The future of who will run Penzance's iconic Jubilee Pool remains uncertain as Tempus Leisure's contract with Cornwall Council reaches its end.

The grade II listed lido, which enjoyed its busiest year this year following a £2.94 million reconstruction, is one of 15 sites currently run by Tempus as part of its contract with Cornwall Council.

But it is the notable exception in the portfolio which is being handed to new operator Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), which comes into effect in April 2017.

The pool, which is now closed for the winter, is one of a list of assets which Penzance Town Council is negotiating to take control of from Cornwall Council, a process which has been ongoing since at least the beginning of this year.

Ben Brosgall, the town council's leisure and amenities manager, confirmed that the pool "is on the devolution programme to go to us," but said any decision over management of the pool would still currently be a matter for the unitary authority to decide.

A spokesperson for GLL said the company would not rule out taking on the management of the facility if it was offered.

He said: "The pool is not within the facilities included in the contract award just announced.

"While not in our current plan, we’ll review it when it comes up for tender."

The uncertainty follows Cornwall Council's decision to change the provider of its leisure services.

GLL, a national not-for-profit operator which currently runs over 200 leisure centres and has more than 20 years experience, was the council's chosen tenderer.

Announcing the decision Adam Paynter, the council’s cabinet member for resources, said: “Firstly I’d like to place on record my thanks to Tempus Leisure for their fantastic work over the years running Cornwall’s leisure facilities in such a professional manner.

"We have always made it clear that we want to keep leisure centres open in Cornwall but without an ongoing subsidy from the Council. By taking the initiative, carefully considering all the options and then going through a vigorous tendering process, we are confident that in awarding this contract to GLL we will secure the future of the Council’s leisure facilities."

The facilities included in the contract have been awarded to GLL on a long term 25 lease basis which means that the Council will continue to own the freehold of the sites.

The council claims the deal will save it almost £3.5m a year, as well as delivering work experience, volunteering and apprenticeship placements and supporting Cornwall’s athletes.

GLL is expected to make a significant investment into the leisure centres and the equipment which will be initially financed through council borrowing to be repaid with interest over the life of the contract.