Lewisham Council has awarded a new 15-year leisure management contract to Fusion Lifestyle.

The new contract, due to start on 15 October, covers the management of nine of the borough's sport and leisure facilities, including public gyms, swimming pools, sports halls and an outdoor athletics' track.

Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, said: "These are exciting times for sport and leisure in Lewisham. London 2012 is around the corner and we are near completion of several major leisure developments in the borough, so we have big expectations from our new leisure provider.

"The key aims of our sports strategy for the borough are to encourage Lewisham people to be more active and to create better sport and leisure facilities. This new partnership with Fusion Lifestyle will go a long way to accomplishing this."

In addition to Ladywell Arena, the Bridge, Wavelengths and Ladywell leisure centres that are covered by the current contract, Fusion lifestyle will also take on Loampit Vale Leisure Centre and Forest Hill Pools, once they are opened.

The relocation of Wavelengths Library to the Deptford Lounge is due to take place this autumn. Fusion Lifestyle will finance the sports equipment needed to convert the new vacant space into an additional sports area within the leisure centre.

Fusion will also manage other local community facilities including a third party lettings system to maximise community use of school facilities. Tim Mills, Business Development Director of Fusion, said: "Improving leisure and cultural opportunities is a key priority for Lewisham Council and the team at Fusion is looking forward to delivering exciting developments over the next few years".

Fusion now operates 51 locations in London and the South East including Brockwell Lido, Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex and Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre, providing recreational sport, health and fitness activities for local communities.