Deepings Leisure Centre: Council votes to transfer ownership

Deepings Leisure Centre closed in July 2021 due to safety concerns

Ownership of Deepings Leisure Centre is to be transferred to a community group.

Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) unanimously approved transfer of the ownership to Deepings Community Leisure Centre Community Interest Company (CIC) on 8 May.

LCC put forward an offer of £850,000 to go towards refurbishing and reopening the facility.

The centre closed in 2021 after concerns were raised over a faulty roof.

Virginia Moran, director of the CIC and an Independent councillor on South Kesteven District Council (SKDC), said about £2.4 million is needed for a complete refurbishment, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Long way to go'

The total amount raised to reopen the centre so far is about £1.7 million, including LCC's contribution and a previous £850,000 from SKDC in January.

As the leisure centre is within the local school site, the move will have to be agreed by the Department for Education.

Councillor Richard Butroid said there was "a long way to go" to secure approvals and meet various conditions.

Following the meeting, council leader Martin Hill said: "We had a very positive meeting with the local community group and other stakeholders, including the school, so there is optimism that we can make this happen.

"However, I think it's important to stress that we are not there yet."

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