County Council agree to transfer Deepings Leisure Centre ownership to community group
The centre is another step towards re-opening
Last updated 9th May 2024
The Deepings Leisure Centre is a step closer to re-opening, after Lincolnshire County Council agreed to transfer ownership to a community group along with a grant of ÂŁ850,000.
On Wednesday, the council’s Executive unanimously approved the transfer of ownership of the leisure centre to the Deepings Community Leisure Centre Community Interest Company (CIC), the group aiming to renovate and reopen the centre.
The space was forced to close in July 2021 because of a faulty roof presenting health and safety hazards.
Virginia Moran, Director of the CIC and an Independent councillor on South Kesteven District Council, stated that around ÂŁ2.4 million is needed for a complete refurbishment.
During the meeting, Council Leader Martin Hill (Conservative) mentioned that although Chief Executive Debbie Barnes had a productive meeting with local stakeholders, there are still “quite a few hurdles to cross.”
Councillor Richard Butroid (Conservative) echoed this sentiment, stating that there was “a long way to go” to secure approvals from the Department for Education and meeting various conditions.
However, it was also noted that the connecting school, now under new management, appears more positive about the arrangement, and a potential leisure provider partner has been identified.
Following the meeting, Councillor Hill said: “I think it’s quite an important decision; as the owners of the Deepings Leisure Centre building, we want to support the local community and try to make sure that the Deepings Leisure Centre does reopen.
“We had a very positive meeting with the local community group and other stakeholders, including the school, so there is optimism that we can make this happen. However, I think it’s important to stress that we are not there yet.”
He added: “If the county council hands over a significant sum of money, we need to make sure that it is spent on what it is intended for, but also that the plan for reviving the Deepings Leisure Centre has longevity because what we don’t want is to hand money over and then find in two years’ time that it has failed.
“We’re fairly confident that that won’t happen, but we just need to make sure that in a legal sense, we are clear: if we hand over the money, there will be no financial comeback on the county council taxpayer.”
Virginia Moran said she was “absolutely delighted” to hear the news. The contribution from the county council, along with SKDC’s contribution of £850,000 in January, brings the total amount raised to reopen the centre to around £1.7 million.
“We still have one hurdle left to cover, but we’re a long way towards the total we need, which is about £2.4 million,” she added.
Looking ahead, the CIC is finalising their community ownership bid, which they hope will secure the remaining funds needed.