On 4 July, the county council’s executive will be asked to approve a proposal to find a third-party to take on responsibility for Deepings Leisure Centre.
If given the greenlight, the authority would seek expressions of interests from those with a sustainable and viable business case for the refurbishment and operation of the site as a leisure centre.
The new operator would be asked to ensure their plans would not interfere with the running of The Deepings School, and applicants would be encouraged to consider potential shared use with the school, which requires a permanent sports hall. Agreement from the school trust and Department for Education would also be required.
Should a successful third party not be found, the building would instead be demolished, and the land then transferred to the Anthem Schools Trust, which runs The Deepings School.
Cllr Richard Butroid, executive member for corporate property, said: “We are not in a position to take on the running of the site, particularly given the significant repairs that are required. In addition, leisure facilities are not our responsibility.
“However, we know the leisure centre is important to the local community, so it’s proposed that we invite expressions of interest from third-parties that are interested in taking it on permanently. We would also expect SKDC to lend their support as the local authority with responsibility for leisure facilities.
“If a successful bid does not come forward, we would then look to demolish the existing building and transfer the land to The Deepings School.
“That would not be an easy decision to make, but we feel it’s time to end the ongoing uncertainty around the future of the leisure centre and set out a clear way forward.”
Deepings Leisure Centre was previously run by South Kesteven District Council, who handed the building back to the county council in January 2023. The site is currently unoccupied, although works have been undertaken to ensure its safety.
Ahead of the executive’s decision on 4 July, the proposals will be reviewed by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Management Board at its meeting on 29 June.