12-06-2025
Public access times to change at popular south Essex school leisure centre
PUBLIC access at Chase Sports and Fitness Centre will no longer be permitted during school hours, Southend Council has confirmed.
The leisure centre runs out of Chase High School in Westcliff and will be taken under the full control of the school following the end of Fusion Lifestyle's contract with the council.
Residents will continue to be able to use the centre on weekday evenings, weekends and in school holidays.
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For over a decade, residents have enjoyed access to the centre under the council's current leisure operation contract with management firm, Fusion Lifestyle.
However, alongside the announcement that the contract will soon be transferred to a new company, Freedom Leisure, Chase will now return to full school control.
Community - Chase Sports and Fitness Centre is a valued asset to Westcliff residents (Image: Google Maps) 'We understand how much the local community values access to Chase Sports and Fitness Centre, and we're pleased that it will continue to be available outside of school hours and during holidays," said Matt Dent, councillor for business, culture, music and tourism.
"Student safety must always come first, and these changes will help Chase High School maintain a secure and focused learning environment.
"We'll continue working closely with the school to support a smooth transition and make sure the centre remains a well-used community resource.'
The changes will come into effect from Tuesday July 1, with a council spokesperson adding: "The school's priority is to provide a safe learning environment, and reducing public access during the school day will help protect students and clearly separate school and community use of the site."
