TAXPAYERS are set to save £4million a year as part of a new deal to run Southend’s leisure centres.

A range of new initiatives is planned after Southend Council’s leisure management contract was awarded to Fusion Lifestyle, a charity operating 85 facilities nationally, including in Rochford.

Under the contract, Fusion Lifestyle will pay the council for the use of its facilities, generating new revenue to put an end to the service needing a council-tax funded subsidy.

The new contractor, which will keep existing staff at the centres, has pledged to provide a packed programme of initiatives, including more outdoor activities in the summer and a drive to promote healthier lifestyles.

There will also be discounts on some activities through the council’s planned Advantage Card and a new “Tennis in the Parks” scheme at Priory and Chalkwell parks.

The successful diving programme at Southend Swimming and Diving Centre will also be extended in partnership with the Amateur Swimmer Association.

Fusion Lifestyle replaces Parkwood Leisure and its subcontractor Legacy Leisure which had run the service for 15 years Graham Longley, Lib Dem councillor responsible for enterprise, tourism and economic development, said: “The new contract is great news for the residents of Southend as we will be able to deliver a much enhanced service and take away the requirement for a taxpayer-funded subsidy.

“The existing pricing structure will remain in place and all leisure staff will keep their jobs with the new contractor.

“By making leisure services self-sufficient, we can ensure the future of this important and popular service but also better protect other much-valued front-line council services at a time of austerity. Officers have done a marvellous job to take this contract to the market and achieve such a great result.”

Peter Kay, chief executive of Fusion Lifestyle, said “We are absolutely delighted to be entering into this long-term partnership with the council and we look forward to working with the existing staff at the leisure facilities to deliver facility and service improvements.”

The new arrangements with Fusion Lifestyle will be in place from July 1.

All existing staff will transfer over to Fusion Lifestyle.

Centre users will be kept informed during the transition period.

The contract includes the management and operation of the following leisure centres: 

* Belfairs Swim Centre 

* Chase Sports and Fitness Centre 

* Shoeburyness Leisure Centre 

* Southend Swimming and Diving Centre 

* Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre