Fusion Lifestyle, which manages facilities on behalf of local authorities across England and Wales, formally appointed administrators on 1 April 2026.

The organisation said it had been unable to secure long-term financial stability amid mounting pressures, including rising operating costs and ongoing challenges linked to the post-pandemic recovery.

Fusion runs a wide network of community leisure facilities, attracting tens of millions of visits each year. Administrators have been brought in to stabilise the business and oversee the transfer of sites to alternative operators where possible.

Local authorities across the country have begun contingency planning to ensure services continue with minimal disruption. Councils have indicated they are working with administrators and potential replacement operators to maintain access to gyms, pools and other facilities.

In some areas, interim arrangements are already in place to keep centres open while long-term solutions are agreed. However, a small number of closures have been confirmed, including one central London site scheduled to shut later this month.

Despite the administration process, memberships and pre-booked activities are expected to continue in the short term, with efforts focused on avoiding widespread disruption to community services.

The situation highlights ongoing financial pressures facing publicly funded leisure services, as operators contend with higher costs and reduced funding in the years following the pandemic.