An executive report published by the Council on Monday 25 November outlines how a review of the district’s sports facilities could result in savings of £497K by 2025/26. The review is part of the council’s wider budget consultation.
The review began February 2024 and £61K worth of savings have already been identified for this financial year, with a further £497K for 2025/26. The majority of these savings – £406K in total – are the result of a thorough review of operating procedures focusing on maintenance, staffing, programming of activities and financial management.
After thorough and ongoing review of 12 of the Council’s sports and leisure facilities, it became clear that one of these facilities, Baildon Recreation Centre, is no longer viable. It is estimated that the centre requires around £913K worth of maintenance work in order to keep it safe, accessible and functional. With very few people using the facility each month on average, the decision has been taken to close the facility in April 2025. The closure of Baildon Recreation Centre will result in a further £91K of savings in 2025/26.
Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places said; “Since February of this year we have explored the current state, utilisation, and potential of the sports infrastructure within the district. In doing so we have identified over half a million pounds worth of savings which can be made in the next two years.
“It is the case that part of these savings includes closing Baildon Recreation Centre. Although the centre is underused and in need of costly maintenance work, the decision to close it was not taken lightly. We believe, however, that it is for the good of the financial health of the Council. The savings we make will allow us to continue providing high quality sports and leisure services across the district.
“There are a small number of groups who still use the facility on a regular basis and we are working closely with them to find suitable alternative venues for them to continue their activities.”
The target set out in February 2024 was for the Council to make savings of £1.25million from the review of Sports and Leisure facilities, and the report has outlined the need to develop a Sports Facilities Strategy for 2026-2036. This will allow all sports facilities across the District to be explored and will look to create a robust operating model that is modern and efficient.
