City of Lincoln Council announces reopening plans for Birchwood and Yarborough Leisure Centres

Birchwood Leisure Centre will be the first to fully reopen, with both its internal and external areas welcoming users back from 31 July 2025.  

On the same day, Yarborough Leisure Centre will begin its phased reopening, starting with the entirety of its external facilities becoming available. This will be followed by the ground floor internal areas, including the swimming pools on 7 August, and then the gym/studios on 14 August.

Since the centres were unexpectedly closed earlier this year, the council made it a priority to find a new leisure provider and bring the centres back into full operation as swiftly as possible.  

Following the appointment of Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) as the interim operator for Yarborough and Birchwood Leisure Centres, the council has worked with the charitable social enterprise to have both sites fully operational for families to enjoy in the school summer holidays. 

GLL operates more than 250 leisure centres across the country, bringing a wealth of experience to Lincoln’s leisure industry. 

While the typical turnaround for local government reopening facilities of this kind is usually around 12 months, the city council has worked around the clock to achieve this in just four months, underscoring its commitment to health, wellbeing, and the long-term value of these vital community and leisure spaces. 

As part of the reopening, both leisure centres have seen significant upgrades and enhancements to their facilities. A programme of activities will also launch alongside the reopening, which will include old favourites as well as exciting new additions. 

Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said: 

“This has been a huge effort by all involved, from council staff and partners working around the clock, to contractors delivering extensive work at both sites, getting them ready to hand over to GLL. 

“From day one, our focus has been on protecting leisure in Lincoln and reopening the centres sustainably and to the highest possible standard. We know how important these spaces are to the residents of Lincoln, not just as places to stay active, but as hubs of community life. 

“Closing the centres for good was never an option. We believe in the health of our city and know the importance of these facilities to thousands of local residents. That belief is what’s driving us to get this right. 

“People returning to Birchwood and Yarborough leisure centres will see a real difference. These aren’t the same old facilities reopening; they’ve been enhanced to a significantly higher standard. We’re proud to be handing them over to an experienced operator, and we can’t wait to see our communities making the most of them this summer.” 

Chris Hebblewhite, GLL Director of Standards & Compliance said: 

"I am delighted that GLL will shortly be welcoming customers back through the doors at Birchwood then Yarborough Leisure Centres, in a phased fashion. 

"City of Lincoln Council have worked immensely hard in preparing them for re-opening, and I know that customers can’t wait to get back to their sport, leisure and fitness routines. 

"Customers will be able to book online via our website or through the Better_uk app. 

"Leisure centres like these make a huge impact on local health, leisure and recreation and play an important role in wellbeing of the city.  

"We can't wait to operate these as part of the 'GLL family', with all the benefits for customers, communities and staff that come with that." 

The council has invested heavily in both centres to ensure they are of the highest standard. These improvements are designed not only to reopen the doors but to make sure they are fit for purpose and ready to serve the community for many years to come.

All concerned have worked hard to get the centres re-opened quickly, and so some minor works will continue after the opening. Users may experience some small inconveniences in the first few weeks of re-opening as decoration works etc are completed – but all facilities will be available.