Medina Leisure Centre and The Heights Leisure Centre are to receive a share of £20million in central Government funding to keep them afloat in response to increased operating costs. The Swimming Pool Support Fund was announced in the March Budget to support facilities with swimming pools. This first £20million of funding is going to the swimming pools and leisure centres most at risk of closure or significant service reduction, and will be used to help with the recent rise in energy costs, such as paying towards immediate maintenance costs, heating and pool chemicals. It has been confirmed that Medina Leisure Centre in Newport is to receive £280,013, whilst The Heights Leisure Centre in Sandown will receive £219,987. Both facilities are run by the Isle of Wight Council. Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for Economy, Regeneration, Culture & Leisure, has said:
“This award is absolutely crucial for our 1Leisure pools, providing an essential service for swimming lessons, swim teams and health and well-being for thousands of residents. “The past investment into making our pools more energy efficient has been recognised by Sport England, awarding us the maximum level of funding available. “Thanks are due to our team at 1Leisure for putting the detailed bid together – we are keeping our fingers crossed for further energy efficiency measures being funded across the island.”
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew has said:
“Leisure centres and pools are vital for millions of people to stay fit and healthy, and we know that many public swimming pools are experiencing greater pressure due to increased operating costs. “We have heard their concerns and have stepped in to help them make ends meet with £20 million immediate relief, and a further £40 million to help improve sustainability of public swimming pools over the long term. “This is part of our support for grassroots sports facilities with more than £400 million in order to achieve our ambitious target of getting 3.5 million more people active by 2030.”
Over the coming months the recipients of a further £40million will be announced. This part of the fund will be made available for investment in making the pools and leisure centres more energy efficient, including funding new heating systems and energy-saving interventions. This is intended to help the long-term energy and financial resilience of the sector.
