Fusion Lifestyle, a charity managing numerous leisure centres and swimming pools across England—including several key locations in Somerset and Devon—has entered administration following ongoing financial challenges.
The organization, which oversees facilities in Somerset, Devon, Leicestershire, London, Kent, Buckinghamshire, and Newcastle, appointed professional services firm S&W as administrators from April 1 for a three-month interim period. This move comes after a “prolonged period of financial difficulty” attributed to rising operational costs, reduced government funding, and challenges posed by post-pandemic recovery efforts.
Fusion Lifestyle emphasized ongoing collaboration with local authorities to find sustainable solutions. Many councils have committed to keeping these vital facilities open during the transition, ensuring that memberships remain active and scheduled activities continue without interruption.
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Somerset Council confirmed its proactive role in safeguarding leisure services, particularly in the eastern part of the county. Facilities including the Wells Fitness Centre and Pool, Tor Fitness Centre in Glastonbury, Strode Swimming and Fitness Centre, Frome Leisure Centre, and Shepton Mallet Lido will remain operational. The council assured residents that gym and swimming centres in Frome, Wells, Glastonbury, and Street will continue business as usual for at least the next three months while efforts to secure a new operator progress. The popular Shepton Mallet Lido is also on track to open as scheduled in May.
Both Fusion staff and users have been reassured. The administrators have engaged directly with employees to confirm daily operations will continue as normal, with plans hoped to retain most staff through any future operator transition. Customers are encouraged to maintain their memberships to ensure seamless service continuity.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, stressed the importance of leisure centres to community health and education, stating, “Getting another operator on board to run these facilities is our number one priority.” She urged members to continue using services without disruption during this transitional phase.
In Devon, West Devon Borough Council has appointed Parkwood Leisure to take over leisure service provision in South Ham after Fusion Lifestyle’s administration announcement. Both Meadowlands in Tavistock and The Parklands in Okehampton will remain open with memberships and swimming lessons continuing uninterrupted. Council representatives expressed gratitude to residents for their ongoing support amid these changes.
These coordinated efforts by local authorities highlight a strong commitment to sustaining essential leisure services critical to public wellbeing, even amid financial uncertainties facing operators like Fusion Lifestyle.