As many as 70% of Scotland’s community leisure facilities could be running at a loss or be on financially shaky ground within a year if additional help is not offered by the Scottish Government, a trade body has warned.
Community Leisure Scotland claims there are 116 premises – including leisure centres, community and town halls, swimming pools and libraries – already at risk of going to the wall.
The body, with members across the north-east and Highlands, has published a new report tracking the impact of coronavirus on the sector.
With income halted, it is estimated leisure charities running the centres will have only 17% of their pre-lockdown cash reserves by April.
Nearly two-fifths will be in a “non-viable or insecure position” within two to six months, while 70% would be inside a year if there no further support.
Already more than 450 people have been made redundant or are no longer being offered work as a result of the downturn – with a warning the crisis could result in that figure increasing ten-fold.
That would equate to a third of the workforce and predominantly impact 18 to 34-year-olds.
Government guidelines have remained unchanged for indoor sports facilities, despite other industries like restaurants, cafes and pubs being allowed to reopen last month.
North-east sporting charities bosses have previously told The P&J there is a “glaring disconnect” between government policy and the need for people to remain fit and active through the pandemic.
Now, the impact report has highlighted “serious shortfalls” in support for non-profit organisations.
Sent to all 27 Scottish members, including council arms-length charities such as Sport Aberdeen and High Life Highland, the report reads: “The public leisure and culture landscape will be in a fragile position for a significant period of time, with a lengthy recovery period.
“There is a high risk of venues and facilities closing permanently as a result of rationalization and financial pressures.
“Coupled with new trends and changes in customers’ routines, it is likely the landscape will never return to the pre-Covid normal.”
Alistair Robertson, managing director of Sport Aberdeen, said: “Despite financial support being offered by the Scottish Government to a number of industries, such as arts and culture, leisure trusts continue to fall through the gaps.
“The combination of a lack of government support and continued delays in reopening means the future for leisure looks increasingly bleak.
Mr Robertson, also vice-chairman of Community Leisure UK, added: “The part community leisure has to play in the country’s recovery from the Covid-19 crisis is significant.
“We are ready and able to support our communities in improving their health and wellbeing, helping to reduce escalating costs to the NHS and other services.
“However, without crucial financial intervention from the Scottish Government, there is a significant risk that these community leisure facilities may never reopen.”
Community Leisure UK is calling on the government to provide an emergency relief fund, with chief executive Mark Tweedie saying it would be “unimaginable” to think of communities without leisure centres.
