WEYMOUTH College has announced it will stop running a popular but ageing leisure centre in July next year - with a new tenant already being lined up to secure its future.
The college has been operating Redlands Community Sports Hub under a lease arrangement with Dorset Council since 2008.
But it said, after more than £2m of investment over the years and concerns over the future financial implications of running the site, it could no longer continue operating it after July 2022.
To view more images of the sports hub, click on the interative gallery above
It confirmed there has been talks with more than 10 local and regional leisure operators for the facility in Broadwey - with the Active Dorset confirmed as a prospective new tenant for the site.
READ MORE: Weymouth College to pull out of running Redlands Community Sports Hub
Weymouth College vice principal Rob Cole said: "The college has been proud to serve the sporting community for over 13 years but this has come at cost - with running and capital investment of over £2 million of Further Education funding by the college.
"The leisure centre and playing fields have not been part of the college’s core educational purpose, and the college can no longer afford to finance the centre."
A review during the summer 2021 highlighted the significant and ongoing financial concern of running an ageing and out-dated leisure centre as well as the growing liabilities for building investment for the site.
This review – conducted in partnership with landlords Dorset Council – has led to Weymouth College announcing the pending closure of indoor sport provision at Redlands by July 2022.
Mr Cole added: "It's with regret that the analysis of the current operating model, financial review and feedback from prospective tenants over the summer has confirmed the non-viability of indoor leisure provision at Redlands.
"Weymouth College will continue to cater for all bookings up to July 2022.
"The college and Dorset Council have conducted a leisure capacity review to identify local leisure facilities for the re-provision of current indoor sports from Redlands. Clubs and users have been informed of this."
Active Dorset, a charity with a focus on helping people to become more active, is one of the frontrunners to take over at Redlands, with an exciting business plan to invest in outdoor space and develop and expand outdoor facilities from next year.
Plans will see Weymouth College and Active Dorset working together to ensure all outdoor clubs and users are able to continue their bookings with no interruptions of hire.
The charity said it is delighted to have the opportunity to work with Weymouth College, Dorset Council, the current users and the wider community at Redlands.
The collaboration could provide an improved outdoor facility offering, which as well as securing the traditional sport use at Redlands, will open the space up to a much wider cross section of the community for both informal and coordinated activity.
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