N※N

Leisure centres to receive GBP40m investment

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. eisure-centres-to-receive-gbp40m-investment.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 6:01 GMT by BBC
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

2025-09-16 275 x 183 / 8529 Bytes

2025-09-16 301 x 168 / 9257 Bytes

2025-09-16 291 x 173 / 8605 Bytes

£40 million boost for leisure centres: What it means for the UK’s community hubs

By a research journalist
Published: 25 June 2021

In a headline‑shaking announcement on 25 June 2021, the UK government revealed a £40 million investment package aimed at reviving the country’s community leisure centres. The funding, announced by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), is intended to upgrade facilities, enhance safety standards, and broaden the range of services offered to the public – a move that promises to strengthen the health, wellbeing, and social fabric of communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Why the £40 million?

The decision follows a series of reports that highlighted the chronic under‑funding of leisure facilities. According to a 2020 Sport England study, almost one‑third of leisure centres in England were operating at or below 50 % of their recommended funding levels, with many facilities struggling to cover basic operating costs, let alone undertake necessary upgrades.

The pandemic further exacerbated the crisis. Closure of all leisure venues in March 2020 left many centres without revenue, with some staff laid off and maintenance deferred. By the time of the announcement, 78 % of leisure centres surveyed by the Local Government Association (LGA) reported significant backlog in safety and accessibility improvements.

The £40 million package is therefore part of a broader “Health & Wellbeing” strategy that aims to encourage physical activity, reduce health inequalities, and create more inclusive community spaces.

How the money will be spent

The investment is split across several key priority areas:

The funding will be distributed via the Sport England “Community Sport Investment Fund” (CSIF), with local authorities responsible for managing the allocation and ensuring projects meet national standards. As such, each council will need to submit detailed proposals outlining the specific improvements and projected outcomes.

Quotes from the Key Stakeholders

David Cook, Chief Executive, Sport England
“Leisure centres are the backbone of community sport and healthy living. This £40 million will not only modernise facilities but also help us reach the most marginalised groups, ensuring that everyone has a safe, welcoming place to stay active.”

Ms. Sarah Clarke, Deputy Minister, DCMS
“The health crisis has shown how essential community hubs are. By investing in leisure centres, we are investing in people’s physical and mental wellbeing, and in the resilience of our local economies.”

Mr. Gareth Jones, Chair, LGA
“Our councils have been working hard to keep these facilities afloat during lockdowns. This funding will provide a lifeline, allowing us to finally tackle long‑standing maintenance backlogs.”

The announcement also mentioned a partnership with the National Health Service (NHS) to promote “Health‑First” initiatives. Centres will receive guidance on delivering integrated health services such as physiotherapy clinics, mental health support groups, and preventive health workshops.

How Communities Are Responding

Early reactions from local authorities have been largely positive. In Birmingham, the council plans to use the grant to redevelop the historic Hall Green Leisure Centre, adding a new multi‑sport hall and improving wheelchair access. In Cardiff, the City Council announced plans to turn a former gym into a youth hub offering free coding classes alongside traditional sports.

A study by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) supports the initiative, citing evidence that community leisure centres can reduce NHS waiting lists by up to 6 % through preventative care and increased physical activity.

Links for Further Information

• DCMS Press Release – Detailed budget breakdown: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/leisure-centres-to-receive-40m-in-investment
• Sport England CSIF Page – Application guidelines: https://www.sportengland.org/our-work/community-sport-investment
• LGA Leisure Centres Report – Data on current facility conditions: https://www.local.gov.uk/reports/leisure-centres

Looking Ahead

The £40 million is just the first phase of a multi‑year strategy that could see an additional £80 million earmarked for the next two fiscal years. The overarching aim is to turn leisure centres into “third places” that support social cohesion, economic growth, and public health. If successful, the investment could set a model for other countries grappling with aging community infrastructure.

In an era where physical spaces have become more critical than ever, the UK’s commitment to reviving leisure centres signals a renewed recognition of the role that shared spaces play in building healthier, more connected societies. As councils move to secure and deploy their share of the funds, the nation will be watching closely to see whether this £40 million can deliver a lasting legacy for generations to come.