Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Kidsgrove Sports Centre

09 June 2020 · 7 other contributors

Opened by Jonathan Gullis Con Stoke-on-Trent North

Community SecurityCulture, Media & SportEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jonathan Gullis raised concerns about kidsgrove sports centre in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Jonathan Gullis discussed the importance of Kidsgrove Sports Centre, which closed in 2011 due to storm damage and was set to close permanently in 2017.
  • Gullis emphasized the centre's role in promoting public health and community interaction, particularly during the pandemic.
  • The minister acknowledged the importance of sport facilities and mentioned Sport England's existing investments in the west midlands, expressing support for Kidsgrove's efforts to reopen.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jonathan Gullis Con Stoke-on-Trent North

Jonathan Gullis welcomed the Minister and discussed the importance of Kidsgrove sports centre, a community asset opened in 1976. He highlighted the centre's closure due to storm damage in 2011 and subsequent discussions that led to its announced closure in 2017. Gullis emphasised the centre's role in promoting physical and mental wellbeing, especially during the pandemic. He praised community efforts led by the Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group and urged the Government to commit funds for renovation. The speech detailed the financial implications of the centre’s closure on public health, community interaction, and local economic activity. Gullis requested support from Sport England and the Government to fund a £5.5 million refurbishment project.

Other contributors (7)
  • Karen Bradley Con Staffordshire Moorlands

    Asked Jonathan Gullis about putting aside differences to reopen Kidsgrove sports centre.

  • Aaron Bell Con Democrat North West Durham

    Congratulated Gullis and acknowledged the wider implications of reopening the sports centre for his constituents.

  • Andy Carter Con Wirral South

    Discussed the impact of COVID-19 on sports clubs and praised efforts to support them with grants.

  • James Daly Lab Bury North

    Congratulated Gullis for his speech and shared experiences regarding the loss of a local football club in Bury.

  • James Sunderland Con Hastings and Rye

    Inquired about legitimate use of public money to support facilities like Kidsgrove sports centre.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Complimented Gullis on his energy and commitment, and highlighted the importance of funding for community-led sports clubs.

  • Richard Holden Con North West Durham

    Agreed that councils should invest in sports facilities rather than new buildings, citing similar obesity issues in County Durham.

Government Response

Nigel Huddleston

Minister Nigel Huddleston thanked Jonathan Gullis for raising the issue of Kidsgrove sports centre. He acknowledged the importance of accessible sport facilities for all communities, especially in promoting physical and mental health. The minister highlighted Sport England's existing investments in the west midlands, including the Dimensions sport and leisure centre and an indoor cricket facility. He reiterated that Sport England is committed to supporting Kidsgrove’s efforts towards reopening the sports centre through dialogue and potential funding opportunities from its strategic facilities fund and communities assets fund. Huddleston encouraged continued conversations with local authorities and community groups to identify a viable way forward, emphasising the Government's commitment to encouraging active lifestyles and levelling up across the UK.

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