Rethink on plan to turn athletics arena into gymnastics centre

Council chiefs began public talks last year about possible changes to the way elite-level gymnasts train in the city as part of a move to save money.

At present the city council manages performance gymnastics training but it was being proposed that an independent club should be set up to take over the training scheme to save cash.

It was envisaged the club would be able to run itself and expand to offer all ages and abilities the chance to get involved.

Earlier this month, with talks still at an early stage, it was proposed that the City of Leeds Gymnastics Club should be moved from its home at Leeds Metropolitan University’s Carnegie sports centre, in Headingley, Leeds, to an area of the John Charles Centre for Sport used for bowls and as an indoor athletics centre.

Bowls would be possible at the centre, but space for indoor athletics would be axed.

But last night the local authority issued a statement saying it had now decided not to go ahead with this option.

Last week the proposals were attacked by Greg Mulholland, the Liberal Democrat MP for Leeds North West, who called for the authority to rethink and raised concerns that Leeds City Athletics Club had not been properly consulted.

Mr Mulholland said: “I believe that both athletics and gymnastics provision in Leeds needs to be fully supported, to ensure that both can deliver a diverse, high-quality service to the Leeds community.

“While I sympathise with the council’s need to reduce spending in financially difficult times, it does not excuse the lack of consultation, and apparent sidelining, of the athletics club.

But in a statement a Leeds City Council spokesman said: “Following the announcement of the initial proposal on February 3, consultation was held with all the key stakeholders and as result of those discussions Leeds City Council has decided not to proceed with the proposed change of usage of the indoor bowls and athletics centre.

“The proposed use of this facility was originated by Leeds City Council as part of our ongoing contribution to creating a strong new working model for gymnastics in the city.

“Discussions have taken place with the City of Leeds Gymnastics Club since November 2010 over future options, but neither they nor Leeds City Athletics Club were aware of this specific proposal until both were briefed simultaneously as the starting point for the consultation. “We are committed to the future of both sports, and wish to reiterate our continued backing to the City of Leeds Gymnastics Club as they look to develop a new model in the city to allow gymnastics to thrive.

“While work continues between the club, the council and British Gymnastics to identify a suitable new location the council will continue to support their use of the existing facility at Leeds Metropolitan University.

“We look forward to working further with both clubs and their governing bodies British Gymnastics, UK Athletics and Sport England to develop these sports further in the coming months and years.”

Earlier this month the council announced its proposals for gymnastics which it stressed were still at an early stage.

Council chiefs believe that if the new gymnastics club were to expand and attracted new members by hosting recreational gymnastics for all ages and abilities and ran the centre itself, it could save the council around £300,000 a year.

The authority says the John Charles centre had 7,700 visits by athletes in the last year, compared with an estimated 30,000 expected visits per year by gymnasts of all abilities if the changes were to be given the go-ahead.