New Leisure Operator Appointed for East Somerset Facilities
Somerset Council has confirmed the appointment of a new operator to manage five leisure facilities across East Somerset, including Glastonbury’s Tor Leisure, ensuring continuity of services for residents, schools and community groups.
The announcement follows the administration of the previous operator, Fusion Lifestyle, in April 2026. Since then, Somerset Council has been working under a temporary arrangement with Fusion and the appointed administrators, S&W, while an emergency procurement process was undertaken to secure a new provider.
Following this process, Freedom Leisure has been awarded a two-year contract, commencing on 1 July 2026. The appointment will allow for a seamless transition and uninterrupted delivery of leisure services across the affected sites.
The facilities included within the new contract are:
- Tor Sports & Leisure Centre, Glastonbury
- Frome Leisure Centre
- Strode Swimming & Fitness, Street
- Shepton Mallet Lido
- Wells Leisure Centre
Freedom Leisure is already a well-established provider within Somerset, currently operating leisure services in Yeovil, Wincanton and Chard.
The two-year agreement has been designed to provide stability and quality assurance while Somerset Council undertakes a comprehensive review of leisure provision in East Somerset. During this period, the council will carry out detailed audits of the facilities and prepare for a full procurement process, with the aim of awarding a longer-term contract from 2028 onwards.
Somerset Council has emphasised the importance of maintaining access to leisure services during this transition period. The facilities play a vital role in supporting health, wellbeing, fitness, swimming provision, school activities and community participation across the region.
The emergency procurement and appointment of the interim operator were approved through an urgent key decision taken on 2 June 2026 by Councillor Liz Leyshon, Deputy Leader of Somerset Council and Executive Lead Member for Finance, Procurement and Performance.
Residents can continue to use the facilities as normal while preparations are made for the transfer of operations to Freedom Leisure on 1 July.
Further information, including the council decision report, is available on the Somerset Council website.
