The charitable social enterprise, GLL, which operates leisure facilities in Belfast, is to create 75 jobs across three new centres which are scheduled to open in the city.
GLL, which is headquartered in London and provides community services and spaces across the UK, has held a contract to manage 14 leisure centres in partnership with Belfast City Council since 2015.
The council is currently rolling out a multi-million pound investment initiative to update and modernise leisure facilities throughout the city.
Suzanne Wylie, chief executive of the city council said:”Evidence clearly shows the importance of good and accessible leisure services for both mental and physical health.
“Our aim is to provide innovative leisure facilities across the city through a significant capital investment programme. In total, we will invest £105 million (€122 million) in seven new facilities, each with its own unique selling point, so that we minimise duplication and ensure balanced, value for money investment.”
In addition to the 75 permanent jobs GLL also plans to create 100 new seasonal jobs which will include a mix of gymnastics coaches, swimming coaches, fitness coaches, lifeguards and summer scheme staff.
The UK social enterprise, which reinvests all of its profits back into its operation, currently provides services to more than 170 public sport and leisure centres and 28 libraries in the UK in partnership with local authorities under its “Better” brand.
It estimates that up 40 million people use these sport and library facilities every year and Gareth Kirk, regional director of GLL in Northern Ireland, believes the 75 jobs it plans to create in Belfast will help people who work and live in the city.
“Investment in health and wellbeing is a vital component of the development of any modern city. Working closely with Belfast City Council and other key strategic stakeholders we are excited to be a part of the contribution to improved physical and mental health,” he said.
