Haringey Council says the centres will be “clean, safe and well-maintained” after the transfer goes ahead

Three of the borough’s leisure centres will be coming back under the direct management of Haringey Council next month.

Tottenham Green Pools and Fitness, Park Road Pools and Fitness, and Broadwater Farm Community Centre will transfer to the civic centre on Tuesday, 1st October.

The council says all three leisure centres will “require attention” as part of the switch and will be closed for six days for an “initial burst of refurbishment” before reopening to the public on Monday, 7th October. Over the following six months, refurbishment work will continue as part of a significant investment programme approved last December.

It comes after the council agreed last year to cut ties with leisure charity Fusion Lifestyle, twelve years into what was originally set to be a 20-year deal to run the borough’s sports centres. A series of mounting maintenance problems resulted in prolonged closures at some centres throughout 2023.

The council had originally sought a “negotiated exit” that would allow it “to pursue a new way forward for our leisure centres at the earliest opportunity”. But the council triggered a termination clause in the contract after negotiations stalled.

Emily Arkell, cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing three of our centres back under the council’s direct control and this marks a fresh start for leisure in our borough.

“Whether you are a fitness fanatic, keen gym goer, seasoned swimmer or venturing back into these buildings after a break, you should see a distinct difference in the standard of leisure provision in Haringey from the last few years.

“We will be deep cleaning and performing some essential maintenance works during the six-day handover period so that they are clean, safe and well-maintained upon reopening. We’ll be maintaining those high standards going forward as well.

“It’s important to us that we cater our leisure provision to meet the needs and requirements of our communities and residents here in Haringey. Earlier this year we carried out extensive engagement with residents and, in the coming months, we’ll be engaging with them further on the types of activities and services they’d like provided in Haringey’s leisure centres.”

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