Operator sought for exciting new activity and leisure facility

Artist's impression of Millom Leisure Centre

An exciting opportunity to take on the management of a new activity and leisure facility in Millom and Haverigg is underway.

The process provides the chance for potential operators to submit their interest.

In addition to submitting information through Cumberland Council’s online procurement CHEST, potential providers can also email the procurement team direct or send information in the post.

The deadline for responses is 4pm on Friday 29 March 2024.

The new activity and leisure facility is part of the Activating Community Health projects and is one of four projects that make up the Millom Town Deal which secured £20.6m from the UK Government's Town's Fund alongside a further £8.7m in match funding.

The project will offer a swimming pool, sports hall and fitness studios within the setting of a community and leisure hub.

It aims to improve levels of community health and well-being by providing residents with a modern, multi-purpose and fully inclusive facility.

In addition, it would attract visitors to the town which will also support the long-term financial sustainability of this new leisure facility alongside increased footfall and a boost to overall levels of spending within local businesses.

David Savage, the Chair of Millom Town Deal Board, said:

“We are actively working on two fronts to get this Leisure Hub moving forward. I understand what this facility means to the community and so we are progressing both the design and build procurement alongside this new opportunity to engage with potential operators.

“We encourage any potential operators of the new activity and leisure facility to get in touch. Lots of work is going on behind the scenes to drive forward these projects.”

A link to information regarding the facility and the soft market testing questions can be found on procurement webpage.

There are three options for sending completed questionnaire back to Cumberland Council including:

Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:

“Work is continuing on these transformational schemes. This is one of a number of exciting schemes we are taking forward across the Cumberland area which have the potential to make a significant difference to people’s lives.”

Work continues on other parts of the Town Deal projects.

The latest plans for a scheme to improve ways to move around Millom and Haverigg sustainably were shared with the community on Wednesday 6 March at a drop-in public engagement event at Millom Guide Hall

The engagement material is now available to view on the Millom Town Deal website. This also includes a link to the online survey. The deadline for responses is Wednesday 20 March 2024.

Once completed, the Connecting Millom and Haverigg project will make it easier and safer for people to move around Millom and Haverigg on foot, by bicycle and by incorporating the needs of those with limited mobility.

For more information about Millom Town Deal, please visit: www.millomtowndeal.org.uk