Sport, health and wellbeing activities will return to Edmonton, after Enfield Council’s Cabinet agreed to proposals for the leisure centre’s refurbishment and reopening.
Plans have been formulated for Enfield Council to assign the lease of the centre to leisure operator and charitable social enterprise GLL, which operates under the Better brand and already runs several leisure centres in the borough.
The new proposals with GLL will ensure Edmonton retains it leisure centre, offering ample opportunities for activities to help improve the physical and mental wellbeing of local people.
GLL will invest in the building to renovate it, alongside an additional investment from Enfield Council. The funding will be used to create a modern and vibrant leisure centre in Edmonton, with a focus on families and young people. It will continue to provide a soft play facility and GLL also has the ambition to deliver a pool offer at the centre.
This cash injection will go above and beyond the bare minimum required for health and safety work. In-depth surveys conducted earlier this year revealed that significant maintenance costs of £4.38 million were needed to restore the centre, with £1.8 million required for health and safety repairs to meet legal compliance. These costs excluded any improvements within the centre.
The Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Ergin Erbil, said: “The Council’s commitment to invest in its leisure centres made in 2022 is a key driver of this proposal. We are absolutely committed to ensure everyone has access to good leisure facilities and activities. This improved provision will mark a fresh start for leisure provision in Edmonton and I look forward to the reopening of the leisure centre next year.”
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Public Spaces, Cllr Chinelo Anyanwu, said: “I know local people will be pleased with the news that the Council is working with leisure partner of choice GLL. We are taking positive steps to ensure affordable leisure facilities will remain in Edmonton, and the proposals represent best value for money for Council taxpayers.
“I would particularly like to thank the local community in Edmonton for their continued patience while the centre is closed. The temporary closure was a difficult but necessary decision made in the interest of ensuring the safety of our residents. I would also like to thank the GLL team who we have worked with closely to develop the proposals to invest in Edmonton.”
The Council continues to ensure members of Edmonton Leisure Centre receive access to other Enfield based leisure centres in the meantime.
Peter Bundey, Chief Executive Officer at GLL added: “Leisure centres play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of local communities through the social, physical and leisure activities that they offer.
“We are pleased that in partnership with Enfield Council, we have a solution that will secure the long-term future of Edmonton Leisure Centre and enable us to carry out the vital renovations it requires.
“We anticipate a phased reopening of the centre, once a series of essential works are completed.”
The decision to assign the lease and reposition Edmonton Leisure Centre from the Council-run portfolio will be taken to the Cabinet meeting on 16 October, where councillors will be asked to approve adding £2.5m to the capital programme for improvements which will be repaid.
As part of the “Our Active Wellbeing Strategy”, the Council is committed to continually investing in and providing quality leisure and sports facilities for its residents. Monthly visitor numbers have increased by 29.6 per cent since GLL took over managing the borough’s leisure centres in December 2023.
Southbury Leisure Centre is currently undergoing much needed refurbishments with £2.4 million invested in replacement roof, pool plant and air handling system alongside refurbishment of the gym and changing village. The leisure centre remains open during these works.
Earlier this summer, GLL revealed refurbishments at Southgate Leisure Centre, facilitated by nearly £800,000 of investment by Enfield Council. Members were greeted with new equipment, a redecorated gym and a refurbishment of the health and fitness changing rooms.
For further information on leisure and culture activity in Enfield, visit our dedicated web page.
The Cabinet met on Wednesday 16 October. The decision is subject to call-in.
Image is of Southgate Leisure Centre's gym area.