Concerns have been voiced regarding the leadership of Gloucester’s GL1 leisure centre amid reports of “multiple resignations” at the facility. The centre, located on Bruton Way, is set to undergo a multi-million-pound modernisation project due to commence next month, with council officials describing the planned improvements as creating a “fantastic” leisure centre “fit for the 21st century”.
However, opposition members of Gloucester City Council have expressed anxiety that GL1 is “lurching from crisis to crisis” in light of these staffing changes. Labour councillor Karen James (Kingswood) urged the Liberal Democrat administration to address the situation promptly to ensure the planned investment delivers positive outcomes.
“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.”
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Councillor James described the timing as particularly troubling given the forthcoming council-funded regeneration.
“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, the organisation managing GL1 on behalf of the city council, has been approached for comment but has yet to respond.
A Gloucester City Council spokesperson highlighted that the refurbishment is part of a broader £8 million investment aimed at enhancing leisure facilities across the city, including upgrades at GL1 and Oxstalls Sports Park.
“We’re delighted that work is about to begin on this major investment for GL1,” the 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.”
Last month, when concerns about the current condition of GL1 were raised, a council cabinet member acknowledged the leisure centre was in “dire need of an upgrade”.