New 30 year lease for community run leisure centre

swimming pool

The current lease, which started in 2015 is for 25 years but if the decision to issue a new lease is made, then the trust will have an additional 9 years, taking it to 2049, which will greatly improve their chances of attracting funding.

The lease and running of the centre was transferred to 4SLC in 2014, following a temporary closure of the site, because it was no longer viable for the council to run the facility.

Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “The Stocksbridge community have put their hearts and souls into this centre. Every penny raised and a lot of the manual work has been done by the people who use the facilities.

“Facilities, services and activities at the centre have greatly improved, which is testament to the hard work and determination of the community trust. Extending the lease reflects their success in running the centre and allows them a better chance to continue securing grant funding.

“We know that physical activity has a huge impact on mental wellbeing and it’s clear to see that this facility is more than just a leisure centre, it’s the heart of the community. I’m so pleased that we can support 4SLC in continuing this excellent provision for the next three decades.”

Community trust, 4SLC, was set up by local people to enable them to raise funds for, refurbish and take over management of the leisure centre. After many hours of hard work from the community, the centre was reopened in January 2014.

Over the following two years 4SLC continued their hard work and fundraising to completely renew and reopen the two swimming pools at the centre.

As a community run leisure centre it’s essential that the trust can continue to access funding to enable them to keep improving and providing excellent services at a valuable cost for local people. An extension to the current lease gives the trust a better chance of accessing grant funding and allows them to confidently plan for the centre’s future.

Andy Clarke, CEO at 4SLC said: "The lease extension provides us with longer-term continuity and improves our prospects of securing further capital funding to improve access and facilities for all the community."

Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre provides many activities including swimming, gym, fitness classes, squash, bowling, badminton, football, kids clubs, birthday parties and more. To find out more visit http://www.stocksbridgeclc.co.uk/

A decision will be made at the council’s Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 13 February. The report is available to read on the council's website.