Leisure operator collapses into administration putting 100 sites at risk as councils step in

Joe Sledge
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:24:54 +0000

Fusion Lifestyle, the charity responsible for operating more than 100 leisure centres, swimming pools and lidos across the UK, has appointed administrators after a prolonged period of financial difficulty.

The Dartford-based organisation entered administration on April 1, citing rising operational costs, reduced Government support and continued challenges following the pandemic.

Fusion said it had "made significant attempts to introduce new funding", but these efforts were unsuccessful.

The charity confirmed that memberships will remain valid and scheduled activities will continue during the transition period.

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Administrators from S&W Partners have been appointed to seek alternative operators for the sites in a bid to avoid widespread closures.

The Government said it "encourages local authorities to make investments which offer the right opportunities and facilities for the communities they serve".

Golden Lane Sports and Fitness Centre in the City of London is the only site confirmed to close, with the facility set to shut permanently after April 30.

The City of London Corporation said the building’s condition and the limited time before a planned refurbishment in December meant no viable alternative could be found.

A spokesman said: "The leisure centre's current condition combined with the short time frame before the planned closure in December, meant no financially viable alternative to closure could be identified."

The authority added it is exploring options to keep the tennis courts open and identify alternatives for users ahead of the planned works.

Local authorities across the country have moved to maintain services at affected sites.

Lambeth Council confirmed Brockwell Lido will return to council control, with its in-house operator Active Lambeth taking over management from July 1.

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The Herne Hill site will continue to operate as normal in the interim.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said Serco Leisure, working with Leisure Solutions Community Trust, will take over local sports centres once a handover date is agreed.

A council spokesman said: "Since learning they may be experiencing financial difficulties the council has been exploring options to get the best outcome for residents."

In Devon, West Devon Council has awarded Parkwood Leisure a short-term contract to operate Meadowlands Leisure Centre in Tavistock and Parklands Leisure Centre in Okehampton.

Facilities expected to continue operating include sites across eastern Somerset, six leisure centres in Devon, including Dartmouth and Totnes, and venues in Loughborough, Syston and Mountsorrel in Leicestershire.

Other sites remaining open include Brockwell Lido in south London, sports centres in Cranbrook, Paddock Wood and Tunbridge Wells in Kent, Wycombe Rye Lido in Buckinghamshire and Newcastle City Baths.

Somerset Council said Shepton Mallet lido will open as planned in May while efforts continue to find a replacement operator for affected sites.

Charnwood Borough Council confirmed that planned heating upgrades at Loughborough Leisure Centre will proceed as scheduled.

Fusion had been working with councils prior to entering administration, with many authorities now stepping in to ensure services continue during the transition period.