Council to carry out review into 14 leisure sites across Cheshire East

By Hannah Cochrane 7th Jun 2026

Local News by Hannah Cochrane 7th Jun 2026 4

Cheshire East Council is to review 14 leisure sites including swimming pools, fitness centres and sports hubs (Credit: Nub News)

A full review is to be carried out into 14 leisure sites across the region.

Cheshire East Council say they are taking the opportunity to review their leisure services to ensure they continue to support residents' health and wellbeing, while being affordable in the long term.

This follows approval by the council's cabinet to invest in 'specialist external expertise' to undertake a full review of its leisure estate and suggest evidence-based options for how it could be run going forward.

Councillor Rob Vernon, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities and engagement, said: "The council's leisure services provide an essential service to all our communities throughout every stage of life, from Discovery Ducklings swimming lessons to Move It or Lose It fitness classes - right across the borough.

"It's vital that we have the right facilities, in the right places, that not only benefit public health and wellbeing but also provide a place for people to come together as a community.

"That's what this is about - making sure we get the services we need, where we need them, at value for money for you as the taxpayer."

The council's leisure services contract, which is currently delivered by Everybody Health and Leisure, is due to expire in April 2029.

The work to shape the future of leisure services across Cheshire East includes how they will be delivered from 2029 onwards.

The review will consider matters such as how well-used each site is, the local population's health needs, and the investment needed in the sites.

While the council hasn't provided specific, the 14 sites under review are said to range from swimming pools and fitness centres to sports hubs and community facilities.

The council will consult with residents and stakeholders before bringing a final recommendation back to Cabinet for a decision.

CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
crewe vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: crewe jobs

Can we count on you? Local news is the heartbeat of Crewe — it needs your support.

For less than the price of a cup of coffee each month,
you can help us keep telling the stories that matter to Crewe.
Support local journalism. Protect your community.

Thank you to those of you that have already contributed.

Can we count on you? Local news is the heartbeat of Crewe
— it needs your support.

Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Comments (4)

Post comment

Why do people often moan about things that they take no part in, or never use the facilities on offer,
As they say if you don't use it you loose it.
If you're so concerned about loosing it then use it,
It will help to keep it in safe hands.

To translate into english. The council can't really afford to provide sport and fitness facilities but tries to anyway. Some years ago the Conservatives offloaded the services to what was described (wrongly) as a charity - with a contract that is due to expire. Therefore they have to do a review -but it won't get any easier because energy costs are a big part of running these buildings so there is even less chance of keeping it cheap than when this arrangement started!

So they are looking for the current company to carry on pretty much as before.

Or a real charity, staffed by volunteers. Whilst the current paid and qualified staff go and get jobs elsewhere, leaving the charity unable to get insurance.

Or a commerical fitness company to buy the lot and charge commercial prices.

Meanwhile those running very specific interest clubs are hoping that this is a chance for them to get the council to basically bung them large subisidies and allow them to block book facilities.

At the same time those who don't use these facilties won't want any council involvment - and those that do will be fed up of groups hogging the bits they wanted .

Don't expect anyone to be happy with whatever happens!

A welcome review. As prices rise and actually price out clubs trying to do good by the community, we also have a need for the correct facilities to provide adequate sessions for our members and residents. It would be good to speak to you all as well as Rob Vernon about our plans and the wider benefits of what we do so we can help guide their decision making moving forwards!!