Countdown to Wimborne leisure centre ending public use
The Queen Elizabeth facilities will become part of the school next door
The time has finally come for Dorset Council to cut ties with Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre (QELC) in Wimborne.
The local authority announced two years ago it could no longer afford the ÂŁ500,000 a year subsidy for the loss making venue.
From the 31st of March 2024, it will no longer operate as a public leisure centre.
QE School will now take over the management of the building, with students still able to use the facilities.
QELC currently has around 40 permanent employees; nine full-time workers, with a further 31 in part-time roles.
Everyone in scope of potential redundancy has now entered a 45-day period of formal consultation with Dorset Council, with one-to-one support offered and with liaison with trade unions.
Liz West, chief executive officer of Initio Learning Trust which runs the QE School, said:
“We are disappointed that Dorset Council has cut funding and will no longer run QELC.
“We have explored every possible way of maintaining the leisure centre, including through partnerships with private operators, but without significant capital investment it simply is not viable.
“Dorset Council were asked to provide funding to support this development, but unfortunately they were unable to do so.
“Whilst QELC won’t be run as a public leisure centre, QE students will still use the facilities for lessons as they always have, and they will continue to receive a first-class education in sport and fitness.
“We also recognise the important role that QELC plays in the local community, and we are developing opportunities for clubs and community groups to hire the facilities.
“The building itself needs improvement and we are still in negotiations with Dorset Council to secure their contribution for the works.
“They have committed to handing back the QELC building in good condition and have set aside a £730k budget. We very much hope and expect that this funding will be provided in full.”
If anyone has any questions about services and activities at QELC from 1st April 2024 onwards, you're asked to contact office@queenelizabeths.com or call 01202 885233.
To discuss existing services and activities at QELC up to 31st March 2024, you can email Queenelizabeth@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or by calling 01202 888208.