‘Closing Kingsdown Sports Centre would be unfair, wrong and possibly unlawful’

Following last year’s public consultation on the future of sports facilities across Bristol, Marvin Rees is to decide whether to close Kingsdown Sports Centre.

As I write this, it looks like our mayor – who I voted for – will decide to close the centre.

That decision would be unfair and wrong. It would show a worry disregard for the often-unheard voices of our city and deny them the opportunity to help make their lives better.

I also think that decision would be unlawful.

To try and stop this happening, I will be raising my concerns with Rees at Tuesday’s full council meeting.

Rees wants to encourage a civilised and higher level of debate. And rightly so. But openness and transparency are key to achieving those goals. And this is where he is failing to show leadership.

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Read more: Rees: ‘The quality of political discourse in the chamber dismays me’

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The council’s lack of transparency and openness

The council has refused to disclose what decisions were made about closing the centre before they consulted on their proposal.

It was only following the intervention of the Information Commissioner’s Office, and their threat of court proceedings, that the council finally replied with their disappointing refusal to disclose that information.

The council does not deny it holds that information but says “it would take too long to find”.

That response suggests not only a failure by the council to keep a proper, accessible record of their decisions but their reluctance to be open with the public about them. That is not acceptable.

Misleading the public

Some of the information that the council has included in the public consultation about who uses Kingsdown Sports Centre is wrong, misleading and not credible.

For example, the council claims the centre is only used by residents who live in Cotham. In fact, a recent survey of 300 people who visited the centre revealed around 200 of them lived in areas outside Cotham – in areas identified by the council as deprived.

Kingsdown Sports Centre’s proximity to the University of Bristol’s gym is one of the reasons behind its proposed closure – photo: Martin Booth

Closing the centre would ignore those most in need and our future generations

The council has failed to properly engage with those whose wellbeing would arguably suffer most if the centre were to close.

The centre is used by a wide range of Bristol residents, reflecting both the affordability, ease of accessibility and ethos of the centre.

As a member of the centre, I’ve seen it used by pupils of Cotham School and others who might otherwise feel intimidated or be priced-out of attending other local facilities.

Only two years ago, Mayor Rees had a different view. Then, he stated: “A city that promotes and supports sport and physical activity will mean our citizens are able to thrive. We want all of Bristol to be given the opportunity and encouragement to enjoy and build more into their lives, whatever the circumstances.”

Kingsdown Sports Centre partners with the NHS for GP referrals and, if it were to remain open, has the potential to ease pressure on the NHS through more health and wellbeing partnerships.

The council makes no acknowledgement of these important contributions the centre make to our community.

Finally, I would repeat my invitation to the mayor to meet with those who use the centre, to help properly and fully understand the consequences of any decision he may make to close the centre.

That would be the responsible thing to do.

Paul Collins is a public sector worker who lives in Cotham. He is a member of the Save Kingsdown Sports Centre  group, which has been established to help secure the future of the centre, but has written this opinion piece in a personal capacity.

Main photo: Martin Booth

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