BROMSGROVE School is set to take over the running of the Ryland Centre from next month.
The much-loved community facility faced closure after Sandwell Leisure Trust, which currently operates the Ryland centre, gave notice to Worcestershire County Council, which owns the site, that it would cease its contract on the delivery of services on March 31.
The school will ensure the centre remains open for use by the public and local sports teams, and they have committed to entering into a Community Use Agreement to continue the current community use.
As part of the arrangement, the centre will be transferred to Bromsgrove School.
The county council said it has explored several options since hearing of Sandwell Leisure Trusts’ decision last year, entering into discussions with various parties and stakeholders on the future of the Ryland Centre.
Bromsgrove school headmaster Michael Punt said: “The Ryland Centre and Bromsgrove School have worked closely together for many years, and I am absolutely delighted that under Bromsgrove School’s ownership, we shall ensure that the School and the local community continue to enjoy access to this outstanding local facility”.
Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for corporate services and communication, Coun Adam Kent added: “I am delighted that Bromsgrove School will be taking over the Ryland Centre so local schoolchildren and residents will be able to continue to take advantage of the excellent facilities on offer.
“I am also pleased that this Worcestershire-based asset will be managed locally. The County Council continually look out for opportunities where we can increase what the county can offer to our residents, and this is a great example of that.”
