Two public leisure centres in Lincoln have closed their doors after Active Nation, the charity that operated them, ceased trading due to ongoing financial pressures. The City of Lincoln Council confirmed the closures of the Yarborough and Birchwood leisure centres, describing the situation as a "sad development" and stating that they are currently assessing available options.
In an email sent to members on Wednesday night, Active Nation attributed the closures to "the ongoing utility crisis and the challenges it has created." The charity expressed disappointment over the outcome, noting that no alternative providers had been identified to take over the services at the centres, which means they will remain closed for the foreseeable future. "We regret to inform you that no alternative providers have been identified for transferring services, which means the centres will remain closed for the foreseeable future. We are deeply disappointed by this outcome," the charity stated.
The City of Lincoln Council emphasized the hard work of staff at both venues, who had strived to keep the centres operational during challenging trading conditions. The council added, "Their announcement will no doubt cause considerable concern to users of those two facilities, and of course to the staff employed in them." In light of the closures, the council advised individuals with pre-paid memberships to contact their bank or card provider for assistance.
Despite the closures in Lincoln, the situation is markedly different in Southampton, where Active Nation also operated several leisure centres. The charity announced it would cease trading in Southampton as well, citing "immense pressure" from rising utility costs as the reason behind its difficult decision. However, Southampton City Council quickly confirmed that leisure services would continue uninterrupted under the management of Places Leisure, which took over operations starting on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
In an effort to quell concerns from residents, Southampton City Council issued a statement assuring that current membership fees are "safe" and that members would still be able to access leisure centres as normal. "Any bookings or subscriptions are still valid, and you will be able to access our leisure centre offering as normal," the council spokesperson said. Additionally, all current memberships will be honored by Places Leisure, ensuring a seamless transition for users.
Active Nation's contract manager, Maxwell Bradbury-Knight, confirmed that the company would officially stop trading at 11:59 PM on April 2, 2025. He reassured members that all venues would remain open and operate as usual during the transition to Places Leisure. "There may be some challenges with payment systems and booking processes, but these will be addressed in the coming days," he stated. The Places Leisure team, along with Bradbury-Knight and his management team, was on-site to facilitate a smooth transition and minimize any disruptions to service.
The City of Southampton has also committed to supporting its staff during this transition, ensuring they are offered continued employment with Places Leisure. The council expressed its commitment to the local leisure team through this challenging period, highlighting the importance of maintaining staffing levels and service continuity.
As the closures unfold, the City of Lincoln Council faces the task of finding a new operator for the Yarborough and Birchwood leisure centres. The council is exploring various options while acknowledging the impact on the community and the importance of these facilities for local residents.
In the meantime, the Lincoln 10K, an event scheduled for Sunday, April 6, 2025, will proceed as planned, starting from the Yarborough leisure centre despite its closure. This event is expected to draw participants and spectators, showcasing the community's resilience in the face of recent challenges.
Active Nation, a charity based in Warwickshire, previously operated facilities in multiple locations, including Southampton and Aldershot. The charity's abrupt cessation of operations raises questions about the future of leisure services in the regions it served and highlights the broader issues facing community facilities amid rising utility costs.
As leisure centres across the country grapple with financial sustainability, the situation in Lincoln and Southampton serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between providing accessible public services and managing operational costs. The closures have sparked discussions about the need for innovative solutions to ensure the viability of community leisure facilities in the face of economic pressures.
In conclusion, while the immediate future of leisure services in Lincoln remains uncertain, Southampton residents can rest assured that their access to leisure facilities will continue without interruption. The transition to Places Leisure illustrates the importance of adaptability in the face of changing circumstances, ensuring that community members can continue to enjoy their local leisure offerings.
