GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), the non-profit charitable social enterprise organisation which operates a number of Cornwall’s leisure centres, has announced that expressions of interest are being invited to reopen the cafe at the recently reprieved Saltash centre.
However, those interested in tendering as an operator of the cafe will only have until the end of this month to apply.
GLL said: “Efforts are under way to reopen the café in Saltash Leisure Centre within the next few months and potential operators are being invited to submit their expressions of interest by Monday, February 28.
“The café was closed during restrictions imposed by the pandemic but GLL, which runs the centre on behalf of Cornwall Council, is now actively engaged in the process of getting it up and running again as soon as possible.”
GLL senior general manager Ben Wilkinson said: “The café is a frequent topic of discussion in our regular meetings with the town council and local representatives who all feel it would add benefit to our facility.
“Ideally we’d like to see the café operational by April or May, so anyone interested in taking it on is asked to email me by February 28.”
Ben can be contacted at [email protected]
When the Cornish Times reported on the threat of potential closure facing a number of Cornwall’s leisure centres, including Saltash’s, during 2021, a number of the regular users campaigning to save the centre told us about how the cafe had become an important focal point and place to socialise. Many added that they believed the cafe’s closure during the pandemic had contributed to a reduction in the number of people using the centre.
Fortunately Saltash was one of the leisure centres reprieved by Cornwall Council and which is continuing to be operated by GLL - and many of its users will be glad to see the cafe reopen.