Catmose Sports Centre Closure: Full Details Revealed
Rutland County Council has finally released the full details surrounding the controversial closure of Catmose Sports Centre. The information, previously withheld due to commercial sensitivity, has been made public following successful negotiations with Catmose College and Sport England.
The decision to close the centre was made earlier this year after a lengthy bidding process revealed that commercial leisure companies would only operate the facility if they received significant subsidies from the council.
Key Points:
Lease Termination: The council successfully terminated its lease with Catmose College on July 17th, 2024.
Grant Repayment: Sport England has agreed to waive the repayment of a £500,000 grant awarded for the centre's construction in 2008.
Financial Implications: The council will incur costs of approximately £120,000 for dilapidations, energy bills, and final operating costs.
Council Leader Gale Waller stated, "The decision to close Catmose Sports Centre was not taken lightly. It was a difficult choice, but ultimately, it was the right one to protect public funds. The emerging leisure market, with a new fitness centre at the Burley Road Co-op site, offers exciting opportunities for residents and will provide modern facilities without the constraints of a shared space with a secondary school."
This link will take you to Rutland County Councils website where you can now read all the previously exempt agenda documents from the 25th March 2024 meeting.
https://rutlandcounty.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=145&MId=2785
This link will take you to Rutland County Councils website where you can read all documents from the special meeting held on the 18th April, 2024
https://rutlandcounty.moderngov.co.uk/mgChooseDocPack.aspx?ID=2904
Editors' Comment:
Does Cllr Gale Waller realise that the new gym being built at the Co-op site is advertised as the Oakham Exclusive Gym and Wellness Club? The term "Exclusive" typically implies a premium price point. It's questionable whether this facility can truly serve as a replacement for Catmose Sports Centre, which offered a more inclusive and affordable option for the community.
https://www.method-gym.com/
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