Contractor Sports and Leisure Management has run the centre since 2011 but from November 1, 2024 it will be operated by the council’s new Leisure Services team. Existing staff will be transferred over to the council.

“Our leisure services in Stroud district are all about enhancing the quality of life for residents, and this change for Stratford Park Leisure Centre gives us the opportunity to provide great facilities and services in Stroud, as we do already at the Pulse in Dursley. We decided to bring the Stroud leisure centre back in-house, following extensive consultation, and consideration of different operating models. There was wide support for this approach which was assessed as the best option for the community and customer experience,” said council leader, Catherine Braun.

The decision means the operation of the centre will mirror the way The Pulse leisure centre in Dursley is run. The Pulse is performing within the upper quartile when measured against the performance of other leisure providers in the UK.

Opened in 1975, Stratford Park Leisure Centre has an all-weather pitch, indoor sports hall, an indoor pool and outdoor Lido, squash courts, gym, sauna and newly-refurbished tennis courts.