A Pendle leisure centre agreement looks set to be extended, aiming to bring ‘stability’ to gym users, swimmers and staff through a major council shake-up.

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Pendle Leisure Trust runs three main centres in Colne, Barnoldswick and Nelson, and others including the Colne Muni Theatre performing arts venue, for Pendle Council.

An agreement between them was due to end in 2028 but leading councillors have recommended it runs to 2033. They say an extension, along with £5.4 million investment, will mean the sites face a brighter future after previous uncertainty.

The various changes were discussed at Pendle Council’s latest executive committee.

Phillip Spurr, a council director, said: “Local government reorganisation is on the horizon and will bring a lot of work. There’s not enough time to review our leisure service arrangements before the current agreement’s expiry date so this proposal is to extend it. That will provide continuity, minimise risks and allow the leisure trust to plan for the future. ”

Independent Coun Mohammad Hanif agreed and said: “This is important. The leisure trust is a key partner but, at the same time, we have got to look at a new situation.”

A report said £5.4 million is being invested across Pendle leisure centres using the Nelson Town Deal and other government schemes, making buildings more energy-efficient and less costly. Sites include Pendle Leisure Centre, West Craven Sport Centre and Wavelengths.

Overall, leisure centre visitor numbers had risen to 675,000, on 2024 figures, and the council’s annual subsidy was being reduced. Leisure centres also help people with health needs referred by the NHS, young carers and vulnerable families. And the trust won a national award in 2025 for its work, the report added.

‘MORE SUSTAINABLE’

Lib-Dem Coun David Whipp, the council leader, said: “I’m delighted that we are part-way through this major investment programme. Three years ago, the old Conservative administration said we couldn’t afford three leisure centres.

“But this investment will make them more sustainable and set them up to succeed in future. There will also be a lot of pressure on these types of services from other services like social care.”

Leisure and arts services delivered by councils by choice are called ‘discretionary’. They are different to core services required by law, such as bin collections, planning or social services. Leisure venues could still see changes in the long-term, after bigger councils are launched.

Independent Coun Asjad Mahmood, deputy council leader, said he was proud that Pendle’s current Lib-Dem and Independent leadership had chosen to invest. He added: “This extension will give stability and allow a new authority to find its way and get a new vision.”

Lib-Dem Andy Bell added: “This is common sense. We are not destructing a service because of local government reorganisation. We are supporting a service through reorganisation.”

In future, leisure facilities and staff could, potentially, be transferred to big new councils or smaller town councils or community groups.

Conservative Coun Sarah Cockburn-Price, not on the executive, said a Colne Town Council member, David Clegg, had spoken to her recently about potentially taking on Colne Muni in the future. David Whipp said he had a similar conversation with Mr Clegg.

The executive backed the leisure agreement recommendation, allowing the council’s chief executive to complete it.