Leisure centre shuts as operator enters liquidation

A community leisure centre has been forced to hand over operations to a local council after going bust.

Active Nation, the operator of the Filton facility on the outskirts of Bristol, cited "immense pressure from the ongoing utility crisis" as the reason for ceasing operations.

On 3 April, the closed venue was handed over to Filton Town Council, who will take on the management and continue providing services to the community.

The authority said its priority would be ensuring a "smooth transition" for all stakeholders, staff and members, and hoped it would be back to "operating shortly".

The venue reopened in March last year following a £4.5m transformation, featuring a refurbished swimming pool, cafe, meeting rooms, fitness studios and modern gym.

Despite the costly investment, "unforeseen circumstances" have left the company struggling to stay afloat.

In a statement released by Active Nation, it said the council would "be in touch soon with further updates", leaving members in limbo over the fate of their facility.

Kelly Mills, who lives in nearby Horfield, said the lack of transparency over the closure has left many members feeling frustrated.

"Active Nation have never been great with communication, unless they were calling to hound people for memberships all the time," she said.

"They were pushing for memberships the day they closed, knowing what was happening."

Filton Town Council confirmed the membership payments were "part of [their] ongoing negotiation" to resolve.

Active Nation has now entered the process of liquidation, resulting in the withdrawal of all associated services across the country.

A council spokesperson added: "We understand that this news may be disappointing to members of Active Nation, their staff, and the wider community.

"While this is a difficult time, Filton Town Council are looking at all options to provide an excellent community-led leisure facility."

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