BH Live to Take Over Southampton’s Leisure Services in Major New Partnership
Date: 28 June, 2025
Southampton City Council has announced that BH Live, a leading charitable leisure operator, has been appointed to manage the city’s public sport and leisure centres. The new partnership will officially begin on Monday, 1 September 2025, following a competitive procurement process.
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, currently operates a number of leisure and health facilities across Dorset and Hampshire. The organisation has been chosen to run five key venues in Southampton, including:
• The Quays Swimming and Diving Complex
• Bitterne Leisure Centre
• Chamberlayne Leisure Centre
• The Outdoor Sports Centre
• All bookings for the council’s sports pitches
The council has described the move as a “major milestone” in its efforts to improve public health, increase participation in physical activity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of leisure provision across the city.
Councillor Toqeer Kataria, Cabinet Member for Compliance and Leisure, welcomed the partnership:
“We’re excited to begin this new partnership with BH Live, which shares our commitment to improving health outcomes and providing inclusive leisure services for all. This is a positive step forward for the city, and we are confident BH Live will help us realise our long-term ambitions for physical activity, wellbeing and community engagement.”
BH Live has committed to working closely with the council, existing operators, and community stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition for both staff and users. The charity will also focus on delivering digital upgrades, increasing accessibility, and expanding community outreach to boost participation among residents of all ages and abilities.
As part of the new arrangement, BH Live will also support the city’s broader strategic goals—such as reducing health inequalities, creating local employment opportunities, and cutting carbon emissions through more sustainable facility operations.
BH Live’s Chief Executive, Jon Workman, said the organisation is eager to build on the good work already taking place in Southampton:
“We’re delighted to be working alongside Southampton City Council and the many individuals and organisations already doing fantastic work in the community to help more people enjoy the benefits of sport and recreation.
At the core of this partnership is a shared belief: that regular movement and physical activity can make a powerful difference to people’s physical health and mental wellbeing. We know that sustainable, accessible, affordable, and welcoming spaces are essential to making that possible. By combining our expertise in delivering high-quality services, with a shared ambition to create real impact, we’re confident this partnership will help drive positive change across the city.”
More information about the transition, community engagement opportunities, and future service improvements will be shared over the coming months as the handover date approaches.