Gloucester’s GL1 Leisure Centre is currently grappling with significant cleanliness and service challenges, prompting calls from users and local officials for interim measures such as reduced gym rates to retain membership ahead of a major renovation.
Despite a scheduled £multi-million upgrade set to kick off in September, patrons have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the centre’s current state, describing it as “consistently dirty” with dust, rubbish, and unhygienic facilities. Labour Councillor Karen James (Kingsway) recently voiced these frustrations at a Gloucester City Council meeting, highlighting the poor conditions in the gym, studio, and especially the changing rooms.
“It’s really unpleasant doing Pilates with dust covering the studio floor,” Councillor James remarked. She also revealed that some classes have been canceled last minute, causing inconvenience to members. In one instance, a member was forced to leave the swimming pool due to excessively high chlorine levels, raising safety concerns.
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Complaints have been made to both Freedom Leisure — the centre’s operator — and the city council. However, explanations for the poor upkeep have included staff shortages and a reluctance to invest in improvements shortly before the extensive redevelopment begins. Councillor James pressed the council on what steps are being taken to ensure Freedom Leisure maintains acceptable standards to prevent member loss.
Culture and Leisure Cabinet Member Caroline Courtney (LD, Tuffley) acknowledged the centre’s “dire need of an upgrade” and detailed progress on the refurbishment project. Project management and contractors are now in place, with initial works starting this September focusing on the gym, wellness, and cycling studio areas, as well as a new ladies' gym. Subsequent phases will overhaul the poolside, changing rooms, splash pool, climbing zone, soft play, and sauna, aiming for completion by October 2027.
Courtney also addressed ongoing operational challenges, including difficulties recruiting cleaning staff, which have impacted maintenance efforts. “Freedom Leisure doesn’t want to spend heavily on repairs that will soon be replaced, but their priority remains keeping the centre safe, clean, and hygienic,” she said.
A Freedom Leisure spokesperson reaffirmed their commitment to customer satisfaction and continual improvement. They acknowledged the need for better cleanliness standards and confirmed active recruitment of additional cleaning staff. The spokesperson also explained that recent pool closures were due to issues with the air handling and chemical dosing systems—problems that have since been or are being resolved.
“Customer safety will always come first,” they emphasized, adding that the operator is working closely with Gloucester City Council to support the ongoing redevelopment and enhance GL1’s facilities for the local community.