The Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission met to discuss proposals for the future of the city's leisure centres, focusing on the Leisure Centre Needs Assessment (LCNA) Phase 3 proposals and public consultation. The commission noted the report and agreed that the points raised by members would be taken into account.

Leisure Centre Needs Assessment (LCNA), Phase 3 Proposals and Public Consultation

The commission reviewed a report detailing proposals for the city's leisure centres, following a comprehensive needs assessment and public consultation. A key proposal involves investment in Leicester Leys Leisure Centre, which requires significant improvements to its building and gym facilities. The report also suggested integrating the nearby Beaumont Leys Library into the leisure centre to create a more economically viable space.

A significant point of discussion was the future of New Parks Leisure Centre. Data presented indicated that the centre's pool is under-utilised, with a subsidy of approximately £6.35 per visit from taxpayers, compared to £1 or less at other centres. While £4 million could be invested in New Parks, the majority would be allocated to essential maintenance such as roof and electrical repairs, with little benefit to users. The report suggested that closing New Parks Leisure Centre could improve the council's budget by approximately £700,000 annually.

Members raised concerns about the potential health impacts of closing New Parks Leisure Centre on the New Parks area, which already faces low health outcomes. However, officers highlighted that proximity to a pool is not the sole factor influencing swimming proficiency, citing examples of schools near pools with low attainment. Data showed that schools in the New Parks area are increasingly choosing Braunstone Leisure Centre over New Parks, and these schools have higher swimming proficiency averages.

The report also addressed the potential relocation of activities from New Parks. The squash club would move to Leicester Leys, and canoeing could be relocated to Beaumont Leys. For school swimming, two of the five schools currently using New Parks pool are closer to Beaumont Leys. The remaining three schools were consulted, and it was noted that with transport arrangements, their travel time to an alternative pool would not be significantly increased. Financial assistance would be provided to schools to cover transport costs.

Members expressed interest in the potential improvements to Leicester Leys, particularly the recommissioning of its flumes, which were seen as a major attraction. It was explained that closing New Parks would free up £8 million for renovations at Leicester Leys, including the flumes.

The discussion also touched upon Leicester's KS2 swimming attainment, which is lower than the regional average. Officers noted that while young people need opportunities to learn to swim, they also desire fun and confidence-building water experiences, which Leicester Leys could provide.

Regarding environmental considerations, officers advised that photovoltaic panels are being installed at several leisure centres to offset utility costs, and older facilities like boilers are being replaced to improve energy efficiency.

The commission agreed to note the report and to take the points raised by members into account.