GLL is a Community Benefit Society that used a charity bond to help transform new sports facilities into accessible community assets.
Key information
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Focus area
Social lending -
Investment type
Charity bonds -
Region
UK wide -
Duration
5 years -
Investment amount
£5 million -
Cost of capital
5%
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Challenge
Two thirds of people do not currently take part in weekly exercise, despite links to illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. A key barrier to participating in sport is a lack of affordable, appropriate or accessible facilities.
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Approach
GLL provides access to quality leisure and fitness facilities at affordable prices to promote healthy and active lifestyles at 150 locations across the UK.
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Revenue model
GLL used a charity bond to help transform new sports facilities including the London Aquatics Centre and Copper Box Arena and the Royal Greenwich Lido as accessible community facilities. The bond will be repaid with income from the venues including membership fees.
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Impact
Over seven million people have visited the London Aquatics Centre and Copper Box Arena since they opened. Members of the local community now train alongside world class athletes. GLL also actively engages with groups who traditionally do not take part in sport including people on low incomes, people with disabilities and older people.
Related investment
Charity Bond Support Fund
Charity bond fund helping charities and social enterprises raise capital from investors via the public bond markets.
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