UK leisure big collapses as swimming pools and gymnasiums throughout nation battle for survival
Fusion Lifestyle, which runs leisure centres and swimming pools in a number of areas, has appointed administrators after prolonged financial difficulty
Fusion Lifestyle confirmed it has appointed administrators(Image: Getty Images)
A charity operating numerous leisure centres and swimming pools throughout England has collapsed into administration, with members receiving a crucial announcement. Fusion Lifestyle, which operates leisure facilities and swimming pools in Somerset, Devon, Leicestershire, London, Kent, Buckinghamshire, and Newcastle, confirmed it has appointed administrators following a “prolonged period of financial difficulty”.
The operator revealed it had “collaborated closely with local authorities to explore viable options” and many councils had agreed to keep facilities open during a transition period. Memberships remain active and scheduled activities will continue, according to Fusion.
The charity attributed its financial woes to “rising operational costs, reduced government funding, and post-pandemic recovery challenges”.
It confirmed it had “made significant attempts to introduce new funding” that had been unsuccessful.
The City of London Corporation announced that Golden Lane Sports and Fitness Centre, which had been run by Fusion, will close after April 30.
It said it was examining the possibility of maintaining tennis court access at the location and identifying “local alternatives for centre users” before a planned refurbishment in December.
The corporation said: “The leisure centre’s current condition, combined with the short time frame before the planned closure in December, meant no financially viable alternative to closure could be identified.”
Fusion revealed that administrators SandW Partners are aiming to find new operators for its other leisure centres, reports the Mirror.
Other amenities, which continue to operate, include six leisure centres in Devon, including those in Dartmouth and Totnes, Brockwell Lido in London and five facilities with gyms and pools in the east of Somerset.
It also includes centres in Loughborough, Syston and Mountsorrel in Leicestershire, sports centres in Cranbrook, Paddock Wood and Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Wycombe Rye Lido in Buckinghamshire and Newcastle City Baths.
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