By KLTV Newsdesk –

The Popular Health and Fitness Club at Huddersfield’s St John’s Stadium is set to permanently close with just seven days’ notice given.

In the face of soaring energy and staffing costs, compounded by the broader inflationary pressures across the United Kingdom, Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL) has made the decision to close the centre for good.

KAL, which oversees the Stadium Health and Fitness Club on a commercial lease basis, says they have been burdened by substantial rental and service charge costs to Kirklees Stadium Development Limited (KSDL), the operator of the John Smith’s Stadium site.

In addition, the funding KAL receives from Kirklees Council has been reduced from £6.1m in the current year to £2.55m.

This has led to significant financial losses for the facility, rendering its continued operation unsustainable for the charity.

In light of these financial constraints, and despite massive pressure from community groups opposed to the closures, KAL has made the decision to close the Stadium Health and Fitness Club permanently on Thursday, November 30th, 2023.

A statement on KAL’s website acknowledges the disappointment this closure will bring its customers.

The charity emphasises that the dire financial circumstances and the exorbitant costs associated with the Stadium site leave them no viable alternative.

Impact on KAL Members and Customers

For members holding a Plus Membership, detailed information about available options has been communicated via email.

Customers enrolled in swimming lessons at the Stadium Health and Fitness Club have also received correspondence outlining their choices.

In the event that you did not receive an email as expected, KAL encourages individuals to reach out to their Customer Service Team at contact.centre@kal.org.uk.

Specifics for KAL Flexi Card Holders and Booking Customers

For those with pre-paid bookings after November 30th, refunds will be automatically processed by the KAL team. No additional action is required on the part of the affected individuals.

KAL Flexi Card holders are informed that they can continue using their cards at other KAL Centers, with details of alternative facilities provided on the official website.