A RADICAL agreement for the future of Weymouth’s Redlands sports centre has been approved by Dorset Council.

It should guarantee that the centre, known as Redlands Community Sports Hub, which was under threat of closure, remains open with a new new deal involving Active Dorset and centre users playing a bigger role.

Weymouth councillor Tony Ferrari told Dorset Council's Cabinet meeting he was not optimistic about the future of the centre when Weymouth College decided to hand the lease back, but said he had been delighted by the range of groups and individuals who had since come together, determined to make the centre a success – some of them often working out of their comfort zones.

“It is a good example from all of the community to bring it forward,” he said.

Weymouth councillor Pete Barrow shared the delight telling yesterday's meeting that the centre was “highly valued by the community” and the way people pulled together to save the centre had been a “brilliant example of partnership working,”

Portfolio holder Cllr Laura Beddow said some of the new ways of working had already started and appeared to be going well and she was optimistic for the centre’s future under its new management arrangements.

Dorset councillors have previously been told that unless the numbers using the centre remain high enough its future could still, yet, be threatened.

Weymouth College had asked to be released from running the centre which it said involved having to subsidise some activities at a time when the college itself was under financial pressure.

New tasks being taken on by volunteers include setting up equipment for sessions and even opening and locking up the building.

The new agreements includes improvements to the outdoor facilities, including new synthetic pitches, and the introduction of a ‘trim trail,’ together with a community-style café.

Bookings also move to an online system to keep costs down.

Dorset Council will be responsible for insuring and maintaining the buildings, boundary fencing, car parks, access roads and any other built infrastructure. Weymouth Town Council has committed to provide £35,000 annually for the next two years to support keeping the indoor facilities open.

The new lease will last for 30 years, with a break clause at 5 years that can be enacted if it is found that the new arrangements are not working.