A leisure company will operate two community centres in the Malvern area until 2030.

Freedom Leisure will continue to run Malvern Vale Community Centre and Upton Hill Community Centre after a decision by Malvern Hills District Council's executive committee on Tuesday, September 17.

The committee extended the contract for managing and operating the centres by five years, to run from April 2025 to March 2030.

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The company began its interim management and operation of the community centres on February 1 this year.

They were handed the task by YMCA Worcestershire.

The initial agreement was for 14 months, running until March 2025.

Within the first six months of their management, the company implemented several service and operational improvements.

These included launching a free youth engagement programme, 'Active Tuesdays', aimed at providing young people with opportunities to be active, socialise, and seek specialist support and guidance.

New exercise programmes and walking sports were also introduced to target inactive residents.

An open day in July at Malvern Vale saw more than 120 attendees access 19 services under one roof.

Occupancy of the available space across the two facilities has increased from less than 30 per cent to more than 45 per cent.

The company has also appointed a full-time operations manager across the two centres and invested more than £50,000 in repairs, maintenance, and facility improvements.

Councillor Tom Wells, portfolio holder for communities, health and wellbeing at the council, said: "We are really pleased that approval has been made to extend the contract for Freedom Leisure.

"The progress made so far has been really encouraging and we look forward to seeing further positive impact on our communities and the health and wellbeing services provided across the centres in the future."

Rob Tyler, area manager at the company, said: "We’re delighted to have been given the opportunity to manage the Malvern Vale and Upton Hill Community Centres on behalf of Malvern Hills District Council for the next five years.

"Since initially taking on the centres in February, we’ve already seen many successes, from increased community engagement to enhanced services that benefit local residents.

"Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue working closely with the council to further improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Malvern, ensuring these community hubs thrive as welcoming spaces for all."