No decision has been reached on the future of two Liverpool leisure centres almost three years after city leaders admitted they could not afford to run them. Since December 2023, Everton Park and Park Road Lifestyles sites have been subject to discussions with potential operators to take them on.
Council Unable to Afford All Facilities
A month earlier, Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool Council cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, admitted the authority can no longer afford to run all of its eight indoor facilities amid continuing financial pressures. Officials warned that without action, the “visible and valuable” services face an increased risk of closure and a reduction in access for those who need them most. That strategy outlined how the city’s leisure services stand “at a crossroads”. The ECHO has learned discussions remain ongoing over the future of the two sites with concrete plans still not formulated.
Discussions with Potential Operators
The council held detailed discussions with the City of Liverpool Gymnastics Foundation and St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust. These conversations identified the best means to secure the future of the centres on a sustainable basis. For Everton Park, which dates back to 1884, a long-lease agreement was being explored. This would allow the academy trust to operate the centre while maintaining public access. Some maintenance work was undertaken on the building’s roof to prepare it for future use. In January, the ECHO revealed how at Park Road, a new model is taking shape and plans are being developed for a multi-partner sports hub, including its role as a national centre of best practice in gymnastics.
Budget Savings and Staff Relocation
In March 2023, Liverpool Council agreed to implement a budget saving for leisure centres of £250,000 and a further £1.8m up to this year. If the transfers go ahead, staff from both sites would be relocated to one of the council’s Lifestyles fitness centres, including the refurbished Peter Lloyd site. Earlier this year, opposition leaders called for answers to the future of both sites and to tell their communities what was going on.
Councillor's Statement
Cllr Doyle said: “Liverpool Council and St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust continue to evaluate plans to maintain sports and leisure facilities at Everton Park, and access to the facilities for the pupils of Notre Dame Catholic College remains in place. Discussions continue with the City of Liverpool Gymnastics Group based at Park Road and other potential partners on the future of that site. Liverpool Council will be exploring all options in a bid to maintain sport and leisure facilities in both areas, and for the medium term these valuable sites, both of which form part of the new under 18s offer for free swim and gym access, will continue to be maintained and managed by Liverpool Council.”
