The future of a popular sports centre in north Ipswich has been secured after a new operator was found to run the facility.

Northgate Sports Centre will now be managed by Vivify, a school’s lettings company, which will replace Ipswich Borough Council as the operator.

The future of the site on the grounds of Northgate High School, in Sidegate Lane West, was uncertain after the borough council opted to return management responsibilities to Suffolk County Council at the end of March.

Suffolk County Council said Ipswich Borough Council had pulled out of a 25-year-old agreement to run the service.

Vivify, which the county council described as having "extensive experience" of running more than 500 sports facilities across the country, will take charge of the centre on Saturday, April 1.

The site will close for site maintenance work for several weeks before reopening on Monday, April 17.

Paul West, cabinet member for Ipswich at Suffolk County Council, said: "When Ipswich Borough Council handed back its 25-year commitment to run the facilities, we were left in a challenging position.

"Traditionally we have no knowledge or experience of running sports facilities – this sits at borough level.

"However, we knew we had a duty to pick up responsibility for the popular venue and ensure its future.

"Hundreds of people use the site, whether running clubs or for racquet sports, so we accepted that – despite the unilateral decision of the borough council – we could not let the site close. 

"I am delighted that we have secured a deal with Vivify. Thanks to the prompt action of officers, Northgate Sports Centre will continue to operate as a significant asset for Ipswich."