Statement regarding Kettering Leisure Village
Parks, sports and leisure28 June 2023
Statement from Compass (Kettering Leisure Village)
We are pleased to confirm that following ongoing discussions with North Northamptonshire Council and Phoenix Leisure Management, a decision in principle has been made subject to the various approvals required, that the Lighthouse Theatre, Arena Sports Centre and Balance Health Club will now remain open. We will be supporting with the transition of operations to Phoenix Leisure Management until 4 September 2023.Spokesperson for Kettering Conference Centre
As we have previously communicated, we have been running Kettering Conference Centre at a loss for a number of years. The sharp increase in energy and operating costs have made this unsustainable, therefore the conference centre part of the site will not reopen and will close on 3 July as planned.
The council has confirmed it will continue to support the Theatre and the Arena with a grant that goes towards operating costs and facilitate its use as a community site. The Balance Health Club will also be kept open alongside these facilities.
As the extension has only just recently been agreed, further updates will be provided in the coming weeks with regards to any future theatre programme and the process to follow in relation to bookings at the Arena Sports Centre and Balance Health Club.
We have informed our teams of this decision and would like to thank them for their ongoing professionalism over these past few weeks. We ask that you please be patient as our teams work through the next steps.
Statement from Councillor Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council
I’m absolutely delighted that all parties have been able to agree a way forward which sees the elements of the complex that play such a vital role in the local community stay open at no additional cost to the taxpayer.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council
Throughout this process the council has been pivotal as an enabler and broker so that a deal can be driven forward. We have also shown some pragmatic flexibility so that we can facilitate an outcome which is beneficial to the residents of Kettering and the wider area.
I’d like to thank the KLV Support Group and other residents who have shown such tremendous passion and our officers for their commitment and focus. I’d also like to thank my Deputy Leader Cllr Helen Howell for her support as well as Phoenix Leisure Management and Compass for working with us to find a resolution.
KLV is one of the area’s premier leisure venues and we know how well valued it is by the local community, as indeed it is by us.