Bletchley Leisure Centre changes
In response to concerns raised in the BPARA 25 August post, MKCC Leader Jane Carr:
- Confirmed that Serco, as management company and via their leisure company, makes all the decisions regarding running the Centre under a commercial arrangement.
- Agreed that the lack of consultation and clear information in advance of actions being taken has been the issue here, but Serco are not prepared to revert their decision
- Proposed that Serco establish a user’s consultation forum for members to put their points of view directly to Serco – shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted!
- The café is closed for refurbishment but will reopen again. .
- New carpark lift ordered by Serco and delay due to sourcing parts which is taking far longer than hoped or advised.
Note: The swimming pool will be closed from 1 -15 November whilst work is being carried out.
BPARA also emailed MKCC about the remainder of the £3million of new investment for Bletchley & Woughton Leisure Centres and Windmill Hill Golf Club in West Bletchley, as announced in January:
- £800k would be spent on energy saving initiatives at all 3 sites, and
- Undisclosed sums on the new carpark lift, a new irrigation system, driving range and club house improvements for Windmill Hill.
BPARA asked what was the position regarding Woughton and Windmill Hill Golf Club and whether Serco has carte blanche to do what is most profitable for them? Cllr Crooks, MKCC Cabinet Member responsible for the Serco contract, replied:
Windmill Hill Golf Club, West Bletchley:
- Driving range refurbished – painted, upgraded lighting, new chipping mats and driving range balls and brand-new designs on the ball dispensing machines.
- Greens and irrigation system improved.
- Subject to planning approval, the provision of a Padel facility.
(Woughton Leisure Centre has brand-new state-of-the art gym facilities following a £250,000 uplift, also energy efficient PV panels installed on roof).
Cllr Crooks advised MKCC can no longer afford to maintain and improve these facilities, hence the need to attract outside investment. He has offered to attend a residents’ meeting to discuss any issues.
