Bradford Council to close leisure facility to achieve £500,000 savings

A review has determined that the closure of a leisure facility in West Yorkshire will enable a financially constrained council to save approximately £500,000 over the next two years. Councillors were informed that Baildon Recreation Centre in Bradford was deemed “no longer viable” because it required £913,000 for essential maintenance to ensure it remained “safe, accessible and functional.” This review, which forms part of a broader budget consultation as the authority endeavors to address a £40 million shortfall for the upcoming year, indicated that the centre’s closure would generate an additional £91,000 in council savings during the 2025-26 financial year. Councillor Sarah Ferriby, the portfolio holder responsible for healthy people and places, stated that the decision to close the centre in April of next year was “not taken lightly.” She further commented, “We believe, however, that it is for the good of the financial health of the council.” Councillor Ferriby added, “The savings we make will allow us to continue providing high quality sports and leisure services across the district.” Bradford Council reported that the budget review, initiated in February, had already identified £61,000 in savings for the current financial year, with an additional £497,000 projected for 2025-26. The council specified that the majority of these savings, totaling £406,000, resulted from a “thorough review of operating procedures focusing on maintenance, staffing, programming of activities and financial management.” Ferriby reiterated that the closure of Baildon Recreation Centre was “for the good of the financial health of the council.” She affirmed, “The savings we make will allow us to continue providing high quality sports and leisure services across the district.” She also noted, “There are a small number of groups who still use the facility on a regular basis and we are working closely with them to find suitable alternative venues for them to continue their activities.” In parallel, Bradford Council announced its plans to identify further ways to save nearly £40 million from next year’s budget. Proposed measures include increasing fees and charges, leveraging digital technology for enhanced efficiency, discontinuing commercial grounds maintenance services for businesses, and re-evaluating agreements with third-party suppliers. These initiatives would supplement the £33.84 million in savings proposals that were announced last month. The council also mentioned a proposed saving of £2.6 million from its “capital programme,” which represents a reduction in borrowing costs it would incur next year following a decrease in its capital contribution to various infrastructure projects. Susan Hinchcliffe, the Labour leader of Bradford Council, commented: “We have a five-year strategy to address our structural £120m budget shortfall and achieve financial sustainability.” She continued, “As part of this strategy, we need to find savings or income equivalent to around £40m next year, and for the next five years.” Hinchcliffe concluded by stating: “We are trying wherever possible to find new ways of working and new funding sources so that we can save money without cutting services.”