Plans have emerged to keep the indoor facilities at Redlands Community Sports Hub open.

It follows a campaign to save indoor facilities at the Weymouth centre in Dorchester Road after Weymouth College confirmed it will pull out as operator in July.

Weymouth College and Dorset Council, which owns the building along with the outdoor facilities, were in negotiations with interested party Active Dorset, which originally only wanted to become operator of the outdoor facilities only, in a bid to allow the continuation of indoor facilities at the centre - recognising the importance of the hub to the community.

Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services, who helped to spearhead the campaign to save the indoor facilities, said it was 'vital' to save Redlands - which is home to so many clubs and organisations and they wanted to keep their base.

She said: "This proposal for Redlands is dependent on everyone coming together and actively playing their part.

"Our plan is to effectively hand the operation of the buildings over to them. Partner organisations will also need to step up and lend a hand."

The new approach includes a move to a ‘trusted keyholder’ model. This means that the clubs that use the indoor facilities at Redlands would assume most of the responsibilities for delivering their activities, such as opening and closing the buildings when needed, taking on new members and organising bookings.

Active Dorset, a local charity, will take over the lease. Weymouth College will contribute to required repairs - as per their current lease as operator - and Dorset Council will invest and offer support.

This community-led approach puts the facilities in the hands of those who use them the most, and the three organisations will work alongside the Redlands community to make sure there is a smooth transition.

Martin Kimberley, chief executive of Active Dorset, said: "It will take everyone involved to play their part in the push to embed Redlands as a vibrant and sustainable community hub which delivers high quality sport and informal activity.

"Redlands is an important piece of the local jigsaw that enables residents to live active and healthy lives."

Rob Cole, vice principal at Weymouth College, said: "The Redlands team and Weymouth College will continue to support Active Dorset and Dorset Council as part of this transition, with booking enquiries expected from the start of next month."

If the proposals are supported by partners and stakeholders, the decision on the future of the Redlands buildings will go to Dorset Council’s Cabinet later this year. The council has said there will be no temporary closure during the lease transition.