Life Leisure has confirmed that the formation of a new Community Interest Company (CIC) will see its vital health, fitness and neighbourhood activity services continue to go from strength to strength.
Life Leisure, the trading name of Stockport Sports Trust, has provided a valuable service for Stockport residents for 20 years. Its operation of 12 local leisure centres and delivery of active communities programmes – including youth Satellite Sports Clubs, I Wish I’d Tried, SMILE and Active Ageing – have made a real difference to people’s lives.
Like many leisure providers Life Leisure was heavily impacted by the pandemic and, while centres and activities resumed operation in line with easing restrictions, it had faced an uncertain future.
Stockport Active CIC, a new Community Interest Company, has been established by Stockport Council to remove this uncertainty and ensure a bright future for the popular local provider.
Michaela Pennington, Life Leisure’s CEO, said: “Our mission has always been about helping people to become more active, whatever their age, circumstances or familiarity with fitness. It’s why we’ve developed such a breadth of different services and community initiatives.
“Today, this mission has taken on a new level of importance – the pandemic highlighting just how crucial services that promote health and wellbeing are. We are delighted to have been able to work so closely with Stockport Council to find a way forward that will enable us to keep making a difference by helping people to live more active lives.”
Stockport Active CIC will take over responsibility for Stockport Sports Trust’s leisure’s operations in Stockport, and will continue to trade as Life Leisure. It will maintain Life Leisure’s ethos, principles, current centres and activities. All of which means customers should see little difference to their experience of using sites and facilities.
Jen Connolly, Chair of Stockport Active CIC, said: “Life Leisure has a great reputation in the community and has worked hard over the years to support the people of Stockport. We are committed to building on this legacy so that local people can enjoy the fantastic facilities and great level of service they have come to expect for years to come”.
