Fusion Lifestyle has signed a deal to operate leisure centres in South Hams and West Devon for the next 25 years.

The partnership between Fusion and South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council covers leisure facilities in Ivybridge, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge in South Hams, and Meadowlands and Parklands in West Devon.

Totnes Pavilion in South Hams is not included in the contract.

As part of the deal a new six-lane 25-metre swimming pool will be installed at Ivybridge, as well as a refurbishment of facilities. Dartmouth and Kingsbridge will also be refurbished.

The refurbishment programme will begin in late 2017 and be completed during 2019.

Councillor Hilary Bastone, South Hams District Council's portfolio holder for Customer First, said: “Signing the contract moves us into a new era for leisure. These services are incredibly important to our customers and South Hams and West Devon share a vision of good quality leisure and wellbeing facilities for all in the community. Sealing and signing this contract is a significant step toward fulfilling this vision.”

Cllr Robert Sampson, West Devon Borough Council's lead member for commercial services, said: “We look forward to working with Fusion, who we are certain will maintain and enhance our leisure and wellbeing facilities.”

Peter Kay, Fusion Lifestyle’s chief executive officer, said: “We operate over 90 diverse sports and leisure facilities across the UK and it is a privilege to take over the running of these incredibly popular and important sites in Devon. This will be an exciting new chapter for Fusion's team and we look forward to welcoming everyone to experience what we offer.”

Fusion, which has taken over from Tone Leisure to run the facilities, is an independent registered charity and has been operating centres across the UK since 2000.