Leisure centres on the brink without immediate funding

The District Councils’ Network has warned that leisure centres closed due to coronavirus may never re-open unless government brings forward a financial rescue package to save the sector.

The organisation is forecasting a financial hit to leisure centres of around £305 million this year – which will send many out of business. Leisure services in district council areas lost over £45 million in income in April 2020 alone, compared with the year before.

With the length of lockdown unknown, and many fearing a second spike in coronavirus cases, councils are increasingly concerned that the rapid loss of income will cause many leisure providers to go bust, while those that might survive would offer reduced services and hours. This is exacerbated by the need for social distancing, and the resulting implications of reduced customer confidence and footfall.

The DCN is calling for emergency funding to ensure the leisure sector can survive the current period, and is able to reopen when it is safe to do so. It says leisure centres have a fundamental role to play in the national recovery from the pandemic, by improving physical and mental health and tackling health inequalities.

Dan Humphreys, DCN lead member for enhancing quality of life, said: “After months of lockdown, and being unable to visit their local gym or swimming pool, it would be a devastating blow to communities to find they no longer have their local leisure centre, once we come out of this pandemic. But the sad reality is that our leisure centres are in a crisis right now. Their income has plummeted and some may never recover without a lifeline from government which helps stabilise leisure centres in the short term.

“As local leaders, district councils are committed to tackling this health and economic crisis now and in the future. Leisure and sport will be critical to improving the health of people from all ages and backgrounds as we emerge from this crisis. As destinations in themselves, they also draw people in to town centres creating community spaces and support for local businesses. We should now come together to create a leisure and sport service that plays its full role in the national health and economic recovery.”

Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: “Councils are deeply concerned about the future of leisure facilities which provide thousands of people and families with access to affordable gyms, swimming pools and exercise opportunities they would otherwise not have. Research prior to the pandemic showed that lack of funding means nearly two thirds of leisure facilities are more than 10 years old and require refurbishment.

“With the coronavirus crisis set to worsen the future outlook of leisure facilities and many older properties at immediate risk of closure, this will have a negative impact on the population’s mental and physical health. As we look ahead to rebuilding the nation, local leisure facilities will play a vital role in ensuring our communities remain healthy. We look forward to working with the government and leisure providers to identify funding to avoid reaching a crisis point.”