Leisure centres across Leicestershire are facing an uncertain future after operator Fusion Lifestyle entered administration.
The not-for-profit organisation, which runs gyms, swimming pools and community leisure facilities on behalf of councils, collapsed earlier this month following what it described as a prolonged period of financial difficulty.
Picture credit: Charnwood Borough Council
In Leicestershire, Fusion operates a number of key sites in the Charnwood area, including Loughborough Leisure Centre, Soar Valley Leisure Centre in Mountsorrel, and South Charnwood Leisure Centre in Syston.
Despite the development, residents are being reassured that facilities will remain open in the short term while alternative arrangements are put in place.
Cllr Anne Gray, Charnwood Borough Council’s lead member for leisure centres, said: “We are incredibly disappointed Fusion has gone into administration, but we want to be clear that the Council’s three leisure centres will continue to operate as normal, and it is very much business as usual for customers.
“Entering into administration provides the time to put new arrangements in place, and we are very confident a new operator can be found and appointed soon and have already started the process.
“We are committed to providing leisure facilities for our communities. The leisure centres are used by thousands of people each year and they play an important role in helping residents keep well and active.
“We will work with the administrators to ensure there is a smooth transition to a new provider and to keep disruption to a minimum.”
Local authorities are now working with administrators to secure the future of the affected sites, with the priority being to avoid disruption to services such as swimming lessons, fitness classes and gym access.
A spokesperson for one local council said efforts were focused on ensuring “continuity for users and staff” while longer-term solutions are explored.
Memberships and bookings are expected to remain valid for now, with centres continuing to operate as normal during the transition period.
However, questions remain over what will happen in the coming months, with the possibility that new operators may need to be found to take over the running of facilities.
The collapse of Fusion Lifestyle highlights wider challenges facing the leisure sector, including rising energy costs, reduced funding and changing customer habits following the pandemic.
Further updates are expected as administrators continue discussions with councils and potential operators to determine the long-term future of leisure provision in the county.
