Maldon District Council has announced that a new contract has been awarded to provide leisure provision in the district over the next 20 years.

The new contract has been awarded to current provider, Places Leisure, who provide leisure facilities at Blackwater Leisure Centre, Dengie Hundred Sports Centre and the Promenade Park Splash Park.

Their successful bid was part of a robust procurement process by the District Council, and will hopefully result in a number of developments and significant investments in leisure facilities in the district.

Places Leisure will soon be engaging with existing members and centre users to explain what the changes and new facilities will mean to them.

The aim of the contract is to help ensure that Maldon leisure facilities remain "wide-ranging, engaging, and enjoyable for everyone".

Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of the Council, said; "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Places Leisure as we embark on this exciting new chapter for leisure in the Maldon District. The commitment to delivering high-quality services and investing in our community's wellbeing is evident in the successful bid.

"The planned improvements, will greatly enhance our leisure facilities, offering more activities at our centres and ensuring they meet the needs of residents and visitors for years to come.

"We are delighted that their bid had a strong commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing for our community with new activities being introduced and enhanced opportunities for those with additional needs as well as a variety of equipment which will be accessible for all.

"This long-term partnership demonstrates our dedication to fostering an inclusive, active, and vibrant community. We look forward to seeing Places Leisure plans come to life and encourage everyone to stay tuned for updates as these exciting developments progress."

Dan Walker, Business Development Director for Places Leisure said, "We are thrilled and delighted to be extending our successful partnership with Maldon District Council. As part of the contract, we will be delivering some exciting investment plans which will transform the leisure facilities and build on our current offering.

"Places Leisure is committed to improving people's lives and the communities in which they live, we hope to create more opportunities for members of the community to enjoy getting active, whether that is within the centres themselves or in the wider community through some of our outreach work.

"We recognise the importance of looking after the people who support our communities and those who make our leisure centres great, that's why we are a Real Living Wage employer and we will continue to offer this benefit to all colleagues in Maldon."