Inside new Dimensions gymnastics centre after council shut down Burslem base

A gymnastics centre forced out of its previous home by a cash-strapped council has now relaunched inside Dimensions Leisure Centre. Stoke-on-Trent City Council ^[1] shut Burslem ^[2] Gymnastics Centre last year after revealing it would cost £1.85m to keep it open ^[3].

Council plans were later approved to relocate the centre to Dimensions - despite a backlash from service users who feared equipment would have to be downsized.

Now the Dimensions Leisure Centre facility has opened over the weekend.

Head coach Mathew Rowley said: "It has been fantastic. All the feedback we have had has been great and there was a good turnout.

"We have had the squad in and the development gymnasts. There have been around 40 in.

The new gymnastic centre at Dimensions Leisure Centre

"We have had a bit of a downsize, but we have kept the majority of the equipment. We lost a trampoline and a foam pit area. We have had new kit though.

"This is our permanent new home and Dimensions is a leisure centre with a lot of other facilities. Some of the parents have joined the health club as some children train for up to three hours. They've said they may as well make use of the other facilities and they can take the children swimming for free.

"We have filled all the classes through taster sessions and opened it up to recreational gymnasts. We teach ages five to 11 and offer classes to ages three and up."

Mum Hannah Wheawall, aged 34, said: "It's great. It all looks very new and fresh and the viewing area is really good.

"We used to go to the one in Burslem. I'm pleased with Dimensions because I can take my children swimming while one does gymnastics, and there's a play area and a little cafe. I think it's a positive move."

References

^{^} Stoke-on-Trent City Council (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Burslem (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} would cost £1.85m to keep it open (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
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