Good Lord, you'll be missed.

by Crystal Wieringa

April 4, 2008

UP to 12,000 people who make use of the Lords Sports Centre in Subiaco each week will have to find somewhere else to exercise at the end of 2008.

The tenants operating Lords are ceasing operation on December 31 due to rising costs. Whether or not the centre reopens with new tenants is a source of debate among Subiaco residents, and users of the club.

In a statement posted on the Lords website in November last year, general manager Dean Williams said: “with future costs likely to outstrip revenue growth, the owners have decided that the business will cease trading.”

Lords has catered to young and old for the past 28 years, and offers many sports including squash, volleyball, basketball, soccer and hockey. Other facilities include a gym, indoor pool, cafe and crèche. Around 12,000 fitness freaks file through the turnstiles each week.

A Ms Smith (first name withheld) of Subiaco was once a member of Lords. She decided to move to a new gym at the start of this year because her membership was up for renewal and she knew Lords was winding up.

“The closing of Lords will be a sad day for the whole community,” she said, “and even if the Subiaco council was to reopen the centre I’m not sure that they will have the expertise to do it properly.

“It will never be the same.”

Lords also offers team sport competitions and the use of its facilities to schools for competitions and carnivals. Casey Ryan (17) of Beldon plays volleyball there with her high school.