Residents call for council rethink on leisure centre leasing plan

Updated from print edition with comments from Cockburn MAT

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.”

In a statement Cockburn Multi-academy Trust commented:

“Cockburn Multi-academy Trust were approached by Leeds City Council regarding the potential lease of the Middleton Leisure Centre facilities asking if there was interest from the MAT to take over operations of the building, other than the multi-purpose gym, for use by students at Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy, so that the facilities were retained within the local community. This would prevent closure and safeguard the future of the leisure centre.

“As this academy is now full with 5 year groups including the first Year 11 cohort, the additional space for arts and sporting activity would be a huge benefit to their students from the Middleton community.

“The primary use of the facilities by the academy will be during the day when the leisure centre is currently at its quietest. After student use, all of the facilities would be promoted as available for lettings by the community which is managed by Leeds City Council lettings department. Cockburn School facilities are used 7 days a week for community lettings already as will Cockburn Laurence Calvert’s existing spaces which will increase community facilities available for community usage.

“Cockburn MAT remains committed to ensuring that their community schools are used by the community as much as possible and continue to invest in this. For example, the Cockburn School original 3G pitch is currently being re-surfaced at great cost ready for the new football season. This will benefit the school students and the host of community groups that use it across evenings and weekends. If the lease of Middleton Leisure Centre goes ahead, Cockburn MAT is committed to making a major investment to improve the facilities for the benefit of students and the wider community.

“Cockburn MAT fully agrees that the Middleton facilities are a “vital community hub” and in no way want to have a negative impact on the community – quite the opposite in fact. The moto of the MAT is “Working in the Spirit of Partnership” and this most certainly applies here.”

You can find the petition at: www.change.org/p/stop-the-closure-of-middleton-leisure-centre

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