Carlisle leisure sites are set to receive more than £235,000 of government funding.
The Government has announced that £100 million has now been allocated to 266 local authorities across England, to support the recovery of publicly-owned leisure centres and gyms.
Carlisle City Council made an application on behalf of leisure facilities in Carlisle. The funding will be used to support Carlisle City Council-owned facilities (The Sands Centre, The Pools and The Sheepmount) and two other facilities managed by Trinity Academy (Trinity Leisure) and Carlisle Sports CIO (Harraby Sports). All sites are operated by GLL.
In addition to an initial grant of £220,000, an additional top-up grant of £15,104 has also been allocated.
The money will be used to cover essential costs during the lockdown and for preparing sites for reopening.
Stephen Higgs, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and leisure, said: “It’s great news that we have been awarded this grant and testament to the excellent partnership working between the City Council and GLL.
“The money will be a big help towards getting our leisure facilities up and running again, something that I know so many people are eagerly looking forward to.”
Tom Rice, partnership manager for GLL, added: “The support from Sport England is vital during these unprecedented times. It will help ensure the centres in Carlisle are in a position to welcome customers back as soon as the Government’s lockdown restrictions are eased.
“It has already been proven that being healthy is one of the best protections against Covid and such a benefit to physical and mental wellbeing.”
The National Leisure Recovery Fund, which opened in December 2020, was established to provide a solid funding platform for the leisure sector to successfully reopen. It has been funded by the Government and managed by Sport England.
Allocations will mean that publicly-owned leisure centres and gyms can begin preparations for reopening as part of Step Two of the Prime Minister’s roadmap, secured by financial backing from the Government. The lifting of restrictions will be subject to approval.
