Leisure centres will be first class

Oldham Council Cabinet meeting
A DEVELOPMENT review set to turn Oldham’s leisure facilities into those fit for a “first-class borough” was given the go-ahead last night.

The controversial Leisure Estate Review, which proposes to close four local leisure centres and replace them with just two, was passed by councillors at Cabinet.

The reforms would see the end of Oldham Sports Centre, Glodwick Leisure Pool, Royton Sports Centre and Crompton Pool and Fitness Centre.

The current contract of Oldham Community Leisure (OCL), which runs all those facilities, expires next March.

Instead, two state-of-the-art leisure complexes will be built in Oldham and Royton centres at sites yet to be disclosed by the council. All of the current centres will stay open until the new buildings are complete, expected to be in 2014.

Cabinet members also reiterated that a new £1million indoor bowling hall will be part of the new facilities available, as members of the Vets Indoor Bowling League were quick to provide feedback on original proposals.

The extensive 101-page plan could see the transfer of Failsworth Sports Centre, currently part of OCL, transferred to Failsworth School’s Trust. Several other smaller facilities in the borough could also be excluded from the new contract.

Hugh McDonald, Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “We’ve received a lot of comments in regards to this development, from the bowling hall, to issues about swimming.

“This is a robust plan and we’re hoping people get behind it so we can deliver it properly to the people of Oldham and Royton.

Council leader Jim McMahon said: “You can’t expect to be a first-class borough with second-class facilities.

“It is difficult to create facilities within our budget, so we give a massive thanks to Hugh and his department.”