Plans to transfer the management of five Bournemouth leisure centres, Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) and the Pavilion to a new trust on 1 April have been given the green light.

Although the proposals are still subject to Bournemouth Borough Council's (BBC) full council approval later this month, BH LIVE will be run by an independent board of 11 trustees and will operate a total of seven venues. Stokewood and Pelhams Park Leisure Centres, Sir David English Sports Centre, the Littledown Centre and Kinson Swimming Pool are among the sites to be transferred to the new trust, although BBC will continue to own the venues.

BBC leader Stephen MacLoughlin said: "All the venues have been successful under Council control, but with the squeeze on public finances, the new organisation will be in a better position to develop them so that they continue to offer what people want." Peter Gunn, managing director of the BIC and the Pavilion, added: "The benefits of establishing the new not-for-profit organisation are significant. It also means we are working with a range of complimentary venues; the expertise and variety of services for customers under the new trust will only increase."