Residents in Worcester are facing higher costs to stay active, as leisure centre charges across the city are set to increase by an average of 5.9 per cent from the start of the new year.
Worcester City Council has confirmed the planned hikes, pointing to rising energy and staffing costs that are severely outstripping growth in income. The changes, which require final approval at a full council meeting on 25 November, will see most activities become more expensive from 1 January 2025.
Where Prices Are Rising Most
The not-for-profit trust that operates the facilities, Freedom Leisure, is implementing the increases. Some of the most significant jumps will hit popular activities.
Unlimited swimming for residents aged over 75 will see a substantial rise, leaping from £20 to £26 per period. Casual swimming sessions are also going up, with adult fees increasing from £7 to £7.30 and child fees from £3.70 to £3.90.
Sports enthusiasts will feel the pinch too. Pay-and-play tennis at both Cripplegate and Gheluvelt parks is set to rise by four per cent. Furthermore, hiring the artificial grass pitch at Perdiswell Leisure Centre will become 10 per cent more expensive, though prices for pitches at St John's and Nunnery Wood will remain unchanged.
Financial Pressure Behind the Decision
Rob Tyler, Area Manager for Freedom Leisure, provided a stark financial picture to the council's communities committee. He revealed that while income had outperformed targets by approximately half a million pounds over the last year, expenditure was a staggering £600,000 over budget.
This deficit meant that only financial backing from the council itself allowed the leisure centres to achieve a break-even position. Mr Tyler did highlight some positive steps, noting that solar panels installed at Perdiswell have already begun to generate energy savings.
The council also detailed specific energy savings achieved at three sites: £55,023 at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, £678 at St Johns Sports Centre, and £7,407 at Nunnery Wood Sports Complex.
Community Impact and Free Offers
Despite the price hikes, some free offerings will continue. Freedom Leisure has committed to maintaining its provision of 15 hours of complimentary tennis each week. An additional 52 hours of free tennis across 15 days during the Wimbledon period will also be funded directly by the council.
However, concerns were raised about the broader impact. Committee chair Jabba Riaz acknowledged the relief that leisure centres remain open, but voiced apprehension that increasing football pitch costs could make access to the sport cost prohibitive at the grassroots level.
The final decision now rests with the full council, which will vote on the proposed increases later this month.
