Plans to lease Middleton Leisure Centre to Cockburn Multi-academy Trust, which runs the neighbouring Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy, have come under fire with over 800 residents signing a petition to halt the plan.
The council has said it intends to keep running the gym, which was built in 2020, but it is less clear whether all of the other facilities which include a sports hall, studio, squash courts, soft play area and outdoor full size 3G pitch and multi-use games area would be under the control of the Trust.
The petition says the centre is a vital community hub and that:
“This closure would have a significant and negative impact on the health, well-being, and social connections within our community, particularly for people who rely on its specialized programs and accessible facilities.”
The facility is also used by Aspire who support adults with additional needs.
South Leeds Life first reported that the Council was considering leasing out the centre in December 2024 as part of its budget review. That month’s executive board delegated the decision to officers, although the identity of the third party taking over the centre wasn’t made public at that stage.
Since then there has been little information, but in answer to a question raised by Cllr Wayne Dixon (SDP, Middleton Park) at the full Council meeting in July, officers stated that “the lease activation date is targeting for the 1st of September.” Clearly that target has been missed and negotiations continue.
Cllr Dixon, on behalf of his ward colleagues, Cllr Emma Pogson-Golden and Cllr Rob Chesterfield, told South Leeds Life:
“We are disappointed that the Labour Council did not engage with us regarding potential options for the leisure centre before approaching Cockburn MAT. Additionally, we were only notified seven days prior to the matter being presented to the Executive Board for approval late last year.
“Since becoming aware of the potential lease, our primary focus has been, and continues to be, ensuring that community access is preserved wherever possible, as we strongly believe this should be safeguarded.
“Furthermore, we urge the Council to consider providing financial support to the groups that may face financial challenges as a result of the relocation, particularly where continued use of the facilities is no longer feasible.”
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said:
“In common with local authorities across the country, the council is facing unprecedented budget challenges that are impacting all its service areas.
“As part of a series of wide-ranging proposals being explored across the authority, Leeds City Council is currently in discussions with Cockburn Multi Academy Trust about new arrangements for Middleton Leisure Centre. Laurence Calvert Academy (part of the Cockburn MAT) is already the main user of the sports facilities, through its physical activity curriculum.
“This approach is being explored due to the high running costs of the centre and the need to improve its financial sustainability.
“Plans are in place to ensure that the gym would remain under council ownership and available for public use, and an announcement regarding the use of the other parts of the site will be made in due course.”
Cockburn Multi-academy Trust was approached for comment.
You can find the petition at: www.change.org/p/stop-the-closure-of-middleton-leisure-centre
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