Kingston's leisure facilities are about to undergo a major transformation as Places Leisure has been awarded a ten-year contract to operate on key fitness sites across the borough.

The agreement followed a competitive procurement process and will bring improved services and a heightened focus on community health and wellbeing.

Places Leisure will upgrade facilities and introduce energy-saving projects that align with Kingston Council's environmental commitments.

It is part of the council's hopes to encourage more residents to lead active lifestyles while tackling health inequalities.

As part of the new contract, Chessington Sports Centre and Albany Outdoors will benefit from professional management for the first time.

This hopes to ensure consistent standards and a better user experience.

The new Leisure Centre, due to open in spring 2027, will also come under Places Leisure's management.

Councillor Alison Holt, Kingston Council's Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Leisure, said: "The health and wellbeing of our residents is incredibly important and is at the heart of our Active Kingston Framework.

"With a new contract in place we can make improvements to the existing services and facilities on offer, work to achieve our sustainability goals, and encourage more people to benefit from the spaces available across the borough that can help them thrive."

Kingston is already being recognised as a national leader in physical activity.

According to Sport England's latest Active Lives Adult Survey, the borough has seen an 11.4% increase in activity levels since 2015-16, which is one of the largest gains nationally.

Dan Walker is the Business Development Director at Places Leisure, and he expressed his happiness at being selected to manage sites across Kingston.

"Having witnessed the powerful impact these centres have on promoting healthier, more active lives, we're proud to continue supporting the local community," he said.