Parkwood Holdings http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk Copyright 2006 Parkwood Holding Plc. Verdia Plant Construction Underway Verdia Horticulture Limited (“Verdia”), the joint venture company established between Glendale Managed Services Limited (“Glendale”), the “green services” division of Parkwood Holdings plc, and The TEG Group Plc, has commenced construction of its first TEG Silo Cage plant at Hillbarton, Exeter.  The announcement follows confirmation of full planning approval for the development. The capacity of the TEG Silo Cage plant will be 14,000 tonnes per annum, producing approximately 8,000 tonnes per annum of compost.  The compost will be matured and blended to produce horticultural grade material for sale into the local horticultural sector.  The waste will be supplied from local authority green waste collections via the Glendale composting subsidiary Eco Sci, and from private sector contracts for food waste and food processing waste. Glendale will provide compost product expertise and knowledge of the horticultural product market, together with analytical and compost product services. The development is on a site leased by Glendale and will be a shared facility with Eco Sci who will carry out green waste composting in an adjacent operation.  The plant and equipment will be supplied by TEG.  The total cost of the development will be approximately £2.5m of which approximately £1m will be the cost of the building development and £1.5m the cost of the plant and equipment.  Funding of the building work is part of the lease arrangement with the overall site landlord.  Funding of the plant and equipment will be by finance lease through Barclays Asset Finance.  The site is scheduled to be operational by the end of Quarter 3 of this year. Commenting for Parkwood, Executive Chairman Tony Hewitt said: “Our joint venture with TEG is part of the Parkwood Group’s strategic plan to develop its diverse suite of green services to Local Authorities and the Commercial sectors.” “This new facility provides the opportunity to expand our recycling activities within the rapidly developing UK composting market and also provides the ideal location for Glendale’s Devon based ‘EcoSci’ green waste recycling operations.”  Commenting for TEG, Chief Executive Mick Fishwick said: “This is a further significant step in the development of TEG.  Our joint venture with Glendale offers us the opportunity to both develop a new revenue stream and also to gain a foothold in the higher value horticultural sector, and to work with an expert and market leader in that area.  Verdia has an exciting future and we hope this is the first of many such plants to be developed over the coming years. “ “The construction of yet another TEG Silo Cage plant is a further endorsement of our technology and capabilities and we look forward to opening the first TEG plant in the South West region.” For further information please contact: Parkwood Holdings plc    Tel: 01772 627111 Terry Bowman, Group Finance Director  The TEG Group Plc    Tel: 01772 314100 Michael Fishwick, Chief Executive http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=37 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=37 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT Acquisition of DPL Holdings Limited Group Parkwood Holdings plc (Parkwood) has expanded its operations in the South West of England with the acquisition on 2 November 2007 of DPL Holdings Limited (DPL) and its subsidiaries, Silvanus Services Limited (Silvanus) and Landscapes Southwest Limited (LSW). The companies will become part of Glendale, Parkwood’s “green services” division.  Consideration for the purchase is being settled in cash; with an initial £400,000 payable on completion and a maximum additional consideration of  £739,500 payable over the next 10 months dependent upon the performance of DPL. Silvanus and LSW have a very strong presence in the South West region together with a contract based in Nottingham. In the year ended 31 August 2007 DPL made a profit before tax of £296,000 on turnover of £4.9 million.  The gross assets acquired amounted to £2.53 million and the net assets to £208,000. Silvanus is a countryside, arboriculture, woodland and landscaping company, working for a wide range of local authority, corporate and private clients. LSW undertakes a number of long-term grounds maintenance contracts for local authorities and other clients in Devon and Cornwall and will now become a part of Glendale Grounds Management. The acquisition reinforces Glendale’s position as the UK’s number one green service provider. The move is set to strengthen Glendale’s position in the South West and within the arboriculture and countryside management sectors. The DPL shareholder-directors (David Adam and Peter Solly) will remain within the business. Tony Hewitt, Executive Chairman, commented: “Silvanus and LSW together make a perfect strategic match for Glendale. These businesses operate in the same market as Glendale but have a strong presence in the South West of England where traditionally Glendale has not grown as quickly as in other regions.”   For further information, please contact: Parkwood Holdings plc: Tony Hewitt, Executive Chairman   01772 627111 Terry Bowman, Group Finance Director   01772 627111 Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited: Neil Baldwin    0113 241 0126  Notes for Editors: Parkwood Holdings plc specialises in providing outsourced and support services, predominantly to the public sector across England and Wales (and now Scotland) under long term contracts.  Its four main areas of operation are as follows: Glendale Provides amenity horticulture, grass cutting, arboriculture and care of sports pitches, parks and open spaces.  The division also includes golf course management, green waste recycling, environmental consultancy and horticulture.  Parkwood Leisure Manages a diverse range of leisure facilities, including swimming pools, sports halls, gyms, health suites and catering operations. Parkwood Projects Undertakes PFI, PPP and similar bids on behalf of joint ventures and the Group.  Parkwood PFI is also responsible for project management of contracts and the management of other funds such as the lifecycle funds associated with the project agreement.  Healthcare A nursing agency and an ambulance and patient transport business, Parkwood Healthcare deals both with the NHS and the private sector. http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=36 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=36 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST News Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2007 - 11 Sep, 2007 by PARKWOOD HOLDINGS PLC INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2007 Parkwood Holdings plc, the public sector support services specialist, announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2007.  Financial highlights: Revenues rose by 12% to £51.2m (2006: £45.7m) Operating profit increased by 27% to £1.45m (2006: £1.14m) Profits before tax rose by 3% to £1.05m (2006: £1.03m) Earnings per share increased to 3.6p, up 9% from last year (2006: 3.3p) Proposed dividend of 1.3p (2006: 1.1p) payable to shareholders on 12 October 2007 Group order book increased by 12% to £429m (2006: £384m revised*) Operating highlights: Purchase of the remaining equity and subordinated debt in the SPC responsible for the MOD Defence Animal Centre at Melton Mowbray Refinancing of the Boxwood Leisure SPC was completed in early July generating cash of £2.1m Formation of Verdia Horticulture with the signing of a joint venture agreement with TEG Environmental plc * The June 2006 order book has been restated in line with the method used to calculate the position at the end of December 2006 and includes only contractual income on existing contracts to a ten-year horizon. Tony Hewitt, Executive Chairman, commented: “Parkwood has had a successful six months in the period to 30 June 2007 with good progress in both the Glendale and Parkwood Leisure divisions."  “Parkwood’s performance remains in line with market expectations for the full year when revenues are expected to exceed £100 million for the first time.  Next year’s order book is already largely secured and this should result in almost double-digit sales growth in 2008.” The full statement release can be downloaded as a PDF document from here. For further information, please contact: Parkwood Holdings plc Tony Hewitt, Executive Chairman   01772 627111 Terry Bowman, Group Finance Director   01772 627111 Neil Baldwin, Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited 0113 241 0126  Reg Hoare/Miranda Good,  Smithfield    020 7360 4900 Notes for Editors: Parkwood Holdings plc specialises in providing outsourced and support services, predominantly to the public sector across England and Wales under long term contracts.  Its four main areas of operation are as follows: Glendale Provides amenity horticulture, grass cutting, arboriculture and care of sports pitches, parks and open spaces.  The division also includes golf course management, green waste recycling, environmental consultancy and horticulture.  Parkwood Leisure Manages a diverse range of leisure facilities, including swimming pools, sports halls, gyms, health suites and catering operations. Parkwood Projects Undertakes PFI, PPP and similar bids on behalf of joint ventures and the Group.  Parkwood PFI is also responsible for project management of contracts and the management of other funds such as the lifecycle funds associated with the project agreement.  Healthcare A nursing agency and an ambulance and patient transport business, Parkwood Healthcare deals both with the NHS and the private sector. For more information please contact us. Back to Latest News http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=35 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=35 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EDT Parkwood Holdings plc, the support services business, through Glendale, its specialist green services division, has formed a new Joint Venture company with The TEG Group Plc (“TEG”), an AIM-listed company whose technology converts organic wastes into natural organic fertiliser. The Joint Venture, named Verdia Horticulture Limited (“Verdia”), will build and operate specialist Silo Cage In-Vessel Composting technology facilities that turn organic wastes into commercial horticultural compost products.  The products will be sold to Glendale and to regional horticultural markets. Each company will hold 50% of Verdia’s equity.  The JV agreement contains the normal change of control provisions should a third party take a 75% interest in either parent company. Verdia intends to build and operate between six to eight medium-scale organic waste conversion facilities of typically 10-15,000 tonnes feed per annum over the next two to three years.  It is anticipated that the facilities will be funded largely by bank debt.  According to 2005 DEFRA estimates, the amount of UK Biodegradable Municipal Waste requiring non-landfill disposal will approximately triple by 2020 to an estimated 28m tonnes. This equates to a potential total market for gate fees of £1.4billion per annum. The first two facilities are expected to be Claylands Corner in Somerset and Hill Barton in Exeter.  Both sites have planning consent in place for TEG Silo Cage technology. Construction at the sites is expected to commence in Quarter 3 of 2007.  TEG will supply TEG Silo Cage plants to Verdia and will provide technical expertise and support, as well as marketing services for waste supply to the plants.  Glendale will provide compost product expertise, knowledge of the horticultural product market and of course its reputation of successfully delivering to budget large multi-year local authority contracts.  Currently, Glendale has contracts with over 50 local authorities throughout the UK, including supplying composting services from subsidiary Eco Sci.  Verdia intends to bid for medium-scale Local Authority waste contracts and private sector contracts, sufficient to support the scale of facilities it will operate. It will establish a network of such sites across the UK from which the Company will distribute horticultural products to the grower and amenity markets. The total market for such products is estimated by the Horticultural Trades Association to be worth £250 million per annum. Tony Hewitt, Executive Chairman of Parkwood Holdings, commented: “We have collaborated successfully with TEG for the last 16 months and it is clear that our product expertise and knowledge of the horticultural market fits naturally with TEG’s technology expertise.  By creating Verdia with TEG, we have a new and exciting opportunity to expand Glendale’s recycling activities within the rapidly developing UK composting market.  We are delighted to have signed this new Joint Venture.”  Nick Temple Heald, Managing Director of Glendale, added: “As the largest player in our market, we have strong contacts with the leading suppliers in amenity horticulture, including on the trade and retail sides.  With ever-increasing demand for non-peat based products and environmentally sustainable horticulture and of course rising Landfill taxes and heavy fines for those that go over their waste quotas, we believe this is a very large market opportunity and that we are ideally placed to address it.” For further information, please contact: Parkwood Holdings plc Tony Hewitt    Executive Chairman   01772 627 111 Terry Bowman   Financial Director    01772 627 111 Glendale Nick Temple Heald  Managing Director   01772 627 111 Smithfield Neil Boom/Miranda Good      020 7360 4900 Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited Neil Baldwin         0113 241 0126 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=34 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=34 Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EDT Acquisition of Landscape Construction (Scotland) Limited Parkwood Holdings plc, the support service specialists, has made its first entry into the Scottish market through the acquisition of Landscape Construction (Scotland) Limited (“Landscape”). Landscape, which will become part of Glendale, Parkwood’s “green services” division, is based in Falkirk and operates in the ‘soft’ landscaping sector within the central belt of Scotland.  In the year to 31 March 2007, Landscape made a pre-tax profit of £30,000 on sales of £680,000. The consideration for the acquisition is payable in cash based on net assets at the date of completion, which Parkwood estimates to be in the region of £70,000. The sole director and shareholder of Landscape, Mr Steve Deas, will remain with the company, which will form the base for the Group’s move into the Scottish market. Tony Hewitt, Executive Chairman, commented: “Having known Steve for a number of years, we are confident that the strong business he has grown will be a sound base to begin our first move into the Scottish market.”   For further information, please contact: Parkwood Holdings plc: Tony Hewitt, Executive Chairman   01772 627111 Terry Bowman, Group Finance Director   01772 627111 Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited: Neil Baldwin    0113 241 0126  Gresham PR Ltd:  Neil Boom      0207 404 9000 Notes for Editors: Parkwood Holdings plc specialises in providing outsourced and support services, predominantly to the public sector across England and Wales under long term contracts.  Its four main areas of operation are as follows: Glendale Provides amenity horticulture, grass cutting, arboriculture and care of sports pitches, parks and open spaces.  The division also includes golf course management, green waste recycling, environmental consultancy and horticulture.  Parkwood Leisure Manages a diverse range of leisure facilities, including swimming pools, sports halls, gyms, health suites and catering operations. Parkwood Projects Undertakes PFI, PPP and similar bids on behalf of joint ventures and the Group.  Parkwood PFI is also responsible for project management of contracts and the management of other funds such as the lifecycle funds associated with the project agreement.  Healthcare A nursing agency and an ambulance and patient transport business, Parkwood Healthcare deals both with the NHS and the private sector. http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=33 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=33 Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EDT Acquisition of IMDAC Limited Parkwood Holdings plc the support services specialist, ("the Company"), is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Parkwood Project Management Limited ("Parkwood Projects"), has purchased the entire issued share capital of IMDAC Limited ("IMDAC") from Innisfree M&G PPP LP ("the Vendor"). As a result of this transaction the Company now controls 100% of the issued share capital of DAC Support Services Limited (DAC) and its 100% owned subsidiary Realm Services (DAC) Limited ("Realm"). Realm is a Special Purpose Vehicle formed in 2002 to finance, design, build, operate and maintain facilities at the Defence Animal Centre for the Ministry of Defence under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreement, which runs until November 2026. The Defence Animal Centre, based in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, has gained a reputation as one of the world's leading training establishments for working military animals and their handlers. The consideration for the acquisition totalled £828,716, which was settled in cash on completion. In addition, a loan from the Vendor of £1,571,283 was repaid on completion. For the period from 2 March 2005 till 31 March 2006, the latest period for which IMDAC has produced audited accounts, IMDAC reported profits before tax of £280,008, and as at 31 March 2006 had net assets of £1. Tony Hewitt, Executive Chairman, commented: "We are pleased to announce our 100% ownership of this successful and profitable PFI contract, which has enabled the Defence Animal Centre to become one of the world's leading military animals training facilities. "As well as earning potential dividends, each of our seven PFI/ PPP projects gives Parkwood the opportunity, at the right time, to realise further underlying value by refinancing the senior debt or by disposing of subordinated loans in the PFI/PPP secondary market." For further information, please contact: Tony Hewitt, Executive Chairman   01772 627111 Terry Bowman, Group Finance Director   01772 627111 Norah Burns, Company Secretary   01772 627111 Neil Baldwin, Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited 0113 241 0126   Neil Boom, Gresham PR Limited    0207 404 9000 Notes for Editors: Parkwood Holdings plc specialises in providing outsourced and support services, predominantly to the public sector across England and Wales under long term contracts.  Its four main areas of operation are as follows: Glendale Provides amenity horticulture, grass cutting, arboriculture and care of sports pitches, parks and open spaces.  The division also includes golf course management, green waste recycling, environmental consultancy and horticulture.  Parkwood Leisure Manages a diverse range of leisure facilities, including swimming pools, sports halls, gyms, health suites and catering operations. Parkwood Projects Undertakes PFI, PPP and similar bids on behalf of joint ventures and the Group.  Parkwood PFI is also responsible for project management of contracts and the management of other funds such as the lifecycle funds associated with the project agreement.  Healthcare A nursing agency and an ambulance and patient transport business, Parkwood Healthcare deals both with the NHS and the private sector. http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=32 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=32 Tue, 15 May 2007 00:00:00 EDT Appointment of Group Finance Director Parkwood Holdings plc, the public sector support services specialist, is pleased to announce the appointment of Terry Bowman as Group Finance Director with effect from 2 April 2007. Terry is rejoining Parkwood in a full-time capacity, having previously served as Group Finance Director from October 1993 to June 1998.  During this period Terry played a key role in the Group’s expansion through acquisition and its admission to the London Stock Exchange’s Official List. After leaving Parkwood, Terry has acted as an interim manager on a number of business turnaround assignments on behalf of banks and private equity houses.  He has been acting as interim Group Finance Director for Parkwood since December 2006. Tony Hewitt, Executive Chairman, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Terry back to Parkwood’s board.  His thorough knowledge of the Group and its operations, as well as his many years of experience, will be key in Parkwood’s continued progress.  At the moment Parkwood is keeping a watchful eye for sensible acquisition opportunities and is also looking at other exciting strategic initiatives that would augment our continued organic growth.” For further information, please contact: Parkwood Holdings plc Tony Hewitt, Executive Chairman   01772 627111 Terry Bowman, Interim Finance Director   01772 627111 Neil Baldwin, Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited 0113 241 0126  Neil Boom, Gresham PR    0207 404 9000 Appendix 1 - Terry Bowman’s previous directorships (within the last five years):   Appointed Resigned Millbrook Scientific Instruments plc  June 2002 March 2006 Terence Patrick Edward Bowman, aged 57, is not currently a director of any public quoted company. Terry was a director of Motor and Legal Group Limited at the time an Administrative Receiver was appointed in April 2000. There are no further disclosures required under Listing Rule 9.6.13 (1) to (6). Notes for Editors: Parkwood Holdings plc specialises in providing outsourced and support services, predominantly to the public sector across England and Wales under long term contracts.  Its four main areas of operation are as follows: Glendale Provides amenity horticulture, grass cutting, arboriculture and care of sports pitches, parks and open spaces.  The division also includes golf course management, green waste recycling, environmental consultancy and horticulture.  Parkwood Leisure Manages a diverse range of leisure facilities, including swimming pools, sports halls, gyms, health suites and catering operations. Parkwood Projects Undertakes PFI, PPP and similar bids on behalf of joint ventures and the Group.  Parkwood PFI is also responsible for project management of contracts and the management of other funds such as the lifecycle funds associated with the project agreement.  Healthcare A nursing agency and an ambulance and patient transport business, Parkwood Healthcare deals both with the NHS and the private sector.   http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=31 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=31 Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EDT PARKWOOD HOLDINGS PLC PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006 Parkwood Holdings plc, the public sector support services specialist, announces its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2006.  These results have been prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Financial and Business Highlights: Group turnover increased by 16% to £92.7 million (2005: £79.8 million) Operating profits increased by 14% to £2.25 million (2005: £1.97 million) Profits before tax increased by 23% to £2.53 million (2005: £2.06 million) Earnings per share increased by 28% to 8.8 pence (2005: 6.9 pence) Proposed final dividend up 27% to 1.9 pence per share (2005: 1.5 pence).  Total amount paid and charged in the year 2.6 pence (2005: 2.3 pence) Group order book increased by 44% to £412 million as at 31 December 2006 (2005: £285 million (revised)) Acquisition of tree moving business by Glendale, the “green” services division, to diversify service offering Financial close on a leisure PFI with Solihull Council in March 2006 Tony Hewitt, Executive Chairman, commented: “ This is another strong set of Parkwood results.  The Group's improved turnover, profitability and cashflow make Parkwood better placed to consider sensible acquisitions and implement other strategic initiatives that will supplement continuing organic growth.” The full statement release can be downloaded as a PDF document from here. For further information, please contact: Parkwood Holdings plc Tony Hewitt, Executive Chairman   01772 627111 Terry Bowman, Interim Finance Director   01772 627111 Neil Baldwin, Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited 0113 241 0126  Neil Boom, Gresham PR    0207 404 9000 Notes for Editors: Parkwood Holdings plc specialises in providing outsourced and support services, predominantly to the public sector across England and Wales under long term contracts.  Its four main areas of operation are as follows: Glendale Provides amenity horticulture, grass cutting, arboriculture and care of sports pitches, parks and open spaces.  The division also includes golf course management, green waste recycling, environmental consultancy and horticulture.  Parkwood Leisure Manages a diverse range of leisure facilities, including swimming pools, sports halls, gyms, health suites and catering operations. Parkwood Projects Undertakes PFI, PPP and similar bids on behalf of joint ventures and the Group.  Parkwood PFI is also responsible for project management of contracts and the management of other funds such as the lifecycle funds associated with the project agreement.  Healthcare A nursing agency and an ambulance and patient transport business, Parkwood Healthcare deals both with the NHS and the private sector. http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=30 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=30 Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EDT Parkwood Leisure  is in negotiations with West Berkshire Council with a view to becoming the preferred leisure supplier for the whole district. Parkwood was one of four companies that responded as part of the tendering process and the decision, taken at a recent meeting of the Council’s Executive, was passed unanimously. Parkwood currently manages the Northcroft Leisure Centre in Newbury and the Cotswold Sports Centre in Tilehurst and will take on Hungerford Leisure Centre, Kennet Leisure Centre in Thatcham and the Willink Leisure Centre in Burghfield Common on July 1st. Marcus Franks, West Berkshire’s Executive Councillor for Leisure said, “We are delighted to be expanding our partnership with Parkwood, they have an impressive track record which is already proven within West Berkshire.   He added,” The appointment of a single supplier for the district will serve to strengthen the existing leisure facilities and enable a programme of continuous improvement for these very important services.”   He also stressed that whatever the outcome it would be ‘business as usual’ at all West Berkshire leisure facilities.   Andrew Holt, Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure said, “We are very excited about the opportunity to bring investment to the West Berkshire district and to deliver integrated, consistent and high quality leisure services. We have enjoyed a successful partnership over the last three years and look forward to replicating and extending the success throughout the district. We have a passion for the leisure industry and take pride in helping as many people as possible achieve their health and fitness goals.” http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=29 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=29 Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST Parkwood Leisure is delighted to be formally appointed the preferred bidder for the management of five leisure centres within Rushcliffe Borough Council. This contract will run for 10 years and increases Parkwood Leisure's presence within the Midlands region.  Subject to further negotiations, it is envisaged that the contract will start on 1st June 2007. Managing Director, Andrew Holt said, “Parkwood Leisure is delighted to have been selected as the preferred bidder for the management of this contract.  We look forward to meeting all of the staff, finalising the details of the management contract and commencing operation within the next few months”.  http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=28 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=28 Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:00:00 EST Cherwell Leisure Ltd, a consortium of Parkwood Project Management Ltd, Parkwood Leisure, Burke Rickhards Architects and Moss Construction, has been appointed as Preferred Bidder for Cherwell District Council's ambitious plans to modernise sports centres in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington. Councillor Norman Bolster, Portfolio Holder for Recreation, announced the Preferred Bidder on Monday 12 February, saying: "Cherwell Leisure Ltd has submitted exciting proposal for the three sports centres and has met the criteria set by Cherwell District Council for designing, building and managing the centres for the next 25 years. The Council has worked over the last four months with two short-listed Bidders to evaluate the proposals they submitted in October. Both the Bidders came forward with excellent schemes that have been rigorously evaluated against the Council's legal, financial, technical and service requirements. Cherwell Leisure's proposals have been selected as best able to meet the Council's vision for its sports and leisure centres." The proposals will see an investment of over £24m in modernised, improved facilities at Kidlington and Gosford Sports Centre and Bicester and Ploughley Sports Centre and a completely new Spiceball Park Sports Centre in Banbury. Councillor Bolster added: "This is a key decision for the Council. It follows an exhaustive process since April 2004 when the Council's intentions to modernise sports and leisure facilities were announced. We have worked closely with both Bidders and external advisors to ensure that the Council's priorities are met, whilst working within strict financial limits that have been challenging to the Bidders and Council alike. The proposals that have been announced today achieve these requirements, provide exciting facility developments at all three centres as well as improvements in customer service and efficiency savings. The proposals will be further developed with Cherwell Leisure and key stakeholders over coming months as part of the detailed negotiating process prior to letting the contract." Jeremy Lightfoot, Managing Director of Parkwood Project Management Ltd said: ""We are delighted that the Cherwell Leisure consortium has been chosen as Preferred Bidder for this important leisure project. We look forward to working with Cherwell District Council and to encouraging all sectors of the community to take part in sporting activities. It's fantastic news. Our priority now is to conclude contractual negotiations with Cherwell District Council to ensure that we can commence the building work on the three leisure centres as soon as possible while minimising any disruption to the existing leisure centres. Our aim is to provide sports centres that the whole community can be proud of which will provide top quality facilities for every age group." "The residents of Cherwell will soon see the results of our efforts with one new state-of-the-art facility in Banbury and two refurbished centres in Bicester and Kidlington being completed by the summer of 2009. These facilities will be built by our construction partner Kier Moss and managed by our sister company Parkwood Leisure" Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure, Andrew Holt, said, “Parkwood Leisure is delighted to have been selected as the leisure operator for the preferred bidder contractor, Cherwell Leisure Limited.  We look forward to finalising the details of the management contract and commencing the operation of the Cherwell leisure facilities later this year”. Ian Davies, Head of Leisure Services said: "There is much work still to be done to complete detailed designs and ensure that customers are kept fully informed as the process develops. A level of disruption is inevitable in programmes of this scale and we will work with Cherwell Leisure Ltd to put in place plans to manage this and ensure effective communication with clubs and customers. Building work is not expected to start until early 2008 with contracts signed and new management in place from this autumn. http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=27 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=27 Tue, 13 Feb 2007 00:00:00 EST Parkwood Leisure in partnership with Bexley Resources Plus has created an innovative project attracting potential employment as Recreation Assistants. The 2012 Project is a unique programme aimed at introducing individuals into the Leisure Industry.  Initially via a ten-week work experience programme, the successful candidates will be trained in the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and moved straight into full time employment on a one-year fixed term contract with Parkwood Leisure.  During the year, successful candidates enhance their skills by undertaking two additional qualifications in First Aid and the ASA Swimming Teachers Qualification. The scheme has already been endorsed by London Development Agency as a flagship programme for the forthcoming 2012 Olympics.  The success of the project within Bexley has attracted other outside interest across the Leisure Industry throughout local neighbouring Boroughs and throughout the United Kingdom. Darren Dash – Work Placement Officer at Bexley Resources Plus who was instrumental in this scheme commented that “This project is enabling people from different backgrounds to access the Leisure Industry and make an informed choice about their career path.  The success of this scheme is the close relationship between Parkwood Leisure and Bexley Resources Plus in identifying employee needs and customised training to fit their skill gaps”. For further information about the 2012 Project, please contact Bexley Resources Plus on 01322 356200. http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=26 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=26 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST Parkwood Leisure has been selected to manage leisure facilties on behalf of Kettering Borough Council.  The facilties included in the contract, which will run for 10 years, are the Kettering Swimming Pool, Desborough Leisure Centre, the Cornmarket Hall and Kettering Pitch and Track. Kettering Borough Council went through a robust and open procurement process before coming to the decision.  Councillor Alison Wiley (Portfolio holder for Leisure and Community) says: " A good service has been provided Kettering Community Leisure Limited over the last ten years but the tender from Parkwood Leisure was more innovative and beneficial to the Council,  current staff will transfer over to the new contractor and these are discussions that KCLL will need to have with Parkwood Leisure.  We now look forward to working with our new contractor." Parkwood Leisure's Business Development Manager, Kirsty Rose, has stated:  "Parkwood Leisure is delighted to have been selected for the management of Kettering 's leisure facilties.  We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Kettering Borough Council over the next ten years, delivering quality leisure services for the benefit of the whole community" The new arrangements should be in place for 1st April 2007 and the decision will be confirmed at the end of next week so that work can start to make sure there is a smooth handover for the benefit of staff and customers. http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=25 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=25 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST Crook Log Leisure Centre is inviting local people to sign up for a healthy New Year challenge to support Marie Curie Cancer Care in the local area and register for Swimathon 2007 “Get In and Swim” to take on the challenge of a hearty 5K swim at the event 22-25 March 2007.  Nick McArdle from Crook Log Leisure Centre said: “Many people set themselves health goals in the new year.  Swimathon 2007 is the perfect opportunity for everyone in Bexley to fulfil new year’s resolutions whilst raising much needed funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care services in the local community.” Marie Curie Cancer Care provides high quality nursing, totally free, to give terminally ill people the choice of dying at home supported by their families. Swimathon 2007 will be bringing thousands of people together to make it the biggest swim fundraiser in the UK and to promote the health and fitness benefits of swimming. Largely considered as the best all round form of exercise, Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew, MBE who has supported Swimathon since its inception 21 years ago says: “Swimming is both the nation’s most popular participation sport and one of the government’s targeted sport to reduce obesity – Swimathon 2007 is making swimming accessible to everyone in Bexley and we want to challenge local people to help us break all records this year to make it the biggest Swimathon fundraiser ever!” Swimathon is open to everyone, inviting people to set their own personal challenge by accomplishing a distance of their choice – the ultimate 5K challenge, which requires at least six weeks of training; the 2.5K, perfectly challenging for the intermediate swimmer; and the 1.5K, for anyone who swims occasionally. For those interested in joining forces with friends, colleagues or family, the 5K challenge can also be completed as part of team of up to five people or if you prefer to do it all at your own pace, join the Simply Swim challenge, which allows you to cover any distance at any participating pool, any time. Swimathon will take place across 600 swimming pools nationwide, over four days - 22-25 March 2007.  Registration is open now at www.swimathon.org where you can also find more information about your local participating pools, fundraising, and training tips. Crook Log Leisure Centre will be holding Swimathon 2007 training sessions on the following dates Saturday 24th March 2007 between 6.30pm-9.30pm.  Get In and Swim! Register now at www.swimathon.org or call the Swimathon hotline on 0845 36 700 36. Standard registration is £8.50 (concessions £4.50). http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=24 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=24 Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST To conform with the Transparency Directive’s transitional provision 6, Parkwood Holdings Plc (the “Company”) would like to notify the market that the capital of the Company consists of 19,600,420 ordinary shares with a nominal value of 1p each, with voting rights. The Company holds 100,000 ordinary shares in Treasury. Therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 19,500,420 (Nineteen million, five hundred thousand, four hundred and twenty). The Figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in the Company under the FSA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules. For further information, please contact Charles Bithell, Group Finance Director on 01772 627111. Notes to editors: About Parkwood Holdings plc: Parkwood Holdings plc specialises in providing outsourced and support services, predominantly to the public sector across England and Wales under long term contracts. Its four main areas of operation are as follows: Glendale Provides amenity horticulture, grass cutting, arboriculture and care of sports pitches, parks and open spaces. The division also includes golf course management, waste recycling, environmental consultancy, tree moving and horticulture. Parkwood Leisure Manages a diverse range of public and private leisure facilities, including swimming pools, sports halls, gyms, health suites and catering operations. Project Management Undertakes PFI, PPP and similar bids on behalf of joint ventures and the Group. Parkwood Project Management is also responsible for project management of contracts and the management of other funds such as the lifecycle funds associated with the project agreements. Healthcare A nursing agency and an ambulance and patient transport business, Parkwood Healthcare is expanding its operations from London and the South East into other parts of England and Wales, dealing both with the NHS and the private sector. http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=2 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=2 Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST Liverpool’s Greenbank Park has scooped a national award for its outstanding landscape. The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) singled out the park’s walled garden as one of its 2006 National Landscape Award winners. The walled garden is an original feature, dating back to when the Rathbone family lived in the area from 1787 to 1940. The area is maintained by green specialists Glendale who are responsible for making the park as attractive as possible. Liverpool city council’s executive member for the environment, Councillor Berni Turner, said: “It’s great news that the garden has been awarded such a prestigious accolade. It is a credit to all those who work hard in making it a place where residents and visitors enjoy spending time. “A huge amount of time and effort goes into making our parks and green spaces as attractive as possible, so it really is wonderful to receive national recognition. “The teamwork between the city council and Glendale is tremendous and everyone involved should be proud of this achievement.” This is the fifth year that one of Liverpool’s gardens has been acknowledged by BALI. In 2005, the Pity II memorial garden in Allerton Cemetery, which was created in the wake of the Alder Hey organ retention scandal, won an award for its sympathetic design and calm setting. Glendale’s contract manager in Liverpool, Peter Cosgrove, said: “This award is fantastic news for Glendale and Liverpool and we are delighted that our achievements have been recognised at such a high level. “We are committed to improving, maintaining and upgrading the parks in Liverpool and our use of a dedicated gardener at Greenbank Park is a clear indication of this." The Walled Garden was awarded first prize in the Grounds Maintenance of Public grounds (free public access) category. The BALI award ceremony was held in London earlier this month.   http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=19 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=19 Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST Liverpool City Council has signed a pioneering new contract with green space maintenance provider Glendale that will bring significant benefits to the City’s parks. Industry sources have suggested the contract is the largest single local authority grounds management contract in the UK. For more than eight years, Glendale has worked in partnership with Liverpool City Council in the maintenance of its parks and green spaces. Glendale is delighted to be continuing this partnership through a newly formed joint venture. The Glendale-Liverpool Joint Venture will be committed to the continued development of first class parks, sporting and horticulture excellence within the City. Liverpool City Council’s executive member for the environment, Councillor Berni Turner, said: “This new contact is great news for the city’s parks and open spaces. We already have an excellent working relationship with Glendale, and green spaces across the city are in fantastic condition. “The tender submission was a vision for Liverpool’s green spaces that demonstrated a commitment to our wonderful parks and gardens and was one of many reasons for Glendale winning the contract.” Together, Glendale and Liverpool City Council will ensure that the city’s parks and facilities benefit from an ambitious Green Flag programme and continuous development over the next twelve years. Glendale’s Managing Director, Nick Temple-Heald said: “After a comprehensive procurement process, we believe the proposals we have put together with the City Council are like no other. These proposals are based upon local people delivering performance, passion and pride. Working with Social Enterprise organizations and local user groups we aim to forge strong links with the local community. We look forward to working alongside the Council to ensure that the parks in Liverpool flourish under the new partnership.” http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=20 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=20 Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT Glendale have once again wowed at Saltex. The green services company won the prestigious gold award for their stand design. Two 25-foot Metasequoia glyptostrobodies trees, supplied from Civic Trees, boldly marked the entrance while twelve other carefully selected trees provided some deeper foliage at the rear of the stand. Over three thousand shrubs and plants from Coblands Nurseries were supplied for decorative bedding around the stand. A free bar was also built into the design and proved a highly successful device in tempting visitors onto the Glendale Stand! Colourful panels built into the marquees represented each division of the company while staff from each sector were on hand to talk about their relevant field to interested parties. Alex Millar, national chairman of the Institute of Groundsmanship presented Glendale with the award at the show. Nick Temple-Heald, Managing Director of Glendale said: “The new design of the stand has been a huge success and has ensured Glendale’s presence at Saltex this year didn’t fail to impress. Our efforts were recognised by the judges and we are delighted with being awarded Gold. “The acquisition of Civic Trees and Coblands was perfectly represented with the beautiful planting on the stand and this really caught people’s attention. Our only concern now is how to top this excellent achievement next year!” http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=21 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=21 Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT Glendale Golf and Chorley Council unveiled plans for the new clubhouse at Duxbury Park Golf Course this week. To mark the success of the partnership between the Council and Glendale Golf, The Mayor of Chorley, Councillor Mary Wilson, and the Managing Director of Glendale Golf, Nick Temple-Heald, planted a tree at Duxbury Park. Guests in attendance included Chorley Borough Council Chief Executive, Donna Hall, Executive Member of Health, Leisure and Well Being Councillor, Mark Perks, and Neil Simpson, Director of Glendale Golf. The Council joined forces with Glendale Golf at the end of March 2006 and the new partners pledged £1.2m to regenerate the course. AFL from Manchester, who specialise in designing sports buildings and leisure facilities, have been appointed by Chorley Borough Council and Glendale Golf to build the clubhouse. Plans were unveiled to replace the current building with a modern clubhouse featuring a new café and restaurant, member’s room, shop and changing rooms with stunning views of the course. AFL have previously worked for a number of football clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool FC and Blackburn Rovers and are currently building a training ground for Everton and Chelsea FC. Richard Laing, AFL comments: “The design is still in the early stages but it will be an inspirational building which will make a contemporary statement appropriate to its use and location. It will be a sustainable and low energy building constructed using timber from local suppliers and stone. It will be highly insulated, naturally lit and ventilated, and will have a green planted roof, similar to one currently being installed at Chelsea’s training ground.” Councillor Mark Perks, Executive Member for Health, Leisure and Well Being said: “We are well on the way to making Duxbury Park Golf Course the best pay and play course in the North West. It is something that everyone in Chorley can be proud of.” Mr Temple-Heald, Glendale Golf added: “We are looking forward to working in partnership with Chorley Borough Council to construct the new clubhouse. People, who have not played golf for many years, have started coming back to Duxbury Park and have been saying how fantastic the course is looking – and this is just the beginning.” Following consultation, plans for the clubhouse could be submitted for planning permission later this year and it is hoped that building work could start in 2007. http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=22 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=22 Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT Green specialist Glendale has appointed industry expert Andrew Coggins as its new Director of Horticulture. Andrew will also become Managing Director of Coblands Nurseries, which was acquired by Glendale in September 2005. Commenting on his appointment Andrew, said: “Coblands has already enjoyed a successful year and I am looking forward to developing the business further to give the small to medium sized landscaper one-stop access to quality plants. “We are holding an open day on 5th October at our Coblands branch at Trench Road, Tonbridge, when I hope to meet customers past and present to showcase our services.” Andrew was formerly the General Manager of Downtown Garden Centre, in Grantham, Lincolnshire, a company with a £10 million turnover. He also held the position of Operations Manager for Kennedys Garden Centre for 13 years. http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=23 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=23 Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT Charles Bithell has today announced his resignation as Group Finance Director of Parkwood Holdings plc. Mr Bithell, who has expressed his intention to pursue other interests, by agreement, is expected to remain in full service to the end of his contract period in March 2007. A replacement full time Group Finance Director will be recruited as soon as possible. As previously announced, the interim results for the period ended 30 June 2006 will be issued on Monday 11 September. For further information, please contact: Tony Hewitt Executive Chairman Parkwood Holdings plc 01772 627 111 Neil Baldwin Brewin Dolphin 0113 241 0126 Neil Boom Gresham PR Ltd. 020 7404 9000 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=1 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=1 Wed, 06 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT UK - The 400,000 GBP  multi-use games area was opened at Breckland Leisure Centre in Thetford ahead of schedule and on budget. The state-of-the-art all-weather outdoor facility complete with floodlights is designed for a multitude of sports including hockey and football and can host up to three 5-a-side soccer matches at any one time. It has been built as part of the PFI deal signed between Breckland Council and Breckland Leisure Ltd earlier this year. The construction was completed by Kier Eastern and the pitch will be operated by Parkwood Leisure as part of the PFI agreement. William Nunn, Leader of Breckland Council, said, “This is a fantastic facility for local people and gives a taste of the further improvements that are currently underway at the Breckland Leisure Centre. “We know a multi-use facility such as this was a high priority for local sportsmen and women and we have consulted them throughout to ensure we tapped into their expertise and met the needs of the different groups who will use the area. “Our hope is that having a facility which can be used all year round and is floodlit will help local clubs and groups attract more young people from the town and expand the youth sections within their clubs. Sport is a great way to keep fit and healthy as well as forging friendships and building community spirit. “At the council we have illustrated our commitment to sport through our £12.9 million investment in sporting facilities through the PFI as well as building a specialist team of staff to deal with sports development within the district”. Patrick Rendall of Breckland Leisure Ltd said, “Kier Eastern have done a marvellous job completing the project ahead of schedule and to such a superb standard. We understand that a number of clubs will be using the facility for training as well as matches.” “The bowls hall is on track to open next month with the fitness suite due for completion towards the end of October – both are really top class facilities, the like of which have not been seen in Thetford before. Clearly, with any building project, problems can occur but we are not expecting any delays at this moment.” We have already had 270 new members signing up for gym membership at the prospect of this superb suite being available soon and 221 new members for the Brecks Indoor Bowls Club who will be based in the new hall. For further information, bookings and costs please call Breckland Leisure Centre and Waterworld on 01842 753110 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=3 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=3 Wed, 23 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT Staff at Torrington Swimming Pool successfully navigated the length of the English Channel in an 11 hour sponsored swim this month.  The 14 staff, from Managers to Lifeguards, completed the 22 miles in relay format.  In the process, the team has raised between £500 to £750 which will be split between the Devon Air Ambulance and Pool Funds.  Duty Managers Nicola Brend and David Burland organised the swim, which involved swimming 64 lengths of the pool every half hour between 8am and 7pm. General Manager Sandie Spratt launched the swim with Luke Batty taking part in the anchor leg. Sandie said "The event went like a yo-yo.  First we were ahead of schedule, then we fell behind.  The staff had to dig deep to achieve the 22 miles and it was especially tough for those who had to swim two sessions".  During the sponsored swim, there was a raffle and cake stall on poolside and lots of support from the public. http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=6 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=6 Thu, 10 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT Last Month saw the annual raft regatta at Bridgnorth, this year being themed on the World Cup.  A brave team from head office completed the 10 mile course on their hand built raft named 'Keep The Faith' after a gruelling 7-hour paddle downstream from Ironbridge to Bridgnorth. The team had to endure being bombed with eggs and flour from bystanders as well as being soaked by water canons! Over £300 was raised for Acorns Hospice in Worcester which will go to help  children who suffer a wide variety of terminal illnesses. James Humphries, who organised the Leisure Team entry, said "Next year is already on the cards with a lot of improvements needed to the design and hopefully more money raised for charity.".   http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=5 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=5 Sun, 06 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT The Parkwood Leisure Managed Erith Leisure Centre hosted a Uni-hockey and Boccia Event for Adults with learning difficulties on the 19 July 2006. The event organised by Bexley Council in partnership with the MCCH was sponsored by Parkwood Leisure. The Uni-hockey event took place in the morning with the competition based on a league format, and consisted of teams from: Carlton Resource Centre, Sidcup Smerdon Centre, Slade Green Community Link, Greenwich After some excellent performances by all involved, Carlton Resource Centre were eventually crowned champions. The afternoon provided the teams with the opportunity to receive Boccia training from qualified Boccia coach Barry Fisher. Boccia is a target sport similar to bowls and is accessible by all. For this event the teams were joined by competitors from the Ken Boyce Centre, who were the eventual winners. Parkwood Leisure and Bexley Council are looking to build on the success of this event by establishing a regular Boccia club at Erith Leisure Centre, anyone wishing to obtain further details pleases contact wayne.cullen@parkwood-leisure.co.uk http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=7 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=7 Wed, 02 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT Parkwood Leisure has hosted water safety talks targeting 50,000 children aged 8-11 years old throughout June and July. Each of its 36 pools that operate it’s Aquazone Swimming Brand have visited the local community and engaged with children in schools and encouraged them to adopt a safe approach to water. As part of this representatives from Crook Log and Erith Leisure Centre and Dartford and Lamorbey Pools have visited local schools to promote water safety.  The aim of the presentation was to educate children in the dangers that open water can bring and to provide them with the knowledge to stay safe this summer. The presentation was put together in partnership with the ASA and RLSS and shows a major commitment by Parkwood Leisure to focus on the safety of the children that live in the local community. Each child was also resented with a free goody bag that included a voucher for a 50p swim to encourage children to enjoy the water in the safety of their local Swimming Centre. The presentation itself was an opportunity for children ages 8-ll years old to understand the dangers of water and more importantly safe ways in which to enjoy the benefits that swimming can offer. http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=8 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=8 Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT We are pleased to announce that with immediate effect and in line with our future business strategy, Parkwood (PFI) Projects Limited has changed its name to Parkwood Project Management Limited. The company registration number and all contact details remain the same. The company continues to be wholly owned by Parkwood Holdings plc. We have expanded the services we offer, building on the expertise gained from operating in the PFI/PPP arena over the last nine years. We are now able to provide comprehensive project management services operating within a full range of procurement environments and our new name is to reflect this growth. We will continue to work actively in the PFI/PPP market and our services include: Bid Management – All Sectors SPV Management Services including: Project Management Lifecycle Fund Management Management Accounts Financial Model Maintenance Company Secretarial Duties Benchmarking Traditional Project Management including: Feasibility Studies and Business Case Preparation Procurement and Management of Design Teams and Contractors Employers Agent Services Independent Certification http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=9 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=9 Tue, 04 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT In May 2006, Solihull Council and Rivendell Leisure, a company wholly owned by the Parkwood Group, signed a partnership agreement that will see a brand new leisure centre built to replace Tudor Grange sports centre and a major refurbishment of North Solihull Sports Centre. Jeanette McGarry, Corporate Director of Community Services said: "We are delighted that we have achieved this milestone, and that work can finally begin to build a leisure centre fit for the 21st century. The journey here has not always been easy, but people told us they wanted a new leisure centre, and we were determined to keep our promise. It will be very exciting to see work starting on site, and we will do our best to keep any disruption to a minimum. Finally, I would like to wish our staff well, as they embark on their careers with Parkwood." Parkwood PFI Projects is responsible for the overall project management on behalf of the special purpose company, Rivendell Leisure, which was specifically incorporated to manage the PPP leisure contract at Solihull to oversee the build and project manage the sports centres through a 30-year lease. The leisure management will be provided by Parkwood Leisure. Sarah Hughes-Clarke, Managing Director of Parkwood PFI Projects Ltd said ""All members of the Rivendell Consortium are delighted to have signed this important project and are now committed to delivery. Our aim is to provide sports centres that Solihull can be proud of that offer top quality facilities for all age groups and abilities. Over the past two years we have built strong relationships with our partners at Solihull Council and we now look forward to working with the staff to provide new and improved services to all users of the leisure facilities." Work has already begun on the new Tudor Grange Centre, which is being built on the existing footprint. The refurbishment of the North Solihull Sports Centre will commence in August 2006. http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk/news.php?id=10 http://www.parkwood-holdings.co.uk.co.uk/news.php?id=10 Tue, 20 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT