July re-opening for leisure centres

Yarborough and Birchwood Leisure Centres will reopen in July according to council chiefs.

Following approval at Tuesday evening’s Executive Meeting, City of Lincoln Council officially launched the emergency procurement process yesterday to appoint a new interim operator for two years.

This urgent procurement follows the closure of both centres earlier this month after Active Nation ceased trading on April 3.

The council wants to move quickly to secure a capable interim provider to manage the indoor and outdoor facilities at both leisure centres ensuring residents regain access to vital leisure services as soon as possible. 

It is anticipated that a preferred provider will be identified by mid-May and it will then work with the council through a five-to-eight-week mobilisation period to prepare both centres for reopening. 

Subject to a successful procurement and mobilisation phase the council aims to have both centres fully operational again by early-to-mid July 2025. 

Simon Walters, Strategic Director of Communities and Environment at City of Lincoln Council, said: “We know how important these facilities are for our community’s health and wellbeing, and we’re committed to reopening them as quickly and safely as possible.  

“This accelerated process allows us to find the right provider with the experience, capacity and vision to bring these centres back into use.” 

Lincoln City Foundation continues to manage the outdoor leisure facilities at both sites on behalf of the council to maintain access to some community services. 

The city council said it was committed to keeping residents informed and will provide further updates as key milestones are reached.