A LEISURE centre will come under new ownership in the near future.

But the new owners say that users won't notice a change after the transition.

Barrow Forward Limited, a local authority trading company owned by Barrow Borough Council, will manage operations at the Greengate Street Barrow Park Leisure Centre from February 1.

Aidan Murphy will take over as Operations Manager for the newly formed, locally run organisation.

He said: “This is a brand-new era for Barrow Park Leisure Centre and everyone is looking forward to cementing its rightful place in our community as the leading health and fitness hub providing facilities, activities and classes for all ages and abilities.

“The need to address fitness, health and wellbeing, both physical and mental, in our community has never been greater, and we are committed to making a difference to the lives of everyone in Barrow as we strive to make our town a healthier and happier place.”

All existing leisure centre staff will be transferred to the new company with services unchanged for the public.

The change comes about as the impacts of Covid see the council wishing to refocus efforts to help residents become more active, well and healthy to improve physical and mental health outcomes, life expectancy and resilience to disease and illness.

Michaela Pennington, CEO of Life Leisure, which has been at the helm for the past four years, said: “We have made the difficult decision to withdraw from Barrow Park Leisure Centre.

“We know that Aidan and the team at Barrow will continue to offer you a fantastic service and Barrow Park Leisure Centre will continue to flourish under its new ownership in the years ahead.

“Since 2018 we have been proud to oversee a £1.25million overhaul of Barrow Park Leisure Centre, with brand new facilities, children’s activities and a hugely popular programme of activities.”

Whilst the day-to-day management will become the responsibility of Barrow Forward, the overall performance of the centre will still be overseen by Barrow Borough Council as the sole owner of the new company.

For more information go to www.barrowleisure.co.uk.