Buyers given chance to buy leisure centre at risk of demolition
A struggling leisure centre in need of £10-million of repairs could be saved by a third-party takeover. Officials at Lincolnshire County Council[1] are offering a lifeline to the Deepings Leisure Centre, in Deeping St James[2], by inviting third-party takeover proposals - but have warned it could face demolition.
The council's executive will present this plan on July 4, aiming to secure a party that can present a sustainable and viable business case for refurbishing and running the site. Councillor Richard Butroid, executive member for corporate property, has been vocal about this course of action.
He said: "We are not in a position to take on the running of the site, particularly given the significant repairs that are required. However, we are keen to see that facility reopen within the within the Market Deeping area and support local people."
Poll: What's the worst road in Lincolnshire for traffic?[3]
He added that the council recognised the centre's importance to the local community and thus proposes inviting expressions of interest from third parties for long-term operation. Cllr Butroid said estimates to repair the building would run into the millions just to get it back up and running, however he said: “We think that’s probably achievable for a third party to do and then to build on that going forward.”
He also called upon South Kesteven District Council (SKDC), which ran the centre until January 2023, to extend its support due to its responsibility for local leisure facilities. The county council's proposal encourages potential operators to consider shared usage with the Deepings School, which requires a permanent sports hall.
However, agreement from the school trust and the Department for Education is a pre-requisite. Should no suitable third-party be found, the council will consider tearing the building down and transferring the land to the Anthem Schools Trust, the managing body of the Deepings School.
Cllr Butroid said: "That would not be an easy decision to make, but we feel it’s time to end the ongoing uncertainty around the future of the leisure centre and set out a clear way forward." Prior to the executive’s verdict on July 4, the proposal will be assessed by the council's overview and scrutiny management board at its meeting on June 29.
Deepings Leisure Centre has faced a tumultuous past, with issues arising from structural disrepair to shifts in management. The centre shut in 2021 due to serious health and safety concerns over a leaky roof.
The district council announced back in November, 2022 that the £10.5m repairs needed for the leisure centre had become unaffordable and confirmed it would close for good[4]. Former council leader Kelham Cooke said at the time: "We can’t keep spending money that we cannot afford. It's a bitter pill to swallow.
"None of us wanted to be making this decision. I am sorry that the council has failed over the years to manage the facility, but it has now got to the point where it’s unsafe."
References
- ^ Lincolnshire County Council (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Deeping St James (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ What's the worst road in Lincolnshire for traffic? (xd.wayin.com)
- ^ confirmed it would close for good (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)