Search for new leisure centre operator in Lincoln
Council leaders will be asked to give approval to start the procurement process
City of Lincoln Council hopes to reopen the city’s closed leisure centres urgently as it looks to begin the search for a short-term operator.
Yarborough and Birchwood Leisure Centres closed after Active Nation, who ran them on behalf of the council, unexpectedly stopped trading.
Council leaders will be asked to give approval to start the procurement process for a new company at an emergency meeting next week (April 15).
The contractor would manage the centres for the next two years.
However, the future after that is less clear, with the council saying it would use the time to “pause and reflect on the future of leisure provision”.
Several interested companies have already come forward, although formal talks can’t take place until the Executive committee’s approval is given.
The council has also revealed for the first time that it offered a £480,000 support package to Active Nation, which also included a suspension of debt repayments.
However this was declined by the charity for unknown reasons, who reportedly assured the council that it was stable.
Simon Walters, the council’s Strategic Director of Communities and Environment, said: “These centres play a vital role in supporting the physical and mental health of residents of the city and beyond and it is vital that they re-open as soon as possible.
“The option being recommended by officers is that the council urgently procure an interim leisure provider for up to two years to replace Active Nation.
“This offers the fastest route to re-opening the two centres, which members have already indicated is the approach they want to take.
“The recommended option will enable a leisure provider who has the necessary experience, expertise, knowledge and resources to take control of the two centres and make them a success.
“This option also gives members and officers the time and space to carefully consider the changing local government landscape and leisure industry itself before committing to a longer-term contract.”
Active Nation said in a statement released last week: “Due to the ongoing utility crisis and the challenges it has created, Active Nation has made the difficult decision to close Yarborough Leisure Centre and the Birchwood Leisure Centre, effective Wednesday, April 2.
“After discussion with the City of Lincoln Council, we regret to inform you that no alternative providers have been identified for transferring services, which means the centres will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
“We are deeply disappointed by this outcome and would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all Lincoln residents for your support since 2007.
“It has been an honour to serve this community, and we are truly grateful for the trust and loyalty you have shown us over the years.”