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Freedom Leisure awarded two-year contract to operate leisure centres in Somerset
05 Jun 2026
Somerset Council is awarding an interim two-year contract to operate leisure centres in the East of Somerset – the Mendip area – after the previous operator, Fusion Lifestyle, went into administration.
Freedom Leisure, which currently runs leisure services in the south (Yeovil, Wincanton and Chard) and north (Bridgwater) of the county, is being awarded the contract from 1 July 2026.
They will be responsible for the following facilities:
• Frome Leisure Centre
• Strode Swimming & Fitness (Street)
• Shepton Mallet Lido
• Tor Sports & Leisure Centre (Glastonbury)
• Wells Leisure Centre
The Council has been undertaking an emergency procurement process while working with Fusion and the Administrators S&W to make sure leisure services continue to be provided in East Somerset.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, said: “This is an interim contract which allows us to ensure these essential leisure services are provided by an established and trusted local operator, offering stability and quality assurance for schools, residents and other user groups. It means that membership, bookings and events can continue seamlessly. It will be very much business as usual. This also provides us with the opportunity to look in depth at the facilities before we embark on a more substantial tendering process in 2028 with a view to awarding a new long-term contract for leisure provision in East Somerset.”
Ian Horsfall Turner, Freedom Leisure’s CEO said about the contract award; "We are delighted to have been selected by Somerset Council to operate these important leisure facilities and to continue providing high-quality health, wellbeing and physical activity opportunities for local communities across the Mendip area. Freedom Leisure already operates leisure facilities across Somerset, including sites in Yeovil, Wincanton, Chard and Bridgwater and we are proud of the positive impact our teams make in supporting local communities to become more active, healthier and better connected. As a not-for-profit leisure trust, our focus is on delivering excellent customer experiences while maximising social value and community benefit. We look forward to welcoming customers, supporting existing staff and working closely with Somerset Council, schools, clubs and community partners to ensure a smooth transition and the continued delivery of accessible, inclusive and high-quality leisure services across the East of Somerset."
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