GLL has been appointed by City of Lincoln Council as the interim operator for Yarborough and Birchwood Leisure Centres.

This follows the immediate closure of both centres after the previous operator ceased trading on 3 April 2025. 

GLL will manage the indoor and outdoor facilities at both leisure centres for an interim period of two years, ensuring the rapid restoration of vital leisure services for Lincoln residents. 

GLL is now working with the council to prepare both centres for reopening this summer.  

Chris Hebblewhite, Director of Standards and Compliance at GLL said:

"We look forward to working with City of Lincoln Council and the local community to reopen these facilities as quickly and safely as we can to deliver the best possible leisure services at Yarborough and Birchwood Leisure Centres. 

"We'll be reaching out to customers this summer providing further details on programmes, memberships and the lessons & courses that will be available through our customer brand BETTER. 

"Speaking as someone who was brought up in Lincoln and knows the city's leisure facilities well,  I greatly appreciate their importance to everyone’s health and wellbeing and therefore we are focused on preserving and enhancing that legacy.

"Over the course of the next couple of months we’re replacing gym equipment and improving the look and feel of the facilities. There will also be employment opportunities with roles across fitness, customer services, lifeguarding and management."

Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said: 

"We are extremely pleased to confirm the appointment of GLL as our interim operator of these vital leisure centres.  

“Their experience and proven capability will be essential in getting both Yarborough and Birchwood Leisure Centres back up and running for the community."

GLL and City of Lincoln Council will work together to update residents as progress is made towards reopening both leisure centres. 

 

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