ePetition details

Since its closure in 2020, the Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre has remained mothballed at a cost of approximately £400,000 per year to the Council. Despite efforts to secure a new operator or owner, the site remains unused.

As the Council develops its new Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, building on the 2014–2024 framework, we ask that serious consideration be given to this petition and to the potential of the Elephant building as a key part of the city’s sporting future.

We propose that the Council explore re-opening the Elephant as a dedicated indoor sports centre. The building could be separated from the adjacent swimming baths, with new entrances created through the structure’s “legs”. There is the potential to use a service lift in one of the legs for disabled access. A full modernisation would transform it into a city-centre facility comparable to the University of Warwick’s Sports and Wellness Hub—albeit on a smaller scale.

The Council recently announced that it was awarded a grant of almost £750,000 that paid for a series of major sustainability improvements to some of the city’s leisure centres.

Funding and management options should be actively explored for this proposal, including:
• Grants from sporting bodies (e.g. Badminton England)
• The Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• The National Lottery
• Revenue from the potential sale of the swimming baths
• Savings made from the Council not having to pay the current maintenance and security costs
• Partnerships with Coventry and Warwick Universities
• Management by experienced organisations such as Coventry University Students’ Union
• Establishing a Community Interest Company (CIC)

Although the Council reports that 95% of residents live within a mile of health and fitness services, team sports and group activities require dedicated, accessible venues. A city-centre location reduces barriers to participation, especially for those without cars, who currently face the burden of multiple bus journeys to reach outlying facilities.

Prior to its closure, the Elephant was home to a wide range of community sports, including indoor bowls, over-60s table tennis, squash, badminton, and basketball. These activities served diverse groups across Coventry, including older adults who benefited greatly from the building’s central location, easily accessible by public transport. The closure has left many without a practical or inclusive alternative.

At present, Coventry University’s Sports Centre is the only central indoor venue for activities such as badminton and basketball. However, it comprises only two halls—one often used exclusively for basketball and volleyball, the other offering just two badminton courts. The venue is well-managed but cannot meet growing demand, especially after the closure of Priory Hall. The University’s Sports Strategy is currently being reviewed, and this may have an impact on non-students being able to access the centre.

The Council’s commitment to promoting healthy ageing and intergenerational activity could be strongly supported through a revitalised Elephant. Positive examples already exist, such as students and older residents playing together at the University Sports Centre, and through the city’s ‘No Strings’ badminton sessions—social games welcoming players of all levels and backgrounds.

Recently, local badminton players secured funding from Badminton England to launch central ‘No Strings’ sessions. Initially held at Sidney Stringer Academy, they now run at Ernesford Grange Community Academy. While successful, this new location presents accessibility challenges for those without private transport.

Before its closure, the Elephant was well-known for hosting these kinds of inclusive activities, including the popular bowls group and over-60s table tennis sessions. Reopening it would not only revive these well-attended groups but also allow space for additional sports and clubs to grow and help revitalise part of the city centre.

In conclusion, we urge Coventry City Council to:
• Include this proposal in its new Sport and Physical Activity Strategy;
• Explore funding and management options; and
• Take steps to modernise and reopen the Elephant sports centre.

This action would strengthen community health, support inclusive participation across age groups, and restore a valuable city-centre facility for current and future generations.

This ePetition runs from 26/06/2025 to 14/08/2025.

508 people have signed this ePetition.