Swim and gym prices set to rise above inflation

Published7 hours ago

Inflation-busting price increases are on the way at a large Worcester leisure centre, with its operators blaming energy and staffing costs.

The price of an adult swim at Perdiswell Leisure Centre could rise 6.8% – from £7.30 to £7.80 – if the new charges are approved.

Fitness class fees would increase by 5.6% to £9.50, while the price of annual memberships would go up 4.9%.

Bosses at Freedom Leisure, the site's operator, said staffing and energy bills were rising faster than income as Worcester City Council were asked to approve the new prices.

A report on the price hikes, which outstrip the UK's 3.6% inflation rate, revealed energy costs had more than doubled in recent years, despite efforts to slash consumption.

If councillors sign them off in a meeting at the end of November, the average fee at Perdiswell Leisure Centre would increase by 5.3% from January.

Hiring the artificial pitch at Perdiswell, which can currently be done for £44 an hour, would cost 10% more, although the council said it would still be significantly cheaper than comparable pitches elsewhere in the city.

Matt Wickham, Freedom Leisure's chief operating officer, explained the firm had seen "significant cost increases", with gas prices up by more than 50% over the second half of the year and minimum wages rising year-on-year.

"It's really tough because we know people are feeling the pinch in different ways, but our priority is all about offering a value-for-money service to people from all walks of life," he said.

He added the government should consider "immediate financial support" to help the leisure industry through the next 12 months and ongoing investment into leisure centre stock.

If approved, the increases would also apply at St John's Sports Centre and Nunnery Wood Sports Complex, both of which are owned by Freedom Leisure.

'Everything is going up'

Gym-goers at Perdiswell had mixed views on the price increases – with some saying they were not surprised.

Sue Guest said: "I've had two hip replacements so I come and do the aqua swim, it's very beneficial to me.

"It would be a shame if they increase it, but then they (the operators) have their own expenses as well.

"I think it's still reasonable value for money, actually."

Colin English, a pensioner, said: "I use the gym quite a lot, I come at least four or five times a week.

"They put the price up last year – if they do it again by these sorts of amounts I may have to reconsider because it's getting expensive."

Another gym user called Vinny added: "It feels like everything is going up in price at the moment.

"I'd never stop going though, this gym is important to me so I really don't mind."

A final decision is expected to be made on 24 November, subject to discussions at two city council committees before then.

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Related internet links

Worcester City Council

Worcester City Council

Freedom Leisure

Freedom Leisure