Views sought on council’s leisure centre plans
People in Leicester are being invited to have their say on proposals that would shape the the next phase of investment in Leicester City Council's leisure centres.
The council has launched a six-week public consultation on proposals for Leicester Leys Leisure Centre and New Parks Leisure Centre.
The proposals include an £8million investment in Leicester Leys Leisure Centre, with the aim of transforming it into a modern leisure, learning and well being facility. The plans include a new integrated Beaumont Leys Library, upgrades to swimming facilities, the return of the centre's flumes, a larger gym, a new dance and wellbeing studio, and improved community spaces.
The consultation will also seek views on the proposed closure of New Parks Leisure Centre, which requires significant maintenance investment and currently has the lowest levels of usage and income across all of the council's leisure centres.
The council is keen to hear from residents, leisure centre users, clubs, schools, community organisations and library users before any decisions are made.
Cllr Vi Dempster, asst city mayor for health, culture, libraries and community centres said:
“We've invested heavily in our leisure centres over recent years, transforming facilities across the city and helping to increase usage to more than two million
visits a year. “We now have the opportunity to make a major investment at Leicester Leys – one of our most popular centres - creating a modern leisure, library and wellbeing hub that can serve local families for many years to come.“
At the same time, we want to hear people’s thoughts on the possible closure of New Parks Leisure Centre and the challenges the site faces. No decisions have been made, and I encourage everyone with an interest to take part in the consultation and share their views.”
People will be able to find out more and have their say at two open meetings to be held at New Parks Library. These will take place on Monday 28 September at 10am, and on Monday 28 September at 6.30pm.
They will also be able to comment through an online survey, paper questionnaires available at leisure centres and libraries, and at sessions with clubs, schools and user groups.
The consultation will run from 21 September to 2 November. It can be found on the council’s website at: consultations.leicester.gov.uk
LCC News - Published on Tuesday, September 22, 2026
