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Lincoln leisure centres could re-open in time for summer holidays after shock closures




Two closed leisure centres could be re-opened by mid-July, in time for the summer holidays.

Yarborough and Birchwood Leisure Centres shut unexpectedly two weeks ago after Active Nation, which ran them for City of Lincoln Council, suddenly ceased trading.

Yaborough Leisure Centre
Yaborough Leisure Centre

Council leaders have approved the emergency procurement for a new provider, who will run the centres for the next two years.

It hopes that the process, which usually takes eight to 12 months, can be completed in the next 12 weeks, although this will depend on how quickly the new company can move.

After the two-year contract period, the council will reassess how it wants to provide leisure services before making a long-term decision.

A special meeting on Tuesday (April 15) heard that several national providers had already expressed interest in the contract.

Leader Naomi Tweddle (Lab) said: “It’s important we get this done as soon as possible.

“It has been a whirlwind two weeks, and we can’t underestimate the amount of work still to do.

“I hope they can be open before the summer holidays, but it depends on the provider.”

“I’ve been genuinely heart-warmed by the response, and the council has been inundated with offers of support and help. We know how valuable the centres are to the community.”

She added it was right that the council take another look at the future of leisure, saying: “The industry has changed so much in the last 20 years [since Active Nation started running the centres.]”

The meeting praised the work that groups, including Lincoln City Foundation, had done in reopening outdoor facilities for sports clubs as soon as possible.

The two leisure centres are now back in council control after they were repossessed from Active Nation.

Simon Walters, the council’s director of communities, said: “Work is going on to maintain them, including the swimming pool, and carry out repairs so they are in the best possible condition for the new provider.”

Coun Rebecca Longbottom (Lab) read a letter from a resident who described the sports centres as a ‘lifeline’ in managing pain from her illness, and said: “It’s so important they are open again for people’s physical and mental wellbeing.”

The cost of living crisis, rising energy bills and the Covid lockdowns have been blamed for Active Nation’s decision to stop trading.

The charity announced on April 2 that the centres wouldn’t reopen the next day, to the surprise of both customers and staff.

The council had offered Active Nation a support package worth £480,000 over two years in January, but the charity rejected it due to an escape clause the council wanted.



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