Oakham and Rutland Local News

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Saturday, May 04, 2024

Catmose Sports Centre, Oakham, Rutland to Close Its Doors on May 31st 2024

Catmose Sports Centre, Oakham, Rutland to Close Its Doors on May 31st 2024

Catmose Sports Closed by the Liberal Democrats 
although the promised to improve sports and leisure in
all their election communications.
 

Catmose Sports Centre, a popular leisure facility in Oakham, will cease operations on Friday, May 31st, 2024. This follows the conclusion of Rutland County Council's contract with Stevenage Leisure Limited (SLL).

The closure signifies the end of public access to the sports centre. However, Catmose College, the owner of the building, is exploring the possibility of offering continued access for community groups and sports clubs beyond the closure date.

Catmose College

In a statement, Catmose College acknowledged the council's decision not to renew the contract due to financial constraints. The college emphasised that it cannot use its public funding, designated for education, to subsidise community sports activities.

The college is currently assessing the feasibility of taking over the facilities. Factors being considered include staffing costs, utilities, insurance, equipment maintenance, and potential income generation.

Catmose College cannot guarantee a future community offer, but they haven't ruled it out either. Current users are advised to make alternative arrangements as public access will cease after May 31st.

An update on the college's decision will be provided once a clear path forward is established. Clubs and groups seeking information on alternative sports facilities can contact  activerutland@rutland.gov.uk

This closure comes despite an optional extension offered to SLL in February 2023, which could have prolonged their contract until March 2025. However, SLL declined to extend beyond May 31st, 2024.




This is the location of the demolished swimming
pool, Stevenage Leisure Ltd received payments 
from Rutland County Council even when it was 
closed, Rutland Council paid for all the repairs.
It was finally closed by the Conservatives.
The Conservatives promised a new public pool 
in their 2019 election leaflets and long before the election.






Catmose Sports



The old swimming pool site.




Harington School is part of Catmose Campus


Catmose Community
The Art Gallery and Community
users have long gone from 
Catmose Campus. 


An old The Vale of Catmose School sign on the old sports hall.