Deadline looming: Huge update on future of Redlands Community Sports Hub

There are hopes that interested parties will allow the continuation of both indoor and outdoor facilities at the centre - recognising the importance of the hub to the community.

As previously reported, campaigners are desperate to save indoor facilities at the centre after Weymouth College confirmed it will pull out as operator in July.

READ MORE: SAVE REDLANDS: Clubs at risk as Weymouth sports centre to be cut

Weymouth will no longer be able to host national league volleyball... and things aren't looking good for the Weymouth Beach volleyball tournaments if Redlands goes Picture: Weymouth Beach Volleyball, Instagram

Active Dorset is to become operator of the outdoor facilities but has not provided any plan to keep the indoor facilities open - although pressure from campaigners is prompting it to think otherwise.

Dorset Council councillor for Radipole Peter Barrow is at the forefront of the campaign to save the indoor facilities and expects a decision will be made on the future of the whole sports hub by 'end of this financial year' - in two weeks' time.

Dorset Council councillor for Radipole Peter Barrow. Picture: Sam McKeown

He said: "There are three options which Active Dorset is set to put forward to landowner Dorset Council.

"Option A would see Active Dorset takeover the outdoor facilities, which will require minimal assistance from Dorset Council, leading to the indoor buildings being flattened.

"Option B will see Active Dorset run the outdoor facilities and maintain some of the indoor facilities.

"However, Option C, which is what the campaigners want, would keep the outdoor and indoor facilities running - but this would require greater assistance from both Dorset Council and financial assistance from current leaseholders Weymouth College.

"Two months ago, it was all but confirmed the indoor facilities would close, but now Active Dorset are working with us."

Badminton is one of the many soon-to-be-homeless indoor sports in Weymouth as there is nowhere else to play besides Redlands Picture: Ellie Maslin

Cllr Barrow said pressure from the campaign group has led to the possibility of keeping all facilities open.

He added: "Currently, there are negotiations going on between Dorset Council, Active Dorset and Weymouth College.

"Negotiations are about how much money each would put into the pot to keep all facilities running.

"These negotiations have not been concluded, but we hope there will be an indication from all involved before the end of the financial year, on April 5."

The indoor facilities comprises three large sports halls, two squash courts, a spinning class room, a function suite - which are used by groups, including Shuttlebusters Youth Badminton Club and Weymouth Beach Volleyball Club.

"Knowing as soon as possible will also help groups who block book with the indoor facilities," said Mr Barrow.

"If these groups do not book with the sports hub soon, and the indoor facilities stay open, they will look elsewhere and there will be a huge loss of revenue.

"We want to keep it open and give the sports hub a good future."

Equipment and assets would be transferred to the Weymouth College site if Redlands closes. Picture: Sam McKeown

David Harris, leader of Weymouth Town Council, has previously said the local authority is keen to work with Dorset Council and Active Dorset to try and keep indoor sports going at the hub.

He said: "Pressure from the campaign group and town council has made Active Dorset consider to keep all facilities open, while looking at costs and to produce these three options - which have been put forward to Dorset Council.

"Options B and C need considerable financial support, so it's up currently up to Dorset Council and Weymouth College to find the resources.

"We hope when Dorset Council decide on what option they want to go with, the town council, as a stakeholder, is consulted.

"We also hope groups using the facilities are also consulted before any official decision is made."

Dorset Council did not want to comment and instead referred the Echo to Weymouth College.

Rob Cole, vice principal of Weymouth College, said: "Reviews continue on the plans for Redlands between Active Dorset and Dorset Council."