Kidsgrove Town Deal project: Kidsgrove Sports Centre

Frequently asked questions

When will the sports centre be reopening?

The sports centre reopened in July 2022.

What facilities will Kidsgrove Sports Centre feature?

The refurbished Kidsgrove Sports Centre has the following facilities:

  • 6 lane, 25m swimming pool
  • 4 court sports hall (largest in the borough)
  • enlarged 50 station gym
  • dedicated spin studio
  • large dance studio/community space
  • physiotherapy room
  • community rooms

Who will operate Kidsgrove Sports Centre?

The Sports Centre will be operated by Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group (CIO). This is a registered Charity which was established in 2017 with the purpose of operating Kidsgrove Sports Centre for the local community.

What are the benefits of being community operated?

The charitable status means that the Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group (CIO) will not be aiming to make a profit. Unlike a private operated gym, every £1 that is spent in Kidsgrove Sports Centre, will be reinvested back into Kidsgrove Sports Centre and the local community.

How much are the trustees paid?

The trustees are volunteers of the charity and are unpaid. They donate their time freely because they believe passionately that the community deserves the very best sports facilities possible.

Who is overseeing the refurbishment?

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, via the SCAPE framework have appointed Willmott Dixon to undertake the refurbishment.

Who owns the building?

Kidsgrove Sports Centre is owned by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. Once the refurbishment is complete the building will be handed over to the Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group (CIO), who will have a long term lease on the building.

How much will it cost to use the facilities when the centre reopens?

Kidsgrove Sports Centre will be much more affordable. All pricing will encourage as many people as possible to use the facilities at the centre. This is made possible by the charitable structure of the centre.

Can I use my Lyme Card/Jubilee2 membership?

Not at the present time. The Lyme Card/ Jubilee2 is owned and operated by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. This is a different organisation than the Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group (CIO) which will operate Kidsgrove.

Is Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council not involved then?

The sports centre building actually belongs to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and will be leased on a long term lease to Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group (CIO). We are also providing financial assistance to enable the centre to become self-sustainable. All day to day operations will be the responsibility of the Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group (CIO). Both organisations have worked constructively and positively together and it is anticipated that this will continue.

How do you know Kidsgrove Sports Centre will be successful?

There has been considerable amount of business planning and modelling that has been undertaken, using a wide range of experts from the leisure industry. This expertise along with the feedback from the local community has enabled the development of a business case which has passed a government Green Book analysis of the proposals.

How can I get involved?

Kidsgrove Sports Centre is always looking for volunteers who are keen to give something back to the local community. If you want to get involved, please email trustees@kidsgrovesportscentre.co.uk or phone 01782 692902

Does the 3G AstroTurf belong to Kidsgrove Sports Centre?

No. The 3G AstroTurf belongs to The King’s CE Academy.

Can anyone use the sports pitches at King’s School?

There is a community use agreement with The King’s CE Academy for out of school hours. The 3G pitches and other sporting facilities are available to hire to the whole community and can be booked via on online portal:
  

Hire the King's CE Academy venue