Some Kirklees Leisure Centres a step closer to being kept open
Closures had been earmarked to save cash.
It looks like Batley Sports Centre and Colne Valley Leisure Centre could be a step closer to staying open.
It's after a public consultation was launched, following the ear marking of centres for closure to save money.
A statement from Kirklees Council said:
"Batley Sports and Tennis Centre and Colne Valley Leisure Centre will remain open under plans to be considered by Kirklees Council next week (12 December 2023). The recommendations follow a huge response from residents to a public consultation on the future of leisure centres across Kirklees.
"Over 17,800 people responded to the consultation which had earmarked the centres for closure due to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and a major squeeze on council funding. But after weeks of public debate and work by Kirklees Council alongside leisure operator Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), the councillors will be asked to approve a new model of leisure centre provision.
"At the same time, the council has pledged to continue working with communities in Dewsbury and Deighton to come up with a long-term plan to support them to remain physically active. "
Cllr Cathy Scott, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:
“When we launched this review, we said we would leave no stone unturned in maintaining access to health and fitness services for as many local people as we possibly could. That’s why we’ve been working hard with KAL and others to reduce costs, model future income and take on board all the feedback from residents.
“As a result of that work, we’ve been able to build a viable case for keeping Colne Valley Leisure Centre and Batley Sports and Tennis Centre open alongside six other KAL-run centres. This is a much wider offer than we were able to make a few weeks ago.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation. We never doubted how important these centres are to local communities. But this consultation has also given us hugely valuable information about how customers want to use their centres and changes KAL can make so that their facilities are as financially viable as possible. Your views and ideas have really made a difference.
“The important thing now is to see this public support maintained over the coming years. If we can boost memberships, usage and fundraising, KAL leisure centres have a positive future. But we need to face facts, it’s still a tough financial environment for councils and leisure operators across the country. Our leisure centres need ongoing support from the council and communities for the foreseeable future.
“Unfortunately, there are no easy answers for Dewsbury Sports Centre. The building needs significant investment to make it safe and fit for purpose. This means we are unable to re-open it but we will work with the local community to explore future options.”