Deal struck to rescue West Sussex leisure centres
They had been mothballed after their owners fell into liquidation
The futures of three leisure centres in West Sussex have been protected after a deal was signed for their rescue.
Lancing Manor Leisure Centre, Southwick Leisure Centre and the Wadurs swimming pool in Shoreham were all mothballed last July after their owner, Arun Community Leisure (ACL), declared insolvency during lockdown.
They had been closed since March due to coronavirus lockdown rules banning sites such as leisure centres from opening their doors.
All sites are owned by Adur District Council, who have now agreed a deal with South Downs Leisure (SDL) that will see them take over the operating of the centres.
SDL already runs sites in neighbouring Worthing such as the Splashpoint Leisure Centre and Worthing Leisure Centre.
They have said preparations are underway to reopen the centres once lockdown rules in England are eased.
The leisure trust will begin work to offer all users membership rates for all facilities across Adur and Worthing.
Cllr Emma Evans, Adur District Council's Executive Member for the Environment, said:
“I'm delighted we have got this deal over the line. South Downs Leisure has an excellent record of delivering first class sports and leisure services and I am sure we in Adur will benefit from its expertise.
“This deal means that as soon as the government decides it is safe to do so we will be able to reopen these facilities which, if lockdown has taught us anything, we know can play an important role in helping with our health and wellbeing.”
The proposed deal between Adur District Council and SDL is for five years and the council will provide funds of more than £700,000 for that period.
It has already spent £300,000 on maintaining the buildings and equipment and preparing for the future since the demise of ACL.
Chief Executive of SDL, Duncan Anderson, said:
“It's great to be working in partnership with Adur District Council to take over the operation of these leisure facilities and get them ready for reopening to the community with a new and improved membership package.
"In the meantime we would encourage all residents in Adur to download our South Downs Leisure App which has 45 free weekly classes being live streamed each week.”
Any eventual profit SDL, a charitable trust, generates will be invested back into the facilities or help activities within the community.