Councillor (Cllr) Bambos Charalambous, cabinet member for young people, leisure, culture and Olympics will be one of the first visitors at Edmonton Leisure Centre on Thursday 1st July when Fusion Lifestyle takes over the running of all Enfield Leisure Centres.

Dressed in workout kit Cllr Charalambous will be weightlifting and wishing the new operators well as they prepare for the tasks ahead.

Cllr Charalambous, said, “Leisure and sports facilities in Enfield are an important part of our strategy to get people interested and enjoying physical activity.

“It is essential that we continue to improve our swimming pools, training gyms, dance studios and the additional relaxing and social facilities associated with them. Fusion Lifestyle’s staff are acknowledged experts in this field and will ensure that all our centres offer excellent facilities for all ages and abilities.”

Enfield Council secured the future for its leisure centres earlier this year following a comprehensive procurement exercise that thoroughly tested value for money, quality and future operational plans among a number of bidders.

Fusion Lifestyle demonstrated their ability to provide an excellent service that improved facilities, but reduced costs and they will now be running Enfield’s leisure centres for the next 20 years and managing an £8.9m investment in facilities.

Cllr Charalambous continued, “Fusion’s bid delivers real value for money for Enfield’s residents, ensuring the appropriate balance between cost and quality. They will ensure that all our leisure facilities are accessible and affordable for local people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

“With just two years to go before the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, this investment in sport and leisure activities, alongside Lea Valley Athletics Centre and the newly refurbished QEII stadium, provides residents with a lasting legacy for many years to come.”

Fusion Lifestyle is taking over the management of Enfield’s Leisure Centres at an exciting time with major investments at Southgate and Albany happening over the next three years. Southgate’s pool will be developed and there will be a new layout to the gym area and Albany will have a refurbished and extended gym.

Peter Kay, chief executive of Fusion Lifestyle said: “We at Fusion are delighted to have been selected to work in partnership with Enfield Council to manage Enfield's leisure facilities.  As a registered charity, we are committed to providing high quality sport and active leisure services that meet the needs of the local community.  We look forward to delivering exciting developments and great service over the next few years”.