By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There is worry over the upcoming multi-million revamp of Gloucester’s GL1 after “multiple resignations” at the leisure centre.
Work to modernise the site in Bruton Way is due to begin next month and council chiefs say the improvements will help create a “fantastic” leisure centre “fit for the 21st century”.
But there is concern among the opposition at Gloucester City Council who fear GL1 is “lurching from crisis to crisis” after reports of resignations at the leisure centre.
Labour councillor Karen James (Kingswood) is calling on the Liberal Democrat administration to “get a grip on things” to make sure the revamp investment isn’t wasted.
“I am concerned to hear of the resignation of the manager of GL1 after a very short time in post,” she said.
“I understand there have been multiple resignations at the centre this year, which suggests there is something going really wrong in the culture of GL1 as a workplace.”
She said it is a worrying situation with the multi-million council-funded regeneration due to start next month.
“Council leaders need to get on top of it fast. GL1 could and should be a flagship leisure facility that Gloucester can be proud of,” she added.
“Instead, it appears to be lurching from crisis to crisis, without the leadership required to oversee this crucial phase in its development.
“The administration need to get a grip on things to ensure that the people of Gloucester see the benefit of this investment and that it doesn’t simply go to waste.”
Freedom Leisure, which manages the site on behalf of the city council, has been approached for comment.
A Gloucester City Council spokesperson said the work at GL1 forms part of its wider £8m investment to strengthen leisure facilities across the city, including updating the leisure centre and Oxstalls Sports Park.
“We’re delighted that work is about to begin on this major investment for GL1,” a spokesperson said.
“These improvements will help create a fantastic modern leisure facility that is fit for the 21st century, with better equipment, enhanced accessibility and an improved experience for everyone who uses it.
“This is a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of our communities and in the future of leisure in Gloucester.”