Lib Dem proposals to keep Victoria Leisure Centre open are rejected

9.52.26pm GMT Mon 8th Mar 2010

The Liberal Democrat Group on Nottingham City Council today voted in favour of an amendment to save Victoria Leisure Centre and keep it open for the 2010/11 season. The amendment which was proposed by Lib Dem councillor, Gary Long, was unanimously rejected by the Labour Group on the Council.

As a result of the vote, Victoria Leisure Centre will be largely replaced by a new £9m sports complex. The centre will also close from 1st April while the new development works take place. It is expected to re-open in 2012. Local opposition to the new building has been strong. There has been a march through Nottingham by protesters, and petitions containing hundreds of names have been handed-in to the Council.

Cllr Long said: "If Victoria Leisure Centre was refurbished rather than rebuilt, then we could keep it open and minimize disruption for local people who want to use the facilities. Unfortunately, the Labour Group does not agree with us and has chosen to go ahead with the rebuild, despite the clear concerns of local people."

The campaign to save the current Victoria Leisure Centre complex had previously been championed at Council meetings by Cllr Tony Sutton, who was unfortunately unable to attend today's meeting because of a recent heart attack from which he is expected to make a full recovery.