Gosforth Leisure Centre receives £25k funding boost

Newcastle City Council successfully bid for the money as part of the first phase of the Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund.

The scheme was announced as part of the Budget in March and aims to support swimming pools and leisure centres with rising energy, maintenance and pool chemical costs.

Sport England announced Gosforth Leisure Centre has been awarded £25,690.

A total of 196 leisure centres and swimming pools across England have received a share of the Government’s £20m fund. 

Sport England's Director of Place, Lisa Dodd-Mayne, said: “We know just how vital swimming pools and leisure centres are to our nation’s activity levels, which is why Sport England is proud to have played a central role in the delivery of this fund.

“Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators battle the challenge of increased energy and maintenance costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.

“Today’s announcement is an important moment in time, but is by no means the end of the work facing us or the support available as we continue to work with our partners to ensure the long-term viability of these vital community resources.”

Cllr Paula Maines, Cabinet member for a Resilient City at Newcastle City Council, said: “We know how incredibly important swimming pools and leisure centres are to our communities so I am delighted Gosforth Leisure Centre has received a share of the funding.

“From children learning to swim to adults using the facilities to get active and socialise, the funding will help ensure the leisure centre continues to deliver vital services in the community which helps to keep people active and healthy.”

Over the coming months the recipients of a further £40m of funding will be announced towards making swimming pools and leisure centres more energy efficient.

The Council is working on a bid to support further facilities in the city at what is a critical time of rising costs, as well as supporting our net zero by 2030 commitment.