Almost two-thirds of leisure centres are need urgent new investment from government, according to Local Government Association (LGA).
Figures shared with the LGA by Sport England show that up to 63% of sports halls and swimming pools are more than 10 years old.
Nearly a quarter of all sports halls and swimming pools have not been refurbished in more than 20 years.
Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chair of the LGA’s culture, tourism and sport board, said: “Underinvestment has meant that many councils have not been able to provide the necessary refurbishments to some outdated sports facilities.
“Where refurbishments have been possible, they have been shown to save an average of £500,000 a year, so investment pays for itself, as well as improving the health and wellbeing of residents and helping meet our climate targets.”
The LGA is calling on government to use the forthcoming Budget to introduce a £500m funding pot for councils for sports centre renovations.
