Following a rigorous tender process, a joint bid by two leading not-for-profit leisure operators GLL and Freedom Leisure, has won a 10-year contract to operate two of Woking's leisure centres.

The decision will see Woking Leisure Centre, Pool in the Park, children's holiday activities and Borough pitches and pavilions, managed by the partnership on behalf of the Council.

The new arrangements will see fundamental improvements to the existing services, with investment approaching £2 million and a saving nearing £6 million over the lifetime of the contract.

Users of the services will see investment at Woking Leisure Centre and Pool in the Park including: 3G football pitches; a larger and more appealing gym with views across Woking Park; increased space to cater for the high demand in some activities; improved crèche facilities and improved bar and catering facilities.

As well as the financial investment, users can expect improved services and an increase in the range of activities available to them. Access to facilities for disadvantaged groups through concessions will continue.

Speaking about the decision, Cllr David Bittleston, Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Woking Leisure Centre and Pool in the Park, said: "The health and well-being of the Borough's residents is one the Council's key priorities, and sports and leisure facilities play a vital role in delivering this commitment.

"We were very impressed with the submission made by Greenwich Leisure and Freedom Leisure Limited. Selecting such a well established and trusted leisure operators will bring some exciting new changes to the Council's leisure facilities, whilst also ensuring that we will continue to offer a wide choice of activities, invest in the future and deliver a high standard of customer service in a cost-effective manner."

Mark Sesnan, managing director of GLL, said: "We are delighted to have been invited to work in partnership with Woking Borough Council and are committed to providing first class leisure and sporting facilities to local residents.

"We believe our experience coupled with our status as a 'not for profit' social enterprise means that we have both the operational skills and community focus that will enable us to successfully operate a range of facilities across the borough."

Jeff Hart, Managing Director at Freedom Leisure added: "We will work closely with the leisure centre teams to understand the needs of the local community and together with our considerable experience, we will deliver a first class leisure service for Woking.