City leisure centres scoop top accolades in Move GB awards

Staff from two city leisure centres are celebrating after scooping  prestigious awards.

In the recently announced Move GB awards, King Alfred swimming pool and Portslade Leisure Centre were voted top in their category for the region.

King Alfred Leisure Centre, operated by Freedom Leisure on behalf of Brighton & Hove City Council, won ‘Best Swimming Facility’ in Brighton and Hove, while Portslade Leisure Centre also operated by Freedom Leisure on behalf of the council, scooped ‘Best Leisure Centre’ in Brighton and Hove.

Freedom Leisure Area Manager, Chris Lovelock, says: “These awards run by Move GB are voted for by local users, so they really do mean a lot to us. The awards cover ten regions across the UK, one of which is Brighton and Hove and with only seven categories we are pretty delighted to have received two! Our members and users are at the forefront of everything we do at Freedom Leisure and the district is very lucky to have a local authority which is dedicated to providing these great health and leisure facilities.”

Specifically of the two awards, Chris added: ”I think people voted for us because of the comprehensive provision of sporting opportunities for the whole community Portslade Leisure Centre provides. There is a thriving over 50's community at the centre, taking part in; snooker, badminton and walking football. Plus, there is something for the youngest too, with the toddler gym and extensive birthday party provision bringing families in. At King Alfred we have certainly seen an increase in a mixed swimming culture – with people of all ages really enjoying the pool.”

Councillor Alan Robins, chair of Brighton & Hove’s economic development and culture committee, said: “This is fantastic news and a tribute to the enthusiastic people who provide such a great variety of opportunities in our leisure centres. I’m thrilled that residents voted Portslade the best leisure centre in the city and I hope these awards will encourage more people to go along to their local centre and take advantage of the range of activities on offer.”

For further information please about Freedom Leisure Centres in Brighton and Hove visit www.freedom-leisure.co.uk