A new era for Sport and Exercise in South Derbyshire is well underway!

On 1st April South Derbyshire District Council commenced a 7 year partnership with charity Active Nation in a bid to get more of South Derbyshire's residents active. Active Nation are now managing Etwall Leisure Centre and Green Bank Leisure Centre.

It comes after South Derbyshire District Council, which has responsibility for the two sites, considered its management options to ensure the best possible services are delivered at the lowest cost to taxpayers.

Active Nation won a tendering process after putting forward a wide package of benefits.

The partnership will significantly benefit the centres facilities through a major investment programme spanning the 7 year contract term.

And, as Active Nation is a not for profit charity, every penny spent at the leisure centres will be re-invested to further enhance the facilities available and to inspire and motivate residents to get fitter, healthier and more active.

In addition, the Council will save over £1.1 million during the contract by linking the operations of the two centres and reducing running costs.

Mark Alflat, Director of Operations at South Derbyshire District Council, said: "Active Nation has a strong track record of offering quality and service."

"The charity will bring a wealth of experience, vision and investment to further improve our leisure facilities and encourage people of all ages across the district to get more energetic and improve their health."

"We are looking forward to working closely with Active Nation to deliver innovative sports and exercise programmes at these important and highly valued community outlets."

David Johns, Area Manager for Active Nation, said: "We are delighted to be working with South Derbyshire District Council; we have a common goal of improving the health and wellbeing of their communities by persuading them to be more active!"

"Active nation is a charity on a mission, expect to be seeing us out in the community standing on our soapbox and shouting about the benefits of sport and exercise. We are passionate about getting South Derbyshire more active."

To launch the start of the partnership the local community came out to celebrate everything active at a free Discovery Weekend on 9th / 10th April. Green Bank and Etwall Leisure Centre's attracted over 500 people, who took part in a range of free sports and exercise activities.