Plans to safeguard long-term future of Westland Leisure Complex

PLANS to safeguard the long-term future of the Westland Sports and Leisure Complex in Yeovil have been unveiled.

AgustaWestland, who own the leisure complex, has told employees of the helicopter manufacturer that it is looking to find a partner to 'invest in and manage' the facility for staff, the company and the wider community.   

Under the proposed plan AgustaWestland will remain the owner of the complex and the new partner will invest to develop and further imrove the facilities - with the emphasis being on building up the sporting activities while continuing to develop the centre as a major leisure and entertainment venue in the area.

President and chairman of the management board of the Westland Sports and Leisure Complex, Dudley Miller, said in a statement that it was 'business as usual' despite the announcement.

"I would like to reassure all the customers of the complex that it is very much business as normal and that all bookings that have been made will be honoured and unaffected by these plans,'' he said.

The search for a partner to manage the Westland Sports and Leisure Complex is expected to be concluded in December 2012 with the successful partner taking over the running of the complex early in 2013.

The statement added that AgustaWestland is 'fully committed' to keeping the complex open even if it is unsuccessful in finding a suitable partner.

AgustaWestland's strategy is to focus on its “core” helicopter development, manufacturing and in-service support activities and to appoint specialists to manage “non-core” activities who are better positioned to deliver first class solutions.

The Westland Sports and Leisure Complex is also home to 20 club sections covering a wide range of sports and leisure activities.

The statement said that under the proposed plan the new partner will be required to actively support the club sections and encouraged to continue supporting local charities.

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