Lichfield leisure centre set to reopen next month

Friary Grange Leisure Centre in Lichfield will open its doors from October 24.

It comes after campaigners won their battle to keep the centre open last year – after the district council reconsidered its decision to close it.

Lichfield District Council decided in July 2019 to hand back the city’s leisure centre to Staffordshire County Council this year. The reasons were the “unfavourable terms” of a new lease, the current poor condition of the building and the level of investment that would be needed to bring the building up to scratch.

But the move met with fierce opposition from residents and users and a petition to save Friary Grange Leisure Centre received thousands of signatures within days of the decision being made. The petition went on to be signed by around 11,000 people, triggering a a reconsideration of the decision by the council’s cabinet.

Lichfield District Council and Freedom Leisure are now working behind the scenes to make sure everything is in place to reopen the leisure centre safely.

Councillor Richard Cox, cabinet member responsible for leisure, said: “I am sure everyone who is looking forward to getting back to their local pool and sports facilities will be very pleased to hear Friary Grange will be reopening in time for October half term.

“There is still some work to do with our leisure partners, Freedom Leisure, who run the facility on our behalf, but we are looking forward to Friary Grange reopening next month.”

Ivan Horsfall-Turner, managing director Freedom Leisure, added: “Freedom Leisure is delighted to be reopening Friary Grange Leisure Centre on Saturday 24 October. The team is working hard to make sure the centre is ready and waiting to welcome back the local community, and look forward to seeing everyone soon.”

To keep up to date with reopening information from Friary Grange Leisure Centre, go to freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/friarygrange.