A major decision could soon be made that will affect the future of every leisure centre in Oldham.
According to papers released ahead of an Oldham council meeting on September 28, the council is expected to kickstart the process of forming a council-owned organisation to deliver Oldham’s leisure services going forward. Town hall bosses say the decision will ensure long term sustainability and tackle health inequalities.
Oldham Community Leisure Limited (otherwise known as Oldham Active) was appointed as the manager of the council’s leisure facilities in 2012 and this contract will end in March 2028. The company currently employs around 280 members of staff with nearly three quarters of the workforce living in Oldham.
With the current model under Oldham Active coming to an end, the local authority said a review had looked at four different options. These included outsourcing services, delivering things in-house, a jointly-owned company, as well as a council-owned organisation.
At the moment, Oldham’s leisure services see over 1.5m visits every year with high satisfaction. Usage has been on the rise according to the report.
The council-owned company would operate at arm’s length but remain under the council’s overall control. The council report said: “A council owned organisation presents the strongest option, retaining council ownership and strategic control, whilst providing greater operational flexibility, commercial capability and opportunity for income generation.
“It aligns with a popular model across Greater Manchester and wider, and it offers a platform for transformation, innovation and improved performance and outcomes.
“Whilst a council owned organisation introduces initial set up costs and governance arrangements to be worked through, these are considered manageable through robust business planning, governance arrangements and oversight.
“On balance, progressing a council owned organisation to full business case stage provides the strongest opportunity to deliver a sustainable, modern, and integrated leisure offer to benefit our residents, and our commercial considerations.”
While no new provider of leisure services needs to be found before 2028, the report added: “While this may appear some distance away, the scale and complexity of procurement, mobilisation, and implementation means decisions need to be taken now to ensure sufficient time for a robust and well-planned process.
“This is not a reaction to an immediate issue, but a proactive decision to protect continuity of service and secure the best long-term outcome for residents and the council.”
Oldham Active currently operate Oldham leisure centre, Royton leisure centre, Saddleworth pool and leisure centre, Failsworth Sports centre, Chadderton wellbeing centre, and Radclyffe Athletics Centre.
