Parents outraged after Knox Leisureworks creche closure announcement

A Knox Leisureworks centre has made the unpopular decision to close its creche blaming rising costs, angering local parents.

The childcare creche at Knox Leisureworks is set to close. Photo: Daniel Pockett

A suburban leisure centre’s decision to shuts it childcare service because of “increased costs” has angered local families, with one mum slamming the lack of consultation.

Knox Leisureworks sent out an email to parents on Thursday, April 11 informing them its creche services would be closing on July 1.

“Despite our best efforts to sustain and retain these services, we have faced changes in the industry and increasing challenges to fund the service that has led to the conclusion that continuing childcare is no longer feasible,” the letter read.

The letter also said the closure decision was led by the management company, Belgravia Leisure, which operates the facility and was accepted by the centre’s owners, Knox City Council.

Knox Leisureworks area manager Darren Allen said the decision was “very difficult to make” and was “prolonged as long as possible.”

“Due to factors that are having an impact across health and wellness industry including increased costs, decreased participation and changes towards using the facility for other activities, it was a necessary one,” he said.

Parents are outraged at the decision to close the creche. Photo: Daniel Pockett

“We understand this will impact some of the families in our community, particularly those parents and guardians who rely on Knox Leisureworks childcare as part of their health and wellbeing activities.

“However, despite our best efforts to sustain and retain this service, we regret that continuing to offer childcare on site is no longer feasible.”

Mr Allen said relevant memberships would be reduced in price to reflect the closure.

Parent Jess Nixon regularly takes her child to the creche while she uses the leisure centre and said the decision was “really disappointing”

“The creche is such a valuable service, it was my saving grace for looking after my myself after I had my first child,” Mrs Nixon said.

“It means mums and carers can look after their physical and mental health, which is just so important.”

“They have just gone belly up and there was no community consultation impacting the local community, staff and members,” she said.

“So many leisure centres in the area do not have this service at all now, and I don’t know what I, and many others will do when it closes.

“The creche saves parents mental health and there are no other options in the local area for me.”

Other creche users said they would be willing to pay more for the service to keep it in place.