External partners will be invited to submit plans for operating the council’s main sport centres and swimming pools for the next decade.
BCBC Cabinet Members have agreed to a tendering exercise which will ultimately lead to a partner organisation managing most of the authority’s leisure sites.
The plan is aimed at assisting the council in achieving its objective of increasing levels of participation in sport and physical activity, as well as meeting the significant financial challenges currently facing BCBC.
Applications will be invited from both the private sector and not-for-profit organisations.
A formal consultation with staff and trade unions on the proposals will now take place over the coming months.
Councillor Lyn Morgan, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, said: “The health and wellbeing of our residents is our priority and we know our leisure facilities are key to this.
“We have spent many months looking at how we can manage our centres and pools in a more efficient way but which still attracts residents to use our facilities. Undoubtedly a partnership with an external organisation will help us increase participation and achieve sustainable facilities, while making essential savings so we can still meet demand for frontline services in other areas.
“A great deal of planning and detailed consideration has already taken place and the time has now come to test the market.
“We have many fine, well-used facilities in excellent locations around the borough. I am confident we can find the best possible partner to work with us to deliver our ambitions.”
