TORRIDGE District Council has announced it has extended its contract with Active Torridge to run its leisure centre services until 2032.

Since taking over the contract in 2022, Active Torridge has reportedly outperformed the ambitions set in its original business plan in the first two years of trading — despite a backdrop of an increase in energy costs and inflation.

With membership levels continuing to grow across its existing sites in Northam, Holsworthy and Great Torrington, the Council also voted to approve plans to add a fourth site to its portfolio. The new Centre will be at old Bideford Town Hall and Library and is scheduled to open in early 2026, once the programme of refurbishment works has been completed.

Bideford Town Hall and Library dates back to the 1880s and is the council's largest historic asset and a Grade II listed building. However, after previously being used for administrative purposes by the authority and by Devon County Council for the provision of library facilities, the entire premises are now largely vacant.

The underutilised premises have not benefited from any significant investment in the structure and fabric of the building for several decades. The new investment programme will ensure that the building complex receives the level of funding required to ensure that its long-term future remains secure, whilst providing much needed 'state-of-the-art' gym facilities, and a mix of (commercial) office space, in the heart of Bideford Town Centre.

Chris Keeble, chief operating officer, Active Torridge, said: "We are delighted that our contract has been extended to 2032. By being able to plan long term we can manage future growth more effectively, ensuring that Active Torridge can meet the needs of the community.

“By adapting the site at the Old Library, we will be able to deliver a state-of-the-art gym that meets public demand. Many of our fitness classes are oversubscribed and as membership levels continue to grow, by offsetting popular classes from existing Active Torridge facilities we will have more space to offer a greater range of sessions and classes."

Councillor Ken James, leader of Torridge District Council, said: "This is a very exciting time for the future of leisure services in the district. Active Torridge has done a fantastic job during the first two years of its contract. We are now looking forward to being able to take a longer-term view of the strategy for leisure provision in Torridge, so that we can continue to grow and expand our services to suit the needs of our communities.

“We hope that by adding a new centre in such an iconic and accessible building as The Old Library in Bideford, we will be able to provide good value for money local services to meet growing demand."