FDC leisure centre, George Campbell Leisure Centre.

USERS of Fenland’s leisure centres could swell district council coffers by an extra £47,000 next year if a new pricing structure and gym membership arrangements are approved.

The cost of casual gym usage, fitness classes and football pitch hire are likely to rise by more than inflation, to bring them in line with other providers, with the cost of a trip to the gym set to rise from £6.50 to £6.70, and fitness classes going up from £5.60 to £5.80.

But the biggest change proposed is to a move to encourage long term gym membership, by stopping casual users using facilities at the busiest periods, so only pre-paid members can gain access after 4.30pm on weekdays.

“Feedback from members who have left over recent months indicates that a key reason for leaving is that the gyms get too busy in the evenings,” says a report going before Fenland District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday. “The key to maintaining membership revenue levels is retaining customers for longer.”

A new pricing structure will offer a new 12 month gym membership that offers a £6 a month discount on the new £40.50 monthly fee, and a six month membership will offer a £4 a month discount..

The cost of an adult swim is set to increase from £3.70 to £3.80; with adult swimming lessons increasing in cost from £5.60 to £5.80.

According to the report, income from leisure facilities in Fenland are set to be £87,000 higher this year, compared with last year. Attendances are approximately 550,000 a year, with the new Chatteris Leisure Centre already having more than 400 members.