.’

Work has begun and is expected to be finished by next summer.

BH Live chief executive Peter Gunn said the company was excited to get to grips with the centre, and said they plan to spend £1.1m across the seven sites.

He said: ‘It is exciting for us to have everything across the city. It means that wherever you are, you can access a really good facility.’

As well as the Mountbatten Leisure Centre, members can use the Pyramids Centre, Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre, Portsmouth Tennis Centre, Eastney Swimming Pool, Charter Community Sports Centre and Wimbledon Park Sports Centre.

The company has also increased the number of classes it offers up to 200.

Portsmouth City Council awarded BH Live a 10-year contract to manage the sites in November.

Cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport Cllr Linda Symes said: ‘This will be a partnership that will be good for the city and improve our health. It will really help us as a council to up our game and tackle obesity levels – and the only way we can do that is with a first class facility that is affordable, accessible and welcoming for all.’

For more, bhliveactive.org.uk/try-us