The future of King Edward VI Leisure Centre is in doubt after Lichfield District Council confirmed it intended to end its lease on the site.

The centre has been managed by the local authority since it was constructed at King Edward VI School in 1995.

But the Fit for the Future review saw scrutiny on the three leisure centres owned by the council.

However, recent funding which saw Friary Grange Leisure Centre given a makeover and the relatively new status of the rebuilt Burntwood Leisure Centre had left the King Edward VI site at risk – and the council has now given the three-year notice required to end its management of the site.

Councillor Andy Smith, Cabinet member for leisure at Lichfield District Council, said: “It’s unusual for a city the size of Lichfield to have two leisure centres managed by a district council. It’s also unusual for a council to run such a small facility like King Edward VI Leisure Centre.

“In recent years the school has had exclusive daytime use of it during the week and weekend opening hours have been reduced to reflect demand.”

The move comes as part of a wider review into the way leisure services are managed across the district.

Cllr Smith added: “We know a lot of clubs use the leisure centre, including the synthetic pitch, and we are talking to the school about how these users can be accommodated in the future.

“Many schools across the district open their facilities up for community use, and we’re hopeful that club use of the centre will not be affected.

“In addition, as part of our lease terms, we will be replacing the synthetic turf pitch before we withdraw, so that it can continue to be used for years to come.”

A council spokesperson added that it was not yet known what impact the changes could have on staff.

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