By KLTV Newsdesk –

The Reopen Dewsbury Sports Centre Committee has issued a cautious response to Kirklees Council’s recent announcement of a proposed “new leisure centre” for the town.

The Committee claim that while the statement is a step forward, it lacks concrete detail on delivery, facilities, and location.

Concern Over Delays and Lack of Detail

The Council has confirmed that a feasibility study will be carried out to explore options for a new centre, with findings expected no sooner than next year.

Campaigners argue that this represents continued delay following the closure of Dewsbury Sports Centre in 2023, which they say has had a negative impact on health, wellbeing, and community cohesion in the area.

Surraya Patel, spokesperson for the Reopen Dewsbury Sports Centre Committee, said: “It has taken the Council years to reach the point of commissioning a feasibility study, a study that will not even report back for another year.

“Meanwhile, the health of our community continues to be compromised by their inaction.

“The people of Dewsbury have told the Council time and again what we need: a proper sports centre with a pool, sports hall, and accessible facilities in our town centre.

“It shouldn’t take another costly report to reach that conclusion.

“When the Council closed Dewsbury Sports Centre, we warned that this would leave a major gap in local provision, and now, years later, they’re finally admitting that the town does need a new centre.

“We need rapid progress, not more studies.”

Uncertainty Over Future Provision

The Committee highlighted that Cabinet papers confirm the original closure decision “remains valid,” warning that without firm commitments, residents could face further years of uncertainty.

Patel added: “Let’s not forget that, at the last local elections, Labour’s own leaflet promised that a new sports centre for Dewsbury was ‘within touching distance’, yet nothing has happened.

“The people of Dewsbury deserve honesty and delivery, not delays and vague promises.

“We’re calling for firm commitments to funding, confirmation that a pool will be included, and a guarantee that the new centre will be built on the existing town centre site, which the Council already owns.”

Campaigners Set Out Clear Demands

The Committee is urging Kirklees Council to:

• Commit to a clear and accelerated delivery timeline

• Guarantee funding in the next Council budget

• Confirm core facilities, including a swimming pool and sports hall

• Use the existing town centre site, rather than funding further studies to identify alternatives

Patel concluded: “This is a moment for the Council to show real leadership and deliver something tangible for the people of Dewsbury.

“We remain ready to work with them, but our community won’t accept another decade of delay.”