Fusion Lifestyle, the charity managing numerous leisure centres and swimming pools across England, including several in Somerset and Devon, has entered administration after enduring prolonged financial difficulties. The organization operates facilities in regions including Somerset, Devon, Leicestershire, London, Kent, Buckinghamshire, and Newcastle.
Facing challenges such as rising operational costs, reduced government funding, and lingering post-pandemic recovery issues, Fusion Lifestyle was unable to secure additional funding despite significant efforts. In response, they have appointed professional services firm S&W to act as administrators on a temporary basis starting April 1 for three months.
Local authorities, demonstrating strong community commitment, have coordinated to ensure that these vital leisure centres continue operating smoothly during this transition. Somerset Council has stepped in to maintain services in the eastern part of the county, confirming that gyms and swimming pools in Frome, Wells, Glastonbury, and Street will remain open for the next three months while a new operator is sought. The Shepton Mallet Lido is also set to open as scheduled in May.
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Councils have stressed that memberships and scheduled activities will proceed uninterrupted, encouraging users to continue utilizing the facilities as usual. Fusion Lifestyle staff have been reassured that operations will carry on normally, with plans to transfer most employees to the incoming operator.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Housing Revenue Account, Culture and Equalities, Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, emphasized the priority of securing a new operator to safeguard these community resources: “We know how vital these centres are to communities and schools. Our swift action ensures services run as usual during this interim period. Members should continue to enjoy the facilities without any changes.”
Similarly, West Devon Borough Council has awarded a contract to Parkwood Leisure to manage its leisure services at Meadowlands (Tavistock) and The Parklands (Okehampton). The council assures residents there will be no disruption, with current memberships and swimming lessons continuing seamlessly.
This collective effort underlines the commitment of local authorities and communities to preserving essential health and wellbeing amenities during challenging times for Fusion Lifestyle.