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newsApr 19, 20261:29

Belfast Leisure Centers Hike Prices: Affordability Concerns

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Belfast Leisure Centers Hike Prices: A Contentious Debate

Belfasts Greenwich Leisure Limited-run leisure centers increased prices across all seventeen sites in April, with non-member gym sessions rising to £9.80 (up 4.3%) and pay-as-you-go members now paying £7.30 (up 4.1%). Swimming and other activities saw average increases of 3-6%. Family plans, like monthly swimming for one adult and two kids, rose by 5% to £47. Climbing at Ozone Complex now costs £8.35, and one-off swims were shortened to 45 minutes at £5.80.

West Belfast MLA Gerry Carroll criticizes the hikes, arguing they beat inflation with no real justification and push hard-pressed communities away from local spots. GLL defends the increases, citing profit reinvestment, concessions for over half their customers, and ties to the previous years consumer price index. They also emphasize cost-cutting and green energy initiatives for sustainability.

As the debate continues, residents weigh the value of leisure center memberships against private gyms like Pure Gym at around £9.

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Belfast Leisure Centers Hike Prices: Affordability Concerns

Belfast News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

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Belfast News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!Belfast Leisure Centers Hike Prices: Affordability Concerns. Machine-transcribed; use the interactive transcript above to jump the player to any line.

On April 19, Belfast Leisure Centers run by Greenwich Leisure Limited for the City Council just hiked prices across all 17 sites this April. Non-member gym sessions jump 4.3% to 9 pounds 80, while pay as you go members now pay 7 pounds 30 up 4.1%. Swimming and other activities saw rises between 3 and 6% on average. These changes hit family plans too, with monthly swimming for 1 adult and 2 kids up 5% to 47 pounds. Climbing at ozone complex costs 8 pounds 35 now, and even 1 off swims got shorter from 1 hour to 45 minutes at 5 pounds. 80, effectively jacking up the permanent rate big time. West Belfast MLA Jerry Carroll is calling it out saying hard press communities feel priced out, especially after years of job cuts and under-investment since outsourcing in 2015. He argues these hikes beat inflation with no real justification, pushing folks away from local spots.

GLL pushes back as a charitable outfit, saying they reinvest profits, offer concessions to over half their customers and tide rises to last years. Consumer price index, all council approved, they're cutting costs and going green on energy to keep things sustainable. As folks weigh memberships against private gyms like pure gym at around 9 pounds, the debate rolls on about balancing access and ops in tough, economic times.

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