Future of Northern English Ski centre Ski Rossendale Uncertain as Council Reviews Leisure Portfolio

The future of "The Hill," popularly known as Ski Rossendale, hangs in the balance as Rossendale Borough Council prepares to review its diverse and aging network of leisure facilities. A council report set for discussion on May 6 identifies the ski slope as the "most complex" challenge within a broader review of sites managed by the Rossendale Leisure Trust.

Financial Constraints and Infrastructure Limits

While the report acknowledges that the Rawtenstall slope provides "genuine community benefit," it highlights significant financial and operational hurdles:

• Debt and Investment: The site currently carries £39,000 of an inter-company loan.

• Physical Limitations: The report describes the site as "constrained," noting that the nursery slope is already at capacity with skiing and rubber ring tubing.

• Economic Viability: Officials stated there is "very little room" for new attractions without major infrastructure investment, and the financial case for such spending does not align with the income the site can realistically generate.

A Shift Toward Core Activities

The council is currently reviewing all leisure sites, which are funded through a combination of council cash, Sport England, and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The report suggests that the Rossendale Leisure Trust should re-orient its focus toward its "core purpose" of gyms, sports, and physical activity.

Key recommendations include:

• Prioritizing sites like the Marl Pits Swimming Pool.

• Exploring "other future options" for The Hill, the Whitaker Museum in Rawtenstall, and the Ashworth Centre in Whitworth.

The "Claw-Back" Risk

Any decision to cease operations at the ski slope is further complicated by historical funding. The report notes that a £470,000 Sport England grant includes "claw-back" provisions, meaning the council might be forced to repay the funds if the facility closes.

Ultimately, the report concludes that the breadth of the current portfolio—described as "diverse and ageing"—limits the trust's ability to focus on areas with the greatest financial return. Councillors will weigh these community benefits against the mounting "real challenges" of rising costs and loan management during their upcoming meeting.

History

• 1969 – North West Sports Council recognise the potential of Ski Rossendale being of ‘major regional importance’.

• 1972 – Initial plans drawn up.

• 1973 – Slope opens September 15.

• 1979 – Additional £50k funding in the site and extra £80k in a new tow in October.

• 1980 – Ellis Brigham Shop completed and opened.

• 1985 – Grant of £200k secured from EEC.

• 1986 – Mystery buyer offers council £1.2million for slope, is rejected.

• 1987 – London-based company try to take over site offering £1.1million investment but wanting 125-year lease, offer withdrawn as council only offering 25-year lease.

• 1994 – Further £380k investment.

• 2011 – Slope closes in March and Ski Rossendale Social Enterprise wins tender to take over facility, which reopens at the end of summer.

• 2016 – Improver and Beginners’ slope built – funding by Sport England Lottery Funding.

• 2018-9 – A new ski hire building is constructed along with toilets, changing rooms and a new café with rooftop terrace with views over the slopes and down the Valley.

• 2020 – Social enterprise merges with Rossendale Leisure Trust.

• 2021 – The Hill reopens after the coronavirus lockdown.