A chain of leisure centres have announced they are increasing prices in the new year as expenses are increasing.

South Downs Leisure, owner and operator of the Splashpoint Leisure Centre, Southwick Leisure Centre and Worthing Leisure Centre will be increasing prices for customers by 5 per cent on average from the 1st of January 2023 citing rising energy bills.

The trust will be the operators of the new Sea Lanes swimming pool in Brighton, currently under construction.

In an email circulated to customers, South Downs Leisure said: “We do recognise the current cost of living situation that everyone is experiencing, including extremely high utility cost increase;

“However, as a charity we have pressures ourselves including utility prices, with gas costs increasing by 300% and electricity by 125%.”

The Argus: Splashpoint Leisure Centre is the flagship venue of South Downs LeisureSplashpoint Leisure Centre is the flagship venue of South Downs Leisure

South Downs Leisure have said they are “making small changes in-house that should not impact on the service we provide” to make savings and absorb further costs. They claim these savings will also boost their net zero commitments.

The trust provided a list of price increases for non-members. This included:

  • Large 3G football pitch at Worthing Leisure Centre increasing from £64.50 to £68.00
  • Individual adult swim at Splashpoint Leisure Centre increasing from £8.15 to £8.50
  •  Gym session increasing from £10.00 to £10.50

They said: “We’re all in this together so with your help and support we’ll protect the long-term future of your local leisure centres and have a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of your community.”

This comes as other leisure providers across the county feel the pinch as the cost of living crisis continues. Freedom Leisure, who run leisure centres in the Brighton & Hove area, is told to be facing costs of over £1 million next year.

South Downs Leisure have been approached for comment.