Freedom Leisure, operator of Perdiswell Leisure Centre in Worcester, has proposed price increases that substantially exceed the UK inflation rate of 3.6%. The operator is seeking approval from Worcester City Council for fees that would take effect in January if endorsed.
The proposed increases vary across services. Adult swim fees would rise by 6.8%, moving from £7.30 to £7.80, while fitness class participation would increase by 5.6% to £9.50. Annual membership costs would climb by 4.9%, and artificial pitch rental would see a 10% increase from the current £44 per hour rate. Overall, average fees at the facility would increase by 5.3%.
Management attributed the hikes to substantial cost pressures, particularly in energy and labor expenses. Matt Wickham, Freedom Leisure’s chief operating officer, noted that gas prices have increased more than 50% in the latter part of the year, while minimum wage requirements continue to rise annually. Company officials emphasized that energy costs have more than doubled in recent years despite conservation efforts. Wickham called for government consideration of immediate financial support to help the leisure industry navigate the challenging economic period and suggested ongoing investment in leisure centre infrastructure.
The proposed rate changes would also apply to two other facilities operated by Freedom Leisure: St John’s Sports Centre and Nunnery Wood Sports Complex. Council approval is scheduled for decision on 24 November, following discussions at two city council committee meetings.
Reactions from current users of the facility were varied. While some acknowledged the operators face genuine expense pressures and viewed the increases as reasonable, others expressed concern about cumulative price rises and their impact on regular participation. The council noted that even with the increase, artificial pitch rental would remain significantly cheaper than comparable facilities elsewhere in the city.
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