£875m investment needed in public sports and leisure facilities

Council leaders have said that long-term investment in public sport and leisure facilities is key to supporting efforts to tackle health inequalities exposed by the pandemic.

The Local Government Association is urging the government to invest £875 million in leisure facilities, pitches, and parks to enable councils to reduce obesity; ensure a healthier, more active and productive nation in the future; reduce our carbon footprint; and prepare communities for the inspiration provided by the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

It is believed that strategic investment would help build or refurbish 25 new facilities each year over a three-year period, creating a network of hubs specifically designed to help people become more active in their everyday lives.

Research reveals that 86 per cent of residents say they prefer exercising in a leisure centre, compared to a more informal environment and 77 per cent said they felt the staff at the centre gave them the guidance they needed to be more active, demonstrating the significance of public leisure centres in supporting the activity levels of residents.

Nearly two thirds of the leisure estate is ageing and with some leisure providers still facing financial constraints, many facilities are at risk of closure, with the loss of 2,000 swimming pools predicted by the end of the decade.

Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: “The provision of affordable public leisure facilities is essential for levelling up an area and councils want to work with communities to design the leisure centres, sports pitches, parks and other infrastructure that will best enable them to build activity into their lives.

“It cannot be understated the multitude of ways that public sport and leisure facilities contribute to society, from reducing the burden on the NHS and social care, improving our mental and physical health and supporting the ambitions of our sporting superstars. It’s imperative the upcoming Spending Review recognises this with vital long-term investment in these cherished and vital services.”