GLL confirmed as management partner for Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s world class venues
Lee Valley Regional Park Authority confirmed today (17th March 2022) a 10-year partnership with charitable social enterprise GLL, to operate and manage its world class sporting venues from 1st April 2022.
The Authority is responsible for a 10,000 acre regional park with a notable heritage; comprising major sporting venues that host international events and enjoy extensive use by local communities across London, Essex and Hertfordshire.
GLL is the UK’s largest operator of leisure & sports facilities and will take on responsibility for Lee Valley VeloPark, Lee Valley White Water Centre, Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Lee Valley Riding Centre, and the new Lee Valley Ice Centre (opening later this year).
It has a wealth of experience managing elite sporting venues including London 2012 legacy venues - the London Aquatics Centre and Copper Box Arena on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Manchester’s Aquatics Centre and HSBC UK National Cycling Centre on behalf of Manchester City Council.
2022 will see a number of milestone events for Lee Valley, including Lee Valley VeloPark hosting the cycling event for the Commonwealth Games in July and the new £30m Lee Valley Ice Centre scheduled to open in November. 2023 will then see the Lee Valley White Water Centre host the ICF Canoe World Slalom Championships.
Commenting on the new partnership Peter Bundey, Chief Executive Designate at GLL said: “Lee Valley’s sporting venues are widely recognised as being best in class, we are excited to be working with the Park Authority and its teams of expert venue managers and staff, as we take on this new role.
“We will work closely with Lee Valley Regional Park Authority to further develop the existing facilities, undertake innovative investments, maximise participation and continue to improve the quality of life for local communities and the wider region.
“We are committed to ensuring a long and sustainable future for all the facilities, while also recognising the importance of the Park’s heritage.”
Shaun Dawson Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said: “This exciting new chapter cements the future of our six key sports venues and is part of our commitment to the many communities we serve far and wide. We have carefully structured this partnership with GLL to ensure that visitors will continue to enjoy the very best in these stellar, highly popular venues. We look forward to together creating exciting new programmes and activities that draw on the strengths of both organisations.
“These venues are part of the Lee Valley visitor experience and will continue to be so with some of the best facilities and most inspiring settings to be found anywhere. As part of the partnership Lee Valley Regional Park Authority will continue to invest to ensure that they go from strength to strength, delivering real impact for communities.”
Approximately 100 permanent and 150 flexible staff will transfer across to GLL as part of the new contract with Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.