New management for Gateshead and Birtley's leisure centres
The council signed over the facilities to local community groups today
Last updated 31st May 2024
New management arrangements for Gateshead Leisure Centre and Birtley Swimming Centre are now in place, after Gateshead Council signed over the facilities to local community groups with effect from today (31 May).
Both buildings were closed in July last year, after an extensive review of council-run leisure services concluded that operating the sites was no longer possible due to budget challenges. Since then, the council has been working closely with community groups Gateshead Active and Birtley Aquatics to develop their plans for reopening the centres as community-run facilities.
Gateshead Leisure Centre will fully reopen under the management of the Gateshead Active group on 14 June, with some activities available even sooner. Birtley Aquatics are planning to reopen Birtley Swimming Centre in September, once they have replaced the boilers, carried out other necessary repairs and purchased new equipment for the pools.
As not-for-profit organisations, the community groups are able to access a wider range of funding sources than the council can. It’s hoped that this will make the complex and expensive operation of both centres more financially viable and ensure that they can continue to support the health and wellbeing of Gateshead’s communities for generations to come.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said:
“It’s fantastic news that these much-loved facilities are reopening.
"Of course, it remains regrettable that the closures were necessary in the first place, but after months of hard work from both the community groups and council teams, today marks a very positive milestone in our journey towards providing accessible and sustainable leisure facilities for the people of Gateshead.
"I’m looking forward to seeing the community groups make their plans a reality and we will continue to support them however we can.”
Looking ahead to the imminent reopening of Gateshead Leisure Centre, Gateshead Active Board members said:
“The Board of Trustees and employees of Gateshead Active have worked tirelessly to ensure that Gateshead Leisure Centre can re-open and once again serve its diverse community. There have been a huge number of people involved in this asset transfer, and Gateshead Active want to thank every single person – from campaigners and volunteers to team members – who have gone above and beyond over the last 12 months.
"This transfer is the largest of its kind in the council’s history. We know this has not been an easy process for all the parties involved and we again want to acknowledge the work of the council employees who have helped ensure that the centre is ready to be handed over.
"Gateshead Active is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to serving the health and wellbeing needs of its community. We are beyond excited to throw open the doors to and make Gateshead Leisure Centre a buzzing community hub and outstanding local asset at the heart of our community.”
The council is currently working towards appointing a partner operator for Blaydon, Dunston and Heworth leisure centres, as well as Gateshead International Stadium, to ensure that people across the borough can continue to access a range of high-quality swimming pools, gyms, sports halls, outdoor pitches and more.
It’s expected that a decision will be made by Cabinet members in September as the procurement reaches its conclusion.
Information on Gateshead Leisure Centre membership, activities and facilities is available at www.gatesheadleisurecentre.co.uk.