In Leeds we want to ensure even more people whatever their background can participate in sport. As part of this aim, we need to ensure our leisure centres are places where people want to regularly enjoy sport and active recreation for years to come.
In delivering this plan there are many challenges to be faced, for example:
- meeting the rising costs of running the leisure centres (energy and maintenance costs)
- meeting rising customer expectations for high quality, value-for-money services
- financing the build costs of an ambitious leisure centre development programme (one new pool can cost over £10m to build)
- ensuring the health and well-being of local communities is supported
Leeds City Council carried out a consultation between August and November 2008 on the future of its 24 leisure centres, looking at various options for the development of new centres across the city. People across Leeds were asked what they think about the city’s leisure centres and to suggest their ideas about how facilities could be improved.
The consultation sought to gain the views of local people on:
- the quality of the existing provision
- the location and quantity of existing leisure centres in the city
- our draft proposals for development
The first phase of consultation is now complete, and a report is going to the council’s Executive Board on 3rd December 2008 for approval on the next phase.
The main feedback reports are attached, as is the Executive Board report summarising the consultation results and schedule of consultation that was undertaken.
If you would like any further information on the consultation undertaken, please contact the project manager, Helen Evans email newleaf@leeds.gov.uk