A new management partnership has been agreed for a sports and leisure centre in Stoke-on-Trent.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Ormiston Academies Trust have agreed a new management arrangement for New Horizons Sport and Leisure Centre in Chell.

From Tuesday 1 September 2026, management of the centre will transfer to Ormiston Academies Trust, which operates the neighbouring Ormiston Horizon Academy, alongside other schools across the city.

The city council says the centre will remain open to the public and continue to provide swimming, sport and leisure opportunities under the new arrangements.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "We recognise the value and success of New Horizons Sport and Leisure and we have a shared commitment with Ormiston Academies Trust to ensure it continues to play an important role in supporting health, wellbeing and opportunities for local people.

"This new management arrangement builds on our longstanding partnership and provides a strong foundation for the future of the centre.

"While the trust will take on day-to-day management, the council will continue to deliver a range of swimming and leisure services from New Horizons, ensuring residents continue to benefit from the excellent facilities available."

Following the transfer, Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Wellbeing and Leisure Services will continue to deliver education swimming, including the Learn to Swim programme, group swimming lessons and a number of public swimming sessions.

Wider community facility hire will be managed on behalf of Ormiston Academies Trust through Edu Lettings – an experienced lettings provider.

Andy Fitzgibbon, Principal of Ormiston Horizon Academy, part of Ormiston Academies Trust, said: "New Horizons Sport and Leisure Centre is an important asset for our community. As well as supporting pupils at Ormiston Horizon Academy, it provides valued opportunities for local residents, families, clubs and organisations to be active and come together.

"This new management arrangement, agreed in close partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, provides a strong and sustainable foundation for the continued success of the centre. The council will continue to deliver a range of swimming provision, while residents and community groups will continue to be able to access and hire the centre's facilities under the new arrangements.

"As the neighbouring academy, we are proud of our deep roots in this community and are committed to working closely with the council, centre users and local partners to ensure a smooth transition.

"Together, we look forward to building on the centre's existing strengths and exploring opportunities to develop its offer further, extending its reach and enabling even more local people to benefit in the years ahead."

The council says the "immediate priority" of all partners is to ensure a smooth transition and support existing users through the new arrangements.

It is also hoped that the partnership will create opportunities to explore how the centre's facilities and programme can continue to evolve.

Nick Bowen, Managing Director at Edu Lettings, added: "We're delighted to be partnering with Ormiston Academies Trust to help secure the long-term future of New Horizons Sport and Leisure Centre as a thriving hub for both education and the wider community.

"Working alongside the Trust and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, our shared ambition is to protect this valued community asset while creating opportunities for even more local clubs, organisations and residents to benefit from its excellent facilities.

"Our focus is on delivering a smooth transition, providing an outstanding experience for existing users, and ensuring community access is simple, professional and sustainable for years to come."