A leisure trust which operates The Dome in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, is to be expanded to manage all local sports facilities following a decision by the local authority to reorganise its provision of leisure services.

Doncaster Council approved proposals, put forward in an independent report carried out by consultants Neil Allen Associates, which identified the expansion Doncaster Dome Leisure Trust (DDLT) as the most effective option. The report revealed that during the financial year 2006-7, the council incurred a deficit of more than £1.6m through its management of nine leisure facilities in the area, with only one site – Crookhill Park Golf Course – operating at a profit.

In comparison, DDLT recorded a profit of nearly £95,000 from the Dome's leisure provision, including leisure pools, ice skating and dry sports. The figures also included the trust's trading subsidiary, Spikey Fish, which offers conference facilities and live music events. However, it was also suggested that the Dome complex could be sold in order to finance a new leisure facility which would replace St James Leisure Centre, and has been earmarked as part of plans to create a new Civic and Cultural Quarter in Doncaster.

The study said: "The Dome clearly presents the biggest opportunity for revenue savings for re-investment. The site of the Dome is also valuable. Ring fencing some of this revenue, along with savings from St James and capital receipts could deliver a new, more appropriate town centre vision."