Waveney District Council

This case study explains how Pulse took a tired centre and transformed it into a spectacular leisure facility that
attracts members from a widely spread geographical area.

In the summer of 2005 Pulse completed the complete
re-design and new build of a leisure facility for Waveney District Council. Re-named Bungay Pool and Gym, Pulse spent six months transforming the site, from concept to completion with the investment of more than £1million capital funding upfront. The net result is a profitable fitness suite that gets more local people more active more of the time.

Waveney District Council wanted to transform its ageing swimming centre into a fitness hub that would draw members in from a wide geographical area. The new centre was to be situated in the heart of a very rural location with membership likely to come from as far away as 10 miles. One of the initial challenges was to design a leisure facility that could deliver everything that a member could want under one roof and bring together the disparate members of the community.

Value and sustainability

Pulse was specifically chosen to deliver the project at Waveney in conjunction with Waveney District
Council due to the overall value and sustainability Pulse demonstrated during the tender process.

“They also offered us a complete solution,” comments David Gallagher, Head of Strategic Commissioning, from Waveney District Council.

“Pulse brought design and build expertise to the table, flexibility, after sales service and marketing knowledge – this was a very powerful argument for the council.”

Investment and service
partnership agreement

The whole scheme was delivered under a Pulse Investment & Services Partnership agreement, that would see Pulse investing the capital for the project with the council operating the finished centre. The centre receives on-going support from Pulse in the form of dedicated sales people who drive membership and also marketing investment in monthly promotions, retention drives and customer service initiatives. The scheme saw a new fitness suite built adjacent to the site of the original pool. The new fitness suite includes a state of the art 60-station
gym with the latest Pulse Freedom and Evolve ranges of equipment. Much of this equipment is IFI accredited and inclusivity was a key issue for Waveney District Council when making its original selection of a partner for the project. The centre also features a dance studio and high quality dry changing facilities and new reception area. Accredited training was also provided for all site staff and this will continue throughout the life of the 15 year partnership. Operational systems such as direct debit and front of house turnstiles were installed so the centre receives management information on use and financial performance each month.