Decision details

The report seeks approval to bring forward proposals for the future strategic development of the Active Leeds Service offer, which will aim to ensure the sustainable future of the Council’s leisure centre portfolio and improve and maintain a network of high quality, affordable and accessible new and improved Leisure and Wellbeing Centres.

The Director of City Development submitted a report presenting an update regarding the ongoing development and delivery of the Vision for Wellbeing Centres in Active Leeds, highlighting the actions taken over recent years. The report also presented proposals on next steps in terms of future ‘invest to save’ proposals in response to the current financial challenge, which were focused upon increased income generation as well as health and wellbeing outcomes to support Leeds’ Marmot City ambition.

Further to Minute No. 80 (above), it was noted that supplementary information had been circulated to Board Members and published for inclusion within agenda in the form of some additional text within paragraph 2.6.3 of the submitted report, which, due to a technical issue, had not pulled through to the formal agenda pack. This supplementary information had been circulated to Board Members and published on the same date that the agenda was published (3rd December 2024).

In introducing the report, the Executive Member highlighted the range of improvements which had been delivered since the previous ‘Vision’ report was considered by the Board in 2016. The increased membership levels experienced in recent years was highlighted, and an overview of the ‘invest to save’ proposals being brought forward was provided. Also, the Executive Member extended her thanks to all of the Council officers within the service for the crucial role that they continued to play.

Regarding all of the proposals being put forward, a Member highlighted the importance of working collaboratively with local Ward Councillors and local communities when delivering such proposals.

A Member welcomed the development of the new Wetherby High School and the potential opportunity that this provided in terms of a possible site for a replacement leisure centre in Wetherby. In highlighting this, the Member offered his continued support in terms of helping to progress such matters.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the overview presented within the submitted report regarding the Active Leeds service, including the progress made and achievements delivered since the previous Vision for Leisure, be noted, with the need to look forward in the context of the Council’s Best City Ambition and the current financial challenge also being noted;

(b)  That the positive impact that the facility improvements are delivering across the city in relation to health and wellbeing outcomes, increased memberships and swimming programme growth, be noted, with the importance of continued ‘invest to save’ proposals brought forward to support health and wellbeing outcomes, driving Leeds’ ambition as a Marmot City and to continue to increase income generation, also being noted;

(c)  That the invest to save proposals for Leisure and Wellbeing Centres across the city to deliver: a network of high quality, affordable, accessible and sustainable leisure and wellbeing centres and a modern, commercially competitive leisure offer that supports income generation and the Council’s financial challenge, be noted and supported;

(d)  That approval in principle be given to the proposals for a long-term lease of Middleton Leisure Centre (excluding the gym) to Laurence Calvert Academy, with it being noted that detailed Terms will be delegated to the Director of City Development in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and the Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Active Lifestyles and Culture;

(e)  That the ongoing work regarding Wetherby Leisure Centre, be noted, together with the potential considerations around its potential relocation at a future point in time; and

(f)  That it be noted that all of the proposals have been designed in line with the Financial Challenge position and the ask to reduce the Active Leeds net managed budget by £2.5m over a 3 year period.

It is proposed to undertake face to face briefings and circulate emails and briefing note/s where appropriate.

Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Active Lifestyles and Culture,

Ward Members, Otley Prince Henry School, Laurence Calvert Academy and Union members will be consulted about the proposals as appropriate.