Gateshead’s council leader remains optimistic about the future of two leisure centers, despite delays that have extended into 2024. The closure of Birtley’s swimming pool and the Gateshead Leisure Centre in Saltwell in July, due to controversial budget cuts, caused an outcry among the affected communities. However, local groups have been actively working on bids to revive the closed facilities. The council’s cabinet has now agreed to transfer the sites to community organizations for 50-year leases, pending the approval of final business plans and essential documentation. Although recent delays have impacted the reopening timelines, there is a strong belief that both projects will succeed in the new year.
The Gateshead and Whickham Swimming Club (GAW) and Birtley Amateur Swimming Club, responsible for saving the Birtley pool, initially aimed to reopen it by April 2024. However, they have now revised their target date to September 2024 to allow for additional time to meet their £100,000 fundraising goal and complete necessary renovations. Gateshead Active, the organization seeking to take over the Gateshead Leisure Centre, also faced delays and had to push back its reopening date to an unspecified time in the new year.
Council leader Martin Gannon expressed gratitude for the hard work put into the projects and maintained confidence in their success. He acknowledged that the transfer process was complex but commended the progress made within a short timeframe. The involvement of management staff beginning in January gives Gateshead Active optimism about swiftly completing the remaining documentation required for the takeover. Former councillor Robert Waugh, who chairs Gateshead Active, expressed confidence in obtaining the necessary operating license and emphasized the community’s backing for the project.
Recognizing the complexity and size of the operation, the council’s cabinet emphasized that running the two leisure centers would be a significant undertaking for the community groups involved. They stressed the need for thorough understanding, appropriate setup, and responsible management to ensure the safe operation of the facilities and the provision of suitable services to the community.
Despite the pushback of reopening dates, the determination to save both leisure centers remains strong. The community groups are committed to their vision and have been actively working towards their goals, including fundraising and renovation efforts. The delays may have posed challenges, but the belief in the successful revival of these important community assets perseveres.
In conclusion, the council leader’s confidence in the community-led effort to save Birtley’s swimming pool and the Gateshead Leisure Centre remains unwavering, despite delays in their reopening. The council’s cabinet has agreed to transfer the sites to the community organizations pending the completion of necessary documentation. Although the reopening timelines have been pushed back, the involved groups are determined to overcome the challenges and successfully reintroduce these facilities to the community in the new year.
