Worcester City Council has agreed a five-year extension to its management contract with Freedom Leisure, securing the future of Perdiswell Leisure Centre and St John’s Sports Centre as the city prepares for the transition to a new Unitary authority in 2028.
Worcester City Council — currently a District Council set to be dissolved as part of national devolution plans — owns both Perdiswell and St John’s Leisure Centres. The Council had previously leased the sites to Freedom Leisure under a ten-year agreement. This lease has now been extended seamlessly to run until 31 December 2030, ensuring continuity throughout the handover from the existing District and County Councils to the new Unitary structure.
Freedom Leisure, a not-for-profit operator known for inclusive services for people of all ages and abilities, has continued to perform strongly, especially during a period when many leisure centres with large swimming pools are struggling with rising energy costs. Their track record in Worcester compares favourably with national trends, where some pools have been forced to close.
Significant upgrades and sustainability improvements
Both Perdiswell and St John’s have benefitted from major energy-efficiency investments this year, including the installation of solar panels and destratification fans funded through the Sport England Swimming Pool Support Fund. These improvements were completed over the summer and are already reducing operational costs.
At Perdiswell, further upgrades have been made to the swimming pool system to reduce chemical and energy use, reflecting the Council’s commitment to sustainability and long-term financial resilience.
This week, Perdiswell also received a full refresh of its gym equipment — a long-overdue upgrade made possible through the newly extended contract. In addition, the centre is undergoing a full conversion to LED lighting, further reducing energy consumption. These enhancements were agreed by the Council’s Policy & Resources Committee in May 2025.
Councillor Karen Holmes praised the investment, saying:
“As we move toward the new Unitary authority, it was vital to secure stability for our much-loved leisure centres. Extending the Freedom Leisure contract gives us the continuity we need and ensures these facilities remain at the heart of community life. I’m delighted to see major investment in renewable energy, modern gym equipment and smarter, more efficient systems — all of which will benefit residents for years to come. Perdiswell and St John’s are thriving, accessible spaces for people of all ages and abilities, and these improvements show our ongoing commitment to keeping them that way.”
The Council will continue working closely with Freedom Leisure to ensure the city’s leisure facilities remain sustainable, inclusive, and well-maintained throughout the transition to the new Unitary authority in 2028 and beyond.
