Date confirmed for closure of leisure centre

A DATE for the closure of a leisure centre has been confirmed.

Rutland County Council said Catmose Sports Centre will cease to operate as a public leisure facility at the end of its contract with Stevenage Leisure Limited (SLL) on May 31.

A spokesman said: “As things stand, all public access to the facility will end after this date.

“The owner of the sports centre building, Catmose College, has issued a statement regarding the possibility of ongoing community access for groups and sports clubs beyond May 31.

“This statement can be read on the college’s website.”

In February 2023, the council’s cabinet approved an optional extension of SLL’s contract for up to 24 months to March 31, 2025.

However, following talks, the council said SLL had indicated it was not in a position to extend its contract beyond the end of this month.

Council leader Gale Waller said last month: “The question of whether to award a new contract for the management of Catmose Sports Centre has become a much broader question about the most effective and appropriate use of public money at a time when we are already spending beyond our means.

“Following two separate procurement exercises, it’s clear there is no way to award a new leisure contract without incurring considerable costs to the council and taxpayers for at least the next 10 years.

“Ultimately, councillors have taken the decision not to subsidise local leisure provision in Oakham, in favour of retaining funding for additional flood management capacity and a dedicated climate change officer post that will support the county as a whole.

“This was not an easy decision.”

The college said it was not involved in the decision and was unable to comment further on it.

About requests for access, it said: “We are sympathetic to these requests, but we have not had time to consider if this is possible or practicable.”