A sports centre in north Dorset is now under new ownership.

The Gryphon School has formally taken over the Gryphon Sports Centre from West Dorset District Council.

The existing Joint Use Agreement between West Dorset District Council and the school was due to expire in 2021, but an agreement has been reached for The Gryphon School to take over the running of the centre earlier, and to work towards creating a sustainable model over the coming years.

The Gryphon Sports Centre will continue to offer all the existing services – gym membership, studio classes, court and pitch hire, and children’s holiday clubs, and will look to develop further services in the coming months.

Sports Centre manager Pete Diffey said: “This is really exciting news for the Gryphon Sports Centre – we have always worked closely with the school, but now we will be looking to offer more dynamic and flexible services to the local community who can access the Centre during evenings and weekends.”

Steve Hillier, executive headteacher of SAST, of which The Gryphon is a member, added: “In this current climate of cuts to local services, we are stepping in to ensure the continuation of community access to the popular Gryphon Sports Centre.

"Customers should not notice any change to services during the transition period and we would be keen to hear any feedback from customers and the wider community as to how we can make the sports centre work for them.”

Cllr Mary Penfold, West Dorset District Council’s portfolio holder for enabling said: “We are delighted to pass on the baton for this great sports facility to The Gryphon School.

"The school has shown itself a very capable and forward-thinking partner over the past 21 years.”

Please contact the centre at enquiries@gryphonsportscentre.org.uk or on 01935 814011 at the Gryphon School if you would like to know more about the clubs, sports, activities, events and facilities on offer.