YEOVIL NEWS: Council takes on 30-year lease to run Westland Sports and Leisure Complex

AN AGREEMENT has been formally agreed for South Somerset District Council to take on the running of the Westland Sports and Leisure Complex in Yeovil.

Leonardo Helicopters – previously known as AgustaWestland – has signed off a 30-year lease which enables the council to take control of the leisure complex as from today (Friday, May 27, 2016).

This follows extensive negotiations by Leonardo Helicopters and SSDC over several months to come to an agreement that is financially acceptable, of low risk and which will enable the facility to be developed into a leading sports and entertainment venue in South Somerset.

The lease agreement was signed today by John Ponsonby, managing director of AgustaWestland Ltd, and Ian Clarke, solicitor to South Somerset District Council.

Mr Ponsonby said: “This unique agreement provides SSDC with a multi-million pound leisure and sports facility for up to 30 years.

“I am pleased to say we will also be providing ongoing financial support as part of our commitment to supporting the community.”

Mr Ponsonby added: “It gives SSDC an exceptional opportunity to provide sports and leisure facilities that will greatly benefit Yeovil and the surrounding communities.”

The council’s leisure and culture spokesman, Cllr Sylvia Seal, said: “The signing of the lease for the Westland sports and leisure complex shows the district council’s commitment to providing a top class sports and entertainment venue for the South West region and we are now looking forward to the reopening in 2017.

“A lot of negotiations have been undertaken and I would like to thank those involved from both the District Council and Leonardo Helicopters in ensuring that the outcome which over 7,000 petitioned for has been achieved.”

The signing of the lease now paves the way for SSDC to complete the procurement exercise with contractors. It is estimated work will start on site in mid-June, with the view that the refurbished sports facilities will open in January 2017 and the main complex building in mid-February 2017.

PHOTO – TOP: John Ponsonby, managing director of AgustaWestland Ltd, hands over the keys to Cllr Sylvia Seal of South Somerset District Council with team membersfrom Leonardo Helicopters, South Somerset District Council and Yeovil Town Council looking-on.

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