Proposals to close the Deepings leisure centre are being discussed by Councillors this afternoon
a report concluded it needs significant expensive repairs
Proposals to close the Deepings leisure centre are being discussed by Councillors this afternoon.
A report on the state of the building has concluded the current facility at Deeping St James urgently needs significant repairs costing over a million pounds.
The preferred option is to close the building permanently with South Kesteven District Council then exploring the possibility of a replacement and seeking funding for the project.
Protests have taken place in the area urging the council to keep the building open.
The Deepings Leisure Centre was closed for safety reasons following rainwater leaks on Tuesday 27 July. A Building Conditions Survey highlighted significant repair and remedial work.
The Cabinet will consider the findings of a new report on the building structure which has confirmed that, amongst the other work necessary, a total replacement of the roof is the only option to ensure the building becomes safe and watertight. The total cost of the work identified in the report is estimated at ÂŁ1.2million.
In addition, further sums would have to be committed to cover the replacement of the air handling unit and the remedial works to the pool tank. The report also confirms that all the remedial work identified would only bring the centre back into operation and would not result in an enhancement to the existing building.
The leisure facility has been managed by South Kesteven District Council since it was built in 1974, while the building and land is owned by Lincolnshire County Council.
Following the receipt of the Building Conditions Report, both Councils have agreed that Deepings Leisure Centre is now past its economic and operational life and, considering the significant imminent health and safety risk, the most suitable option is for the Council to cease the operation of the building as soon as possible.
The report prepared for consideration by the Cabinet recommends that South Kesteven District Council notifies Lincolnshire County Council of its intention to cease the management of Deepings Leisure Centre in its current building with effect from the 1 September 2021 due to serious health and safety concerns.
Barry Dobson, Deputy Leader of South Kesteven District Council and Cabinet Member for Leisure said: “Deepings Leisure Centre is reaching the end of its operational life and, considering the significant imminent health and safety risk, we must urgently discuss the future viability of this building.
“While the report highlighted no immediate health and safety concerns at the time it was completed, the recent torrential rain has accelerated the deterioration of the building and regrettably forced us to close the centre temporarily.
“People’s safety is our most important concern, but we do recognise the impact of the potential closure of this important community facility.
“The report and recent temporary closure of the building highlights the need for a new Leisure Centre in the Deepings. There is an ongoing shared ambition between the Council and Lincolnshire County Council to ensure a replacement Leisure Centre is established in the Deepings and to identify a suitable location. Talks are continuing between the two councils to explore all possibilities.”
Lincolnshire County Council has confirmed that, if the Leisure Centre ceases its operation, it will support The Deepings School, which also uses the buildings, to secure a suitable sports hall solution in the short-term. The county council has also offered land on Millfield Road as a potential site for a new Leisure Centre.
James Drury, Director of Commercial, Lincolnshire County Council said: “We are aware of the challenges facing the Deepings Leisure Centre buildings, which are coming to the end of their operational life.
“As a priority, we will be working with all parties to ensure that in the short term the school has an appropriate venue for exams and PE lessons.
“If the decision is made to close the Leisure Centre, we will also all be working towards keeping as many sporting facilities open as possible for the community with all partners involved, while a long-term permanent solution is explored. In the longer term we will support SKDC as they consider the future options for leisure centre provision in the area and have offered county council land on Millfield Road as a potential new site.
“We will also be working with Anthem Trust regarding how best to re-instate a fit for purpose school sports hall for The Deepings Academy."
While the Centre is closed, all outdoor facilities, such as the football and rugby pitches on Linchfield Road, will remain available for use. However, indoor facilities will be unavailable for public use.