Rye Leisure Centre has doubled the number of members using the facility in the past year. It now has 847 members, up 459 since the pool and sports centre were brought back under local control.
The Rye Recreation and Wellbeing Community Interest Organisation (CIO) took over the running of the sports centre on 1 April 2025, with Rye Town Council taking on a 20-year lease.
“I am extremely proud of what has been achieved so far,” said Barry Nealon the chair of the CIO’s trustees. “None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our staff, trustees, and the continued backing of our community. The leisure centre is now becoming the community hub we always believed it could be when this project first began.”
There have been 75,000 visits to the centre. Twelve primary and secondary schools have returned to enjoy swimming sessions in the pool, with over 11,000 after-school swimming lessons delivered.
The financial position is considerably improved too. Under its previous operator Freedom Leisure, the centre was running at an annual loss of £180,000. Support has been received from the Lottery Fund, the Levelling Up Partnership Fund, Sport England, along with local donors.
“We are not breaking even quite yet,” said Barry Nealon. “There are a number of projects, which if successful, will see long term sustainability. We must continue to invest to ensure it is a real community facility. I am delighted with the progress so far.”
The CIO’s annual report was discussed at Rye Town Council on Monday 22 June. Mayor Chris Hoggart said, “It is a fantastic success. Thank you! It’s amazing to see it turning from a basket case into something financially viable.”
Image Credits: Rye Leisure Centre .