A two-year dispute blocking the restoration of a community centre destroyed by arson has been resolved. Clarendon Leisure Centre in Pendleton and Charlestown was burnt to the ground by criminals in 2024; no perpetrators were ever found or charged.
Community Hub Destroyed
Generations of families learned to swim at the 'Clarendon Rec' since it opened in the 1970s. Locals described it as 'the buzz of the Salford area for all families'. Promises to rebuild or replace the facility stalled amid a behind-the-scenes dispute between the insurance firm and the council.
Settlement Accepted
Following two years of negotiations, Salford mayor Paul Dennett accepted a £5.4m settlement—around half the £9.6m value of the building. The insurance firm has not been named. Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith said: 'Following the devastating arson attack that destroyed Clarendon Leisure Centre, residents have understandably wanted answers and progress. While a long and frustrating insurance process has slowed matters down, [the council] has worked relentlessly to protect taxpayers’ interests and keep plans for a replacement facility moving forward throughout.'
She added the decision was based on 'detailed professional assessments' and was proportional to the approximate 50% damage to the site. Plans are already underway to erect a new leisure centre on Churchill Way. The mayor recently revealed the local authority expected the new building to be complete within about two years. Designs are expected to be submitted to town planning before the end of the year.
Record of Decision
A record of decision to accept the settlement was published on the council’s website on July 21. The document says the only alternative to accepting the £5.4m would be to 'continue with claims negotiations and obtain further expert reports into the integrity of the substructure of the pool'. However, this would come at further cost to the council and there was a risk the findings 'may not be favourable' for the local authority.
