Plans to transform Batley leisure center as community promises to deliver

Organizers claim Batley’s leisure center could be transformed if the disused facility is handed over to them.

Batley Baths and Recreation Center has been forced to close its doors in December 2022 due to increasing financial pressures on the operator – Kirklees Active Leisure’s (KAL). Although the closure was expected to be temporary, KAL made the decision to close the center permanently due to the building’s conditions and running costs, leaving the community “devastated”.

However, community members are hoping to give the center a new lease of life as representatives from local disability support group Downs and Special Friends attended last night’s (July 17) full council meeting, presenting their “the transformer”. vision” for the center.

Read more: Kirklees Council spends £7m over budget as ‘local government finances are in crisis’

The pool will be reopened and a day centre, cafe, indoor garden and spa will be brought to the centre, with the group responsible for the day-to-day running of the facility. Spokesman Akhtar Kasia told the meeting: “We plan to re-open Batley Baths and not just as a swimming facility, but as a dynamic center for activity, inclusion and wellness. With your support, we can make this vision a reality.”

So far, the proposals have been backed by just over 3,500 signatories to a petition, with schools, sports clubs and councils pledging their support. The meeting heard there were also conversations about funding with organizations such as the National Lottery and local businesses.

Mr Kasia added: “We as a community have been devastated by the closure of Batley Baths and the services it provides, and while we understand some of the challenges the council faces, we have all been saddened by this decision.”

As Cllr Carole Pattison had only been appointed council leader during the meeting, she said she would send a written response to Mr Kasia. However, she said she would like to see the issue resolved as soon as possible and the uncertainty resolved.

She continued: “I recognize and understand everything you say about the need for leisure services for all the benefits it can bring to the community and hopefully we can find a solution ourselves that will give communities the facilities they want within the art of the possible.”

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