Issue - meetings

Consideration has been given to an update of the work carried out to review Leisure Services and of the outcomes of the extended comprehensive consultation process that commenced on 8 February 2023 through to 8 May 2023.

The alternative options to those being recommended, but which were discounted included all leisure centres (excluding Gateshead International Stadium) being included in a managed partnership with a procured provider and the complete withdrawal of the provision of leisure centres in the borough.

Representations were received regarding the recommendations of the review.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Council proceeds with the closure of Gateshead Leisure Centre and Birtley Swim Centre on 21 July 2023.

(ii)

That the Council continues to explore potential Community Asset Transfers with community organisations that have identified an interest in Gateshead Leisure Centre and Birtley Swimming Centre for a further 6-month period to 31 December 2023, however this should not prevent or delay the closure of Gateshead Leisure Centre or Birtley Swimming Centre as agreed at (i) above.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To deliver the £0.600m unachieved savings and to assist in enabling the service to operate within its allocated budget, ceasing the current overspend and thereby helping the Council to sustain a leisure offer.

(B)

To reduce the cost of provision of Leisure Services to as close to zero as possible in the longer term, whilst at the same time understanding the impact this will have on Gateshead residents and other users of the service by balancing the contribution of leisure centre provision with the financial sustainability of the Council.

(C)

To resolve the issue of Leisure Service employees being at risk of redundancy for any period longer than necessary.

(D)

To enable the service to offer a comprehensive programme of activities throughout the school summer holidays

(E)

To enable the Council to procure a partner to operate and manage the remaining leisure centres at a reduced cost to the Council as close to zero as possible

(G)

To ensure that all viable alternatives have been fully explored to prevent the permanent closure of any leisure centres.