'Absolutely devastating': Kimberley Leisure Centre to close next year

The authority later released a statement saying it could no longer meet ‘very significant’ costs to keep it running.

The council says no agreement could be reached over funding after months of negotiations between the parties which operate it – the council, Kimberley School and Liberty Leisure Ltd.

The loss has been described as ‘absolutely devastating’ by one local councillor, who criticised how the decision had been made.

Council reports on the issue have been kept private, and the press and public were excluded from the council debate which led to the decision on December 6.

No details have been released about the costs involved.

More than 3,400 people have signed an online petition to keep the service open.

Coun Milan Radulovic (Lab), council leader, released a statement outlining the council’s decision.

He said “Negotiations have been ongoing between the council, Liberty Leisure Ltd, and Kimberley School for a few months, with all parties working together to ensure leisure provision in Kimberley in the future.

“Regrettably, these negotiations have now reached a stage where the council can no longer commit to the very significant financial contributions proposed by the school to maintain the Kimberley Gym and Swim arrangements.

“This is understandably a very distressing time for the employees at Kimberley Gym and Swim and they are being fully supported, including looking at redeployment opportunities within the council and its other leisure facilities should redundancies have to be made.

“We also understand that this will be disappointing news to our customers, members, residents and the community who use the fitness and swimming facilities operated at the site by Liberty Leisure Ltd.

“Liberty Leisure Ltd will continue to operate gym and fitness classes, swimming, including Swim School and Exercise Referral until March, 31 2024.

“We know that access to leisure facilities is important to residents as a way to live healthy, active lives so Liberty Leisure Ltd, the council’s Leisure company will be working with council officers to seek alternative leisure sites in the north of the borough.”

The statement had no information about the costs involved or the number of staff affected.

Press and public were asked to leave last night’s cabinet meeting while councillors discussed the issue, as the council said the public interest in keeping the debate private outweighed that of holding the discussion in public.

The pre-meeting report on the decision was labelled as ‘exempt’ due to the commercial details in it.

Conservative members protested the exclusion, demanding an explanation for why the public couldn’t remain in the chamber.

Coun Philip Owen (Con), who represents a neighbouring ward, said: “This is absolutely devastating for the area, it’s been an important part of the community for 50 years.

“It was a hugely popular leisure centre, so this decision will affect not just Kimberley but Watnall and Nuthall.

“There doesn’t seen to be any replacement on the horizon – that is a long way off.

"Some people may travel to other centres, despite the inconvenience, but others will cease to lead active lifestyles.

“Kimberley Swimming Club, which has been hugely successful over the years, will have nowhere else to go.

“This has all happened behind closed doors with no public report.

"People have heard rumours and have began writing to their councillors and signing a petition.

“They will be very angry now this has all come out.

Liberty Leisure Ltd issued a statement saying: “We understand that this will be extremely disappointing news to our customers, members, clubs, residents and the community who use and value the fitness and swimming facilities operated at the site.

“Please continue to use the facilities as normal – we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of service for all our customers. Members and customers of the facility will receive updates on the status of their membership and swimming lessons in the new year.”

Kimberley School has also been contacted for comment.