THE operators of Worcester's new £10.4 million swimming pool have been revealed - a hugely successful not-for-profit trust from the South East.

Freedom Leisure, an East Sussex-based body which is growing in influence, has fought off stiff competition to land a 10-year deal to run Worcester's entire council-owned leisure services.

The trust will take on Perdiswell Sports Centre, where the new pool will be based once it opens in 2017, as well as the council leisure centres at Nunnery Wood, St John's and the soon-to-be demolished Sansome Walk facility.

As your Worcester News first revealed two weeks ago, the deal is for 10 years with a further option of three years on top.

Freedom Leisure will also take on the running of the council's sport, art and play development team, which runs projects like summer activity camps.

The trust manages more than 50 leisure centres and entertainment venues around the country, particularly in Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

We also revealed last week how the deal includes wiping off a yearly £300,000 taxpayers' subsidy for leisure services in Worcester, with the trust getting to keep the income cash from the public.

Councillor Mike Johnson, the cabinet member for sport, leisure and retail, said: "I am delighted to welcome Freedom Leisure to Worcester.

"They submitted a strong, compelling bid for this contract, one that allows us to move from paying an annual £300,000 subsidy to support our sports facilities to receiving an annual payment.

"I am confident they are the right people to enhance Worcester’s growing reputation as a vibrant sporting city and we welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with them."

Ian Morey, Freedom Leisure business development director, said: “The new pool and Worcester City Council’s other sports centres will create a fantastic opportunity to cement Worcester’s place on the sporting map.

"We are looking forward to bringing high quality health, fitness and leisure activities to local residents."

The arrangement will see staff transfer over to Freedom Leisure from both the council and 1Life, which currently operates Perdiswell Leisure Centre and Sansome Walk swimming pool.

The new pool at Perdiswell will have facilities for swimmers of all abilities and be able to host regional competitions - a first for the city.

The scheme will also include a major revamp of the leisure centre providing new facilities including fitness studios, 120 gym stations, a fully refurbished sports hall, a cafe and enhanced wheelchair access.