Max Associates was commissioned to support the Council in developing a procurement strategy to review…
New Palmer Park Leisure Centre & Stadium opens to the public
Reading’s new Palmer Park leisure centre was officially opened recently by Reading-born double gold medallist Paralympian Graham Edmunds. The centre is now open to the public and boasts a brand new 25m 6-lane pool, visitors to the centre can also enjoy using a 100-station gym, new soft play and café.
Palmer Park leisure centre links to existing sports facilities – combining the benefits of a swimming pool, velodrome and athletics stadium all in one accessible location – delivering a unique facility in the region and putting Reading firmly on the map as a top sports destination.
Max Associates were originally appointed by the Council in 2016 to support in the development of their strategic outcomes for leisure, which led to feasibility projects for significant developments for Rivermead and Palmers Park. Once the developments were agreed, a competitive DBOM procurement process was undertaken to find a suitable consortium to construct and then manage the centres. The sites, Rivermead Leisure Complex and Palmer Park are part of the 25-year DBOM contract awarded to GLL and partners.
Lisa Forsyth, Director at Max Associates, said: “The opening is excellent news for Reading residents. We are delighted to have supported Reading Borough Council through their leisure investment programme and procurement process to provide top-class facilities for Reading now and in the future.”
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “We promised the residents of Reading a community pool at Palmer Park and we are now delivering on that promise.”
Craig Woodward, GLL’s Partnership Manager for Reading said: “At Palmer Park we now have state-of-the-art leisure facilities for the people of Reading. The benefits of these new facilities for the local community are huge.
“Reading’s improved provision will offer an inviting and welcoming environment, for all local residents to enjoy, in addition to enabling us to provide dedicated courses and activities that encourage better health and wellbeing.”
Gert-Jan Peeters, director of Pellikaan UK, said: “We are delighted to have delivered the new facilities at Palmer Park and we know the new centre will be a welcome addition for the local community for years to come.”
Leisure facilities across the borough are being improved and modernised so that every resident can benefit. The new leisure centre at Rivermead, when it opens in 2023, will provide outstanding new facilities including a 25m 8-lane competition pool with dedicated diving provision.
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