Leisure and cultural trust, BH Live has confirmed that it will be taking over the management and operation of the Pyramids Centre, Portsmouth in partnership with Portsmouth City Council from this autumn.
The trust currently operates four leisure centres and two conference, exhibition and entertainment venues, in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council, alongside a number of catering outlets across the South.
Peter Gunn, chief executive of BH Live, said: "BH Live is delighted to be have been selected by Portsmouth City Council as their preferred operator of the Pyramids Centre.
"We are now working closely with the Council to prepare for our management contract to begin later this year. In the meantime, a team from BH Live will be working alongside employees at the Pyramids Centre on a plan to improve the overall customer experience and encourage more local residents, businesses and visitors into the Centre; whether it is to participate in leisure activities, organise or attend an event, or simply enjoy a coffee.
"There has also been a significant commitment by the Council to invest in the building and we will be working with their team to plan the programme of major works and essential repairs. We see this as an excellent opportunity to expand the reach of BH Live along the South Coast; promoting both our charitable and business objectives, generating financial and employment benefits and creating opportunities for the current team to develop within the organisation."
Initial BH Live priorities at this stage include exploring how the current event programme can be enhanced and the health and fitness programme and packages improved to provide customers with greater cultural choice and value for money leisure activities.
BH Live recently introduced to it's customers a privilege card – the BH Live Experience Card; launched to encourage participation in leisure and cultural activities by offering card holders discounted activities. Over 7000 customers now hold a BH Live Experience Card and are enjoying the benefits of the scheme.
Another BH Live priority is to improve key areas inside the building which include the swimming facilities, building a new fitness studio for fitness classes and investing in the hospitality offer.
Peter Gunn added: "We will be announcing further improvement plans and schedules over the coming months and with the support of the Council and city partners, very much look forward to making a real difference to the leisure, events and tourism offer within Portsmouth. We would also like to ensure that the Pyramids Centre develops in the future as an attraction that local residents can be really proud of."
Cllr Lee Hunt, Portsmouth City Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport said: "I'd like to welcome BH Live as the new management company for the Pyramids. Their established leisure expertise means that the Pyramids will continue to develop as a centre so visitors can benefit from investment in the facilities. We appreciate how hard everyone involved has worked to keep improving the venue and look forward to the Pyramids' bright future in becoming an important attraction on our seafront."
