A Stoke-on-Trent school is set to manage a leisure centre, saving taxpayers money. The move ensures public access while supporting local education and community activities.
Stoke-on-Trent: Exciting news for the community! The New Horizons Leisure Centre is getting a new lease on life. It’s transferring to Ormiston Academy Trust, which will save the council £69,000 each year.
Don’t worry, the public can still use the centre. It’ll be open for swimming and sports in the evenings and on weekends. The school will use it during the day, but everyone can enjoy it after hours.
This centre has been around since the 1960s and got a facelift thanks to a Big Lottery grant. The council has also put in £720,000 for energy upgrades. They want to keep it running without breaking the bank.
By handing over the centre, the council can focus on education and community swimming lessons. Plus, they won’t have to worry about the building’s upkeep costs anymore.
Ormiston Academy Trust has been interested in this since 2022. They believe this move will help them enhance their sports programs for students. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
With this change, the council will save money while still providing access to the community. Staff will keep their jobs, either at the centre or at other facilities. It’s all about keeping the community active and engaged.
The council’s budget is up for approval soon, so stay tuned for more updates!
