Surraya Patel is a passionate community campaigner and fitness advocate, fighting tirelessly to reopen the Dewsbury Sports Centre, which closed in September 2023 due to the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). For Surraya, this sports centre isn’t just a place to work out; it’s a symbol of community wellbeing and a vital space for many. Since its closure, she has witnessed a disturbing rise in antisocial behaviour, including knife crime, which she believes could have been prevented if the centre had remained open.
Growing up in Dewsbury, Surraya was always an active child, finding fitness to be a helpful outlet for her energy and stress. However, as a young girl, she didn’t see many South Asian or Muslim role models in sports. Her inspiration came from her mother, who was a community pillar and instilled in her a strong sense of giving back. This upbringing drove the fitness advocate to pursue a career in teaching, where she combined her passion for fitness with helping others find healthy ways to cope with stress.
When the local sports centre closed, Surraya understood the devastating impact it would have on her community. She knew firsthand how important the centre had been for her own physical and mental recovery, particularly following a traumatic birth. The centre was a place where she could regain strength, focus, and eventually complete a triathlon. For her, it wasn’t just about fitness; it was about healing. She also developed a fitness program for new and expecting mothers, inspired by her own experiences, which helped others improve their core stability and find balance in motherhood.
The closure of the Dewsbury Sports Centre was a blow to the local community, especially vulnerable members who had found a sense of belonging there. Surraya says that many of her students no longer felt safe in public spaces, and the centre had been a refuge. With the nearest leisure centre now three bus journeys away, it was clear how important the centre had been to provide a safe, supportive environment for young people and adults alike.
Since the closure, Surraya has seen a troubling rise in antisocial behaviour and violent crime, which she believes could have been avoided if the centre had remained open. For her, the centre was a place where young people could build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Without it, she believes many are being left vulnerable to negative influences.
This sense of responsibility to her community spurred Surraya into action. She could not
stand by and watch this vital space disappear. She has spearheaded the campaign to reopen the centre, organising rallies, attending public meetings, and making her case to local councillors. Through her tireless efforts, independent surveys showed that only certain areas of the centre were affected by RAAC, meaning the renovation costs were much lower than initially estimated. Surraya believes the centre can be restored for a fraction of the original cost, and she continues to push the council to prioritise its reopening for the sake of the community’s health and wellbeing.
For Surraya, this fight is personal. She’s seen the positive impact of sports on people of all ages, from helping a 70-year-old woman walk again to providing young people with a safe place to engage in positive activities. The Dewsbury Sports Centre has been a lifeline for many, and Surraya is determined to ensure it stays open for future generations. Her efforts show the power of community action and the profound impact a local sports centre can have on improving lives and reducing crime.
Surraya’s campaign to reopen the Dewsbury Sports Centre is not just about saving a building—it’s about preserving a space that promotes health, safety, and a sense of belonging. Her work is a testament to the power of community and the belief that when people come together, they can make a difference.
