Oxford News
UK leisure centre charity with 20 sites enters administration
Fusion Lifestyle was established in April 2000 and operates a “diverse portfolio” of facilities, with 26 scattered across the UK from Wales to London and as far north as Newcastle.
Its website reads: “No two Fusion sites are the same, we retain the heritage of centres when we refurbish and we are experienced at managing centres from ice rinks to outward bound residential centres, town halls and expansive leisure facilities.
“We put our energies into providing facilities and programmes that are an attractive proposition to the local community.
“We respect the history of our centres and it is not uncommon for generations of local residents to hold fond memories of learning to swim in our centres, playing football matches over the years and hosting birthday celebrations at our sites.”
Fusion Lifestyle enters administration after 26 years
Now, after 26 years, Fusion Lifestyle has entered administration.
The charity said: “Despite combined efforts over many months to restructure and secure investment, Fusion has faced sustained financial pressures due to rising operational costs, reduced government funding, and post-pandemic recovery challenges.”
Nadeem Sweiss and Adam Stephens of S&W Partners LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators on April 1.
Fusion Lifestyle, on its website, added: “The Charity continues to trade under the Administration.
“The affairs, business, and property of the Charity over which they are appointed are managed by them as agents and without personal liability.”
Fusion has already announced the closure of Golden Lane Sports and Fitness Centre, which will shut its doors for the final time on April 30.
It added: “Customers and creditors are encouraged to check the Golden Lane Sports and Fitness Centre’s website and Fusion’s main website for the latest updates and access to Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQ”).
“Should you have any queries which are not answered in the FAQs, please reach out to the Joint Administrators by email at fusion@swgroup.com.”
What happens when a company goes into administration?
When a company enters administration, it means that it is unable to pay expenses, debts, or other liabilities, according to SquareUp.com.
Companies House adds: “When a company goes into administration, they have entered a legal process (under the Insolvency Act 1986) with the aim of achieving one of the statutory objectives of an administration. This may be to rescue a viable business that is insolvent due to cashflow problems.
“An appointment of an administrator (a licensed insolvency practitioner) will be made by directors, a creditor or the court to fulfil the administration process.”
A statutory moratorium is put in place once a company enters administration, giving it “breathing space” to allow for financial restructuring plans to be drawn up free from creditor enforcement actions.
A company can continue to trade while in administration, but daily management and control is handed over to the administrators.
Companies House continues: “Within 8 weeks it is the administrators’ role to formulate administration proposals.
“Creditors are then asked to vote by a decision procedure to approve the administrators’ proposals.
“If the administration involves a sale of all or part of the company’s business, the proceeds (after the costs of the procedure) will be distributed to creditors in a statutory order of priority.”
Administration will end automatically after 12 months unless the administrator asks the court or creditors for an extension.
Through administration, a company can be:
- Rescued and passed back to the directors
- Enter liquidation
- Be dissolved
Other UK companies that have closed or entered administration/liquidation in 2026 (so far)
It has been a rough start to 2026 for the UK high street, with several retailers entering administration and others announcing widespread store closures.
Major high street retailers, including River Island, Primark, and Poundland, have already been forced to close stores in 2026, while Revolution and BrewDog shut the doors to 21 and 38 pubs, respectively.
Several other retailers have fallen into administration, including:
Meanwhile, four UK travel companies have closed in the opening weeks of 2026:
EcoJet Airlines, billed as “the world’s first Electric Airline”, has also entered liquidation after just three years, resulting in the cancellation of all planned flights.
What has a nose, wings and runs off of hydrogen? Ecojet 😎 pic.twitter.com/y8QGiBdFe2
— ecotricity (@ecotricity) July 17, 2023
UK delivery company Yodel is set to be phased out over the coming months after being acquired by InPost.
Tesco also revealed plans to cut 380 jobs in stores across the UK, while it’s been reported that Morrisons is looking to sell some of its in-store pharmacies as it continues to cut costs.
It’s not been all bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Aldi, M&S, and Superdrug.
Do you frequent any of Fusion Lifestyle’s leisure centres? Let us know which one in the comments below.
The Highcroft Investment Report 2026 shows that the local area around Berkeley’s Highcroft development in Wallingford has become one of the county’s most compelling property investment locations.
Wallingford’s appeal is already being recognised more widely, with Wallingford ranked the number one best place to live in Oxfordshire and one of the top 50 in England and Wales.
Set on the River Thames, it has a historic town centre, independent shops, riverside walks and easy access to the Chilterns.
READ MORE: ‘Suspicious package’ sees police cordon off Oxford road
The report, commissioned by Berkeley and prepared by PriceHubble and Dataloft, shows that property values in the local area have risen sharply.
This is a rise of 15.1 per cent over the past five years, outperforming South Oxfordshire, Oxford, the South East and Greater London.
In fact, the local area has seen five times stronger growth than Greater London, and national sales prices are forecast to grow by a further 20.4 per cent by 2030.
Rental performance reflects this demand, with average rents in the local area around Highcroft having risen by 38 per cent over the past five years, with a further 17.6 per cent rental growth forecast across the UK by 2030.
At the same time, Wallingford continues to offer relative value compared with nearby higher-priced locations.
READ MORE: Council leader ‘deeply concerned’ with Tommy Robinson’s Oxford visit
Average sales prices are up to 24 per cent lower than Oxford and 30 per cent lower than Greater London.
Set close to Wallingford town centre and the River Thames, the Highcroft offers a thriving new community with a collection of two- to five-bedroom homes set within 18 acres of open space in South Oxfordshire.
The development is well placed for commuters, with Didcot Parkway station just a 13-minute drive away.
According to the report by PriceHubble and Dataloft, 57,620 jobs are accessible within a 60-minute public transport commute of the development, with 33 per cent of those jobs in scientific, professional, financial and tech sectors.
Stephen Kirwan, managing director, said: “Wallingford offers a rare combination of historic market town living, strong connectivity and access to major employment hubs across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and London.
READ MORE: TV legend helps daughter through ‘heartbreaking’ marriage split
“The report shows that the local area around Highcroft has delivered strong price growth over the past five years, while still offering relative value compared with Oxford and Greater London.
“For buyers and investors, that combination of lifestyle and connectivity with long-term growth potential is increasingly compelling.
“At Highcroft, we are creating a new community that reflects the character of Wallingford while supporting the area with new homes, green space, education, infrastructure and local amenities.”
As part of the wider plans for Highcroft, Berkeley is delivering 555 new homes, alongside more than £11.6 million of investment in local infrastructure.
The development includes a new primary school, 2.2 acres of sports pitches, play areas, allotments, a new bus route, footpath connections and around 18 acres of open space.
Homes at Highcroft start from £415,000.
It was recently announced that The Oxford Union (OU) will host far-right activist Tommy Robinson for a debate on Islam
This will take place on Wednesday (June 17), despite outcry from faith leaders, local politicians and campaign groups.
The student debate society has advertised a debate on social media titled The West Is Right To Be Suspicious Of Islam.
READ MORE: Police arrest man outside Oxfordshire theatre and charged
Speakers include Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, alongside fellow far-right voice Laurence Fox, opposed by others including former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Now, Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, has issued a statement, revealing there will be a police presence in the city.
“I am deeply concerned by The Oxford Union’s decision to host Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, at its debate on Wednesday,” she said.
“Oxford is a proudly diverse, multicultural city. Whilst we are committed to free speech and open debate, that must be balanced against ensuring all our residents can live free from hatred, intimidation and harm.
“Faith leaders and members of our communities have already voiced their strong opposition to this invitation, and I stand with them.
READ MORE: Man fighting for life after helicopter called and arrest made
“I urge the Oxford Union to reflect seriously on the consequences of its choices – not only for its own reputation, but the message this event sends about Oxford and its values.
“A large-scale security operation is being prepared, involving extensive police resources and road closures.
“This will cause considerable disruption for local residents and businesses, and comes at a substantial cost.
“The Oxford Union must meet the full costs of staging their event, rather than leaving Oxford’s taxpayers to pick up the bill.”
The incident took place on Tuesday (June 9) in the car park of The Beacon in Wantage.
A 34-year-old man was arrested, charged, and remanded for possession with intent to supply, and his vehicle was seized.
This was after 32 wraps of Class A drugs and a “significant amount of cash” were found on him.
READ MORE: Houses evacuated as firefighters battle major blaze for over 12 hours
Thames Valley Police posted an update on their South Oxon and Vale of White Horse Facebook page this morning (Monday, June 15).
The statement said: “On June 9, 2026, our team was out looking for a vehicle that had recently piqued our interest. We located it in the car park of The Beacon.
“Now, he might have been there to pick up tickets for the open mic night, Rory Bremner, or even Noasis (who are there next week and apparently very good), but it was far more likely he was there to deal.
READ MORE: Train lines CLOSED for 7 hours amid London emergency incident
“A search confirmed our suspicions: 32 wraps of Class A and a significant amount of cash were found on him.
“Thanks to previous chases, we blocked him in early and ensured he was safely detained.
“A 34‑year‑old male from outside the area was arrested, charged, and remanded for Possession With Intent to Supply. The vehicle was seized.”
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