Campaigners sadly end bid to reopen Deepings Leisure Centre after four years exploring funding options after its closure.
The group is called Deepings Leisure Centre CIC. Virginia Moran announced the news, saying they’ve reached the “end of the road.” They explored every funding option.
The members put in so much time and effort; she said it was immeasurable. The CIC might stay inactive, just in case, maybe funds will appear later. They could then find land and build a swim center.
The center shut down in August 2021. A leaky roof caused serious safety issues. It has been empty ever since then. The council first planned to fix it. Those plans cost £10.7 million.
They then gave the lease back; Lincolnshire County Council owns it. They then decided to sell it away. Residents formed a “Save the Deepings Leisure Centre” group. They wanted it fixed up and open again; they even made an offer to buy it.
The group received money from two councils, needing government funds too. That funding stopped last year. Virginia called that a big blow.
They then tried a new plan in December, involving The Anthem Trust. The plan was to tear down the building. They would build a hall, gym, and studios, but no pool was included then! The group asked for land set aside for a future pool, and they made plans for this.
A recent meeting changed things, however. Virginia said the Trust changed its proposal. The usage rules were too strict. The plan wasn’t financially sound, and she also doubted a pool would ever get built. The Anthem Trust did not yet comment.