Awarded following an extensive market assessment and options appraisal, the extension has secured BH Live as the official operator for Bransbury Park, a brand-new centre set to open in winter 2027 to provide swimming facilities, sports and health services for all. It also secures the future of Wimbledon Park Sports Centre for the next decade.
Since 2013, BH Live has operated community leisure facilities in Portsmouth on behalf of the council, providing accessible sport, health and activity programmes for residents of all ages across BH Live Active leisure centres. The renewed agreement ensures this partnership can continue to grow and support the council’s £40 million investment in sport and leisure facilities, which helps improve residents’ health and wellbeing through enabling physical activity for all abilities.
This new contract extension gives BH Live an exciting platform to build on this progress, with the charity committing to invest across the city. This includes the introduction of Reformer Pilates at Pyramids Centre in Southsea, and the refurbishment of facilities at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre and Wimbledon Park Sports Centre. Further details will be announced soon.
Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Community Safety, said:
“Extending our partnership with BH Live is another step forward in strengthening Portsmouth’s leisure and wellbeing offer. As a charitable trust, BH Live reinvests back into community services, and that aligns perfectly with our priorities. This agreement gives long‑term stability, supports active lifestyles, and allows important investment, such as the improvements at Wimbledon Park Sports Centre, to go ahead. It’s a partnership that genuinely benefits local people.”
BH Live is a registered charity and social enterprise. Last year, the organisation generated £9m in social value across the city and was awarded Leisure Business of the Year at the Portsmouth Business Awards in 2025.
On behalf of BH Live, Rob Cunningham, Director of Leisure and Business Development at BH Live, said;
“Renewing our contract with Portsmouth City Council for another 10 years marks an exciting new chapter in our long‑standing partnership. We are incredibly proud to continue working alongside the council to extend our shared commitment of delivering high‑quality, accessible leisure services for the city to get more people active, which is one of our charitable missions.
“We look forward to continuing to build on this strong foundation over the next decade by investing in facilities and programmes that inspire active lifestyles, all while supporting the health and wellbeing of residents across the city.”
Wimbledon Park Sports Centre remains an important community hub, hosting a wide range of activities including badminton and other classes. These include the Chat over Chai badminton class, and Mums & Tots Netball Fitness. Thanks to feedback from the community, the centre will benefit from BH Live’s investment, creating a more modern space with brand-new changing rooms. This commitment unlocks the ability for the council to continue to invest in the building, to secure its future for the next decade.
The Portsmouth Bengali SC Badminton Club is among some of the other groups that rely on the centre (pictured above).
Lukman Hakim, from Portsmouth Bengali SC Badminton Club, said:
“Our club has been part of the Wimbledon Park community for many years, and the centre plays a big part in the lives of our members. We’re pleased to see the council extending its partnership with BH Live which will secure the future of this of the centre and shows commitment to local sport. The investment in this building and will make the centre even better for everyone who uses it.”
BH Live are also upgrading the gym at the Mountbatten Centre, more info on that here Major refurbishment of Mountbatten Leisure Centre gym confirmed as council extends partnership with BH Live – Portsmouth City Council