Parkwood Leisure partners with Sports Wales to run Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre
by Parkwood Leisure 20 Feb 2023 04:22 PST
Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre © Parkwood Leisure
Parkwood Leisure, one of the UK's leading leisure facilities operators, is the new management provider of Plas Menai, the National Outdoor Centre for Wales.
The agreement, which began on 01 February 2023, sees Parkwood Leisure take on the contract for an initial ten year period, with the day-to-day running of the Centre to be managed by Parkwood Leisure's partner, Legacy Leisure. The buildings and land will continue to be owned by Sport Wales and all existing staff will remain employed at the site.
The National Outdoor Centre for Wales, Plas Menai is located on the banks of the Menai Strait in North Wales. A recognised Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Canoeing training centre, the Centre offers courses and instructor training in a wide range of water sports, including sailing, yachting, windsurfing, powerboating and kayaking. For over 35 years, Plas Menai has also welcomed visitors of all ages for activity days, clubs and camps.
As part of the new agreement, a strategic partnership group comprising representatives from Sport Wales, Parkwood Leisure, and staff at Plas Menai, has been set up to focus on growing and enhancing the current services, and supporting staff with the transition.
Commenting on the contract signing, Graham Williams, Sport Wales Director, said: "I'm delighted to formally welcome Parkwood Leisure on board as the commissioned partner to manage the National Outdoor Centre at Plas Menai.
"Parkwood clearly understands how important Plas Menai is to Sport Wales, the sector and the local community and their record in collaborating to improve and deliver services both in Wales and further afield is impressive.
"Plas Menai is already a world-renowned provider of outdoor activities with proud and passionate staff and I have no doubt that the additional expertise that Parkwood Leisure brings will lead to more people enjoying all that Plas Menai has to offer. I'm excited to see what we can achieve together."
With over 25 years' experience in the development and operation of leisure facilities, Parkwood Leisure runs more than 75 sites in over 30 local authorities across England and Wales.
Glen Hall, Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure, said: "We're very proud to be taking on the running of Plas Menai, working with Sport Wales to ensure the long-term sustainable future for the site.
"Encouraging happier and healthier lifestyles is at the heart of what we do at Parkwood, and we are dedicated to maintaining the high levels of service that Plas Menai is known for and providing more opportunities for people to enjoy the fantastic facility."
For more information about Plas Menai, visit plasmenai.wales. For more information about Parkwood Leisure, visit parkwoodleisure.co.uk.