Haringey Council terminates Fusion leisure centres contract

The move comes after a series of long-running issues and closures of leisure facilities in Haringey, reports Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

Haringey Council has pulled the plug on its contract with leisure provider Fusion Lifestyle after failing to reach a negotiated exit.

The council will cut ties with the leisure charity by the beginning of October next year – twelve years into what was originally set to be a 20-year deal to run the borough’s sports centres.

It comes after a series of problems at the centres, with the swimming pools at Tottenham Green Pools and Fitness remaining closed after electrical systems were flooded in December last year. Residents have also complained over dirty facilities at the centre, and in 2019 four people had to be taken to hospital following a chlorine gas leak.

Pool closures affected Park Road Pools and Fitness in Crouch End earlier this year after the council found automatic chemical dosing systems were not working properly, meaning chemicals were being added to the water by hand.

Council leader Peray Ahmet and cabinet member for culture, communities and leisure Emily Arkell said the authority had originally sought a “negotiated exit” that would allow it “to pursue a new way forward for our leisure centres at the earliest opportunity”.

But the council triggered a termination clause in the contract after negotiations stalled, meaning the deal will come to an end following a one-year notice period.

Cllr Ahmet and Cllr Arkell added: “We understand that residents may be frustrated by the time that this process is taking, however we are convinced that this is the best way forward towards our long-term ambition to deliver a high-quality leisure and wellbeing service which gives residents access to the full range of support they need to live active and healthy lives.

“We will continue to work with Fusion to ensure continued delivery of services across the three sites that it currently manages, and to address outstanding issues including the ongoing closure of the pools at Tottenham Green.”

In addition to the centres at Tottenham Green and Park Road, Fusion also manages Broadwater Farm Community Fitness Centre. New River Sport and Fitness in White Hart Lane was previously outsourced to Fusion but came back under the council’s control in 2021.

The civic centre will decide on the future management of the sports centres following a review of leisure provision, which began in June. Options could include bringing the centres back under the council’s direct control or agreeing a deal with an alternative provider.

Commenting on the decision to end the deal with Fusion, Luke Cawley-Harrison, leader of Haringey Council’s Liberal Democrat opposition group, said: “Fusion’s performance in running our leisure centres has not been good enough for a long time, and this move will be welcomed by all those who use the facilities.

“In the meantime, the council must continue to work to reopen the swimming pool at Tottenham Green as quickly as possible and ensure that Fusion doesn’t let standards deteriorate during the final twelve months of the contract.”

Last month, Enfield Council revealed Fusion’s contract to run its leisure centres and swimming pools will end on 3rd December after an agreement was reached to end their deal early. Greenwich Leisure will take over the running of Enfield’s centres, operating under its brand name, Better.

Fusion Lifestyle has been approached for comment.

Update (24th October):

A spokesperson for Fusion said in a statement: “Fusion can confirm it has been issued with a ‘council voluntary termination’ as the souncil have confirmed they wish to take a different approach in the management of their leisure services.

“Our focus will remain committed to the delivery of the contract, while offering support to the council to achieve their objectives. We are also naturally concerned about the impact this has on the wellbeing of our staff who have and will remain dedicated to supporting the community with their leisure provision they run with pride.”

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