Alternative provision has now been secured for organised groups that use Golden Lane Leisure Centre during its temporary closure, the City of London Corporation has confirmed.
The centre closed yesterday, earlier than expected ahead of the City Corporation’s £10.4 million refurb of the complex, after operator Fusion Lifestyle went into administration.
A deal secured by the City Corporation had already been announced enabling centre users to access Finsbury Leisure Centre and Ironmonger Row Baths – both run by the social enterprise GLL and within a 10-minute walk of Golden Lane – during the temporary closure, at no extra cost to users.
Now, the City Corporation has confirmed alternative provision has been secured for groups which use the centre, including Anaconda swimming club sessions and swimming for children with special educational needs and disabilities, which will run at the City of London Girls School.
Meanwhile, other nearby venues including CitySport (City St George’s University) have been enlisted to accommodate sports hall activities, fitness sessions and activities for older people.
Where possible, groups will be run by the same instructor to provide continuity of service. Public health programmes, including Exercise on Referral and weight‑management support will be considered on a case-by-case basis on referral by a GP to the City Corporation.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Helen Fentimen, said:
“We understand that the services provided at Golden Lane Leisure Centre are hugely important to local people, which is why it was critical for us to ensure that no groups were left without options during this period.
“We’ve now been able to confirm alternative provision for our organised groups, working closely with trusted local partners, and in many cases retaining the same coaches and programmes.
“Our focus has been about minimising disruption in the short term, while we move ahead with a major investment that will secure the long‑term future of the centre and provide modern, vastly improved facilities for users.”
The City Corporation will continue to liaise directly with user groups to support a smooth transition and to address any individual concerns.
