City of Lincoln Council’s Executive has this evening approved a report to begin the urgent procurement of an interim operator for Yarborough Leisure Centre and Birchwood Leisure Centre.
The decision follows the unexpected closure of both centres after former operator Active Nation ceased trading on 3 April.
With a priority to reopen the facilities as quickly as possible, council officers assessed four potential options. The recommended option proved to be the unanimous choice of Executive members, which was to appoint an interim provider for the next two years.
This approach is seen as the most effective and immediate solution and allows the centres to reopen swiftly.
One of the council’s key partners, Lincoln City Foundation, the charitable arm of Lincoln City FC, is currently managing the outdoor leisure facilities at both centres on behalf of the council over the next three months.
Once a new provider has been appointed, they will manage both indoor and outdoor leisure facilities at both centres for the next two years.
Simon Walters, Strategic Director of Communities and Environment at City of Lincoln Council, said:
“These centres are vital for the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents, and reopening them as soon as possible is a top priority.
“The approved option enables us to bring in an experienced and capable provider who can stabilise operations in the short term while we take time to consider the future shape of leisure services in Lincoln.”
The council has now also repossessed its buildings at Yarborough Leisure Centre and Birchwood Leisure Centre. This means that essential maintenance can be carried out, and the pool’s water quality can be maintained. Some refurbishment work will also be necessary before a new interim operator is brought in.
The approved procurement will now proceed at pace to appoint a suitable interim operator and get both facilities back open to the public as soon as possible.