WYCOMBE District Council’s three leisure centres will come under new management this summer.

Places for People Leisure Management (PPLM) has been awarded a 15 year contract to run Wycombe Sports Centre, Risborough Springs Swim and Fitness Centre and Court Garden Leisure Complex in Marlow.

PPLM, which operates more than 100 centres on behalf of 30 councils around the UK, will take over from Parkwood Leisure on July 1.

WDC said the deal will enable a “smooth transition” to the new multi-million pound leisure complex at Handy Cross when it opens in 2015.

Cllr John Gibbs, WDC’s Cabinet Member for Community, said: "Since the 2012 Olympics, we've seen an increase in the number of people wanting to have fun and look after their health through exercise.

“As a council, we believe in giving everyone the opportunity to take part in physical activity, by providing well-run, affordable facilities.

"We're really delighted to have awarded this 15 year contract to Places for People Leisure and are in no doubt that they will be an excellent partner in helping us to improve the district's sport and leisure facilities.

“As well as being a safe pair of hands in which to place our new, multi-million pound flagship sports centre when it opens next year."

Robin Knight, PPLM’s Business Development Manager, said the firm was excited to be part of the Wycombe Sport Centre redevelopment.