Latest news
High cost of repairs force closure of Lancaster Sports Centre
Lancaster Sports Centre in Derby is set to close this autumn because of the high cost of vital repair work.
Derby City Council has said the facility, which opened in 1973, would need more than £0.75m spent on refurbishments over the next five years, plus a further £500,000 over the next 20 years just to keep the building operational.
Alan Graves, cabinet member for leisure and direct services, said: “It is regrettable that we have to close the centre but we have limited resources and need to target them efficiently and effectively.
“The centre was built in the early 1970s and needs a large amount of money spending on it to carry out basic repairs to the building and equipment – even before we even start to consider improvements to make it a modern, attractive and accessible sports centre.
“The council has a backlog of around £100m worth of repairs needed to its buildings and the work at Lancaster needs to be put in context with that and the competing demands on the budget.”
He added that the council would be working with all user groups of the centre, many from socially disadvantaged areas, to help them find alternative facilities. He also said it will assist the centre’s 19 staff to find work at other sports and leisure centres.
Lancaster Sports Centre, which welcomed 93,700 people in 2005/6 and incurs running costs after income of £65,000 per year, will close on 29 October. Details: www.derby.gov.uk