ALLERDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL INDOOR SPORTS …democracy.allerdale.gov.uk/documents/s102921/Appendix B -...

Integrity, Innovation, Inspiration 1-2 Frecheville Court off Knowsley Street Bury BL9 0UF

T 0161 764 7040 F 0161 764 7490 E [email protected] www.kkp.co.uk

ALLERDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL INDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES STRATEGY SEPTEMBER 2014

Quality assurance Name Date

Report origination David McHendry 28.05.2014

Quality control

Client comments

Final approval

ALLERDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL INDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES STRATEGY

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1

ASSESSMENT REPORT CONSULSION ......................................................................... 9

INDOOR SPORTS FACILITY STRATEGY - VISION ..................................................... 11

INDOOR SPORTS FACILITY STRATEGY - OBJECTIVES ........................................... 12

INDOOR SPORTS FACILITY STRATEGY - ACTION PLAN ......................................... 22


September 2014 3-051-1213 Draft strategy: Knight Kavanagh & Page 1

INTRODUCTION This is the Allerdale Indoor Sport Facilities Strategy prepared by Knight Kavanagh & Page (KKP) in partnership with Allerdale Borough Council (ABC). It builds on the key findings of the Assessment Report and seeks to identify a Vision and strategic direction for sports facilities across the Borough. It also identifies the key actions to be undertaken in relation to each facility within the context of the ‘Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide’ (ANOG) for indoor sports facilities: ‘Protecting’ key facilities for the future ‘Enhancing’ the quality of the facility ‘Providing’ new or replacement facilities as appropriate

In addition to the above, given the nature of the facilities operation across the Borough there is also a need to consider ‘Enhancement’ within the context of the co-ordination of programmes and access to facilities across the Borough for individual sports and clubs. Context Sport England aspires to transform sport in England so that it is a habit for life for more people and a regular choice for the majority. Its strategy will: See more people starting and keeping a sporting habit for life. Create more opportunities for young people. Nurture and develop talent. Provide the right facilities in the right places. Support local authorities and unlock local funding. Ensure real opportunities for communities. Allerdale Borough Council’s commitment to local communities includes priorities and targets across five topics: Reducing poverty Economic development Town centres

Creating a sustainable business Sports, arts and leisure

The strategic priority which defines the role of this strategy is: “Everyone has the opportunity to access affordable sports, arts and leisure activities to improve quality of life.” Like many other parts of the country Allerdale has a number of challenges which will impact on the future provision of sport and leisure facilities in the area: Childhood obesity is a significant issue in the Borough; 23.6% of reception age

children are considered to be either overweight or obese; by the time they reach Year 6 this has increased to 37.5%.

Allerdale has areas of deprivation and affluence across the Borough; with 18% of the Borough’s residents living within the top 20% of deprived communities in the country.



Allerdale will see significant population change up to 2021; not only an increase in population, but also the change of profile. This will include a significant increase in the over 65 age group and a medium term dip in the 16 to 24 age group.

Sport England’s market segmentation profile for the area identifies the dominant profiles to be at the older end of the age spectrum (i.e. ‘Retirement Home Singles’, ‘Comfortable Mid Life Males’, ‘Empty Nest Career Ladies’, ‘Settling Down Males’, ‘Early Retirement Couples’ and ‘Older Working Women’).



ASSESSMENT REPORT KEY FINDINGS The overview of Allerdale’s facility infrastructure is detailed below. This is generally focused on the community and school infrastructure taking into account the condition and availability of facilities. The quality rating is based on a non-technical evaluation of the facility. That is, it is not a building condition survey, but an opinion of quality from an operator’s and customer’s perspective. Table 2 – Summary of Allerdale sports facilities

Site Facilities Quality rating Community use

Keswick Leisure Pool

250 metre leisure pool Poor Full community use

30 station health and fitness suite Poor

Changing rooms Average

Overall ranking Poor

Cockermouth Leisure Centre

3 court main hall Poor Full community use

4 lane 25 metre pool Poor

Dance studio Good

50 station health and fitness suite Average

30 bike spin studio Poor

Climbing wall Average

Changing rooms Wet: Poor

Dry: Good

Overall ranking Average

Workington Leisure Centre & Pool

4 court main hall Poor Full community use

6 lane 25 metre pool Poor

74 station health and fitness suite Good

3 squash courts Average

Exercise hall Poor

Boxing academy Poor

Changing rooms Wet: Poor

Dry: Poor


Nelson Tomlinson School

4 court main hall Average Community use - 10-20 hours.

Block bookings 2 court activity hall Good

1 court activity hall Average


Changing rooms Good

Overall ranking Good

Cockermouth School

1 court activity hall Average Community use - 40-50 hours.

Mixture of block bookings and pay and play

2 court activity hall Good

Changing rooms Poor





Netherhall Community Sports Centre

3 court main hall Poor Community use – over 50 hours.


4 court main hall Good

1 court activity hall Poor

4 lane 18 metre pool Average


16 bike spinning studio Average

Changing rooms Wet: Average

Dry: Average


Wigton Swimming Pool

5 lane 18 metre pool Average Community use is currently restricted to 11.5 hours p w..

Changing rooms Poor


Solway Community Technology College

4 court main hall Good Community use - 30-40 hours.


Activity hall (not badminton court size)

Average

Changing rooms Good


Beacon Hill School

1 court activity hall Poor Community use – less than 10 hours.


3 lane 25 metre pool Very Poor – closed

Changing rooms Poor


Keswick School 4 court main hall Average Community use - 30-40 hours.


1 court activity hall (no badminton clearance)

Average



Southfield Technology College

Activity hall (not badminton court size)

Poor No community use

Changing rooms Poor


St. Joseph’s Catholic High School

2 court activity hall Poor Community use - 20-30 hours.

Pay and play and block bookings




Stainburn School And Science College

2 x 1 court activity hall (no badminton clearance)

Poor Community use - 20-30 hours.

Pay and play and block bookings

4 court main hall Good

Changing rooms Poor


Lakes College (West Cumbria)

4 court main hall Good Community use - 30-40 hours.

Mixture of block bookings and pay


Spinning studio Poor





Overall ranking Average and play

Beckstone Primary School

2 court activity hall Good No community use



Armathwaite Hall Hotel

16 metre pool Very Good No community use

7 metre learner pool Very Good

Dance studio Very Good

22 station health and fitness suite Very Good

10 bike spinning studio Average

Changing rooms Wet: Very Good

Dry: Very Good

Overall ranking Very Good

The Castle Inn Hotel Leisure Club

15 metre pool Poor No community use

15 station health and fitness suite Poor

Changing rooms Dry: Poor

Wet: Poor


Energize Ladies Fitness Studio

66 station health and fitness suite Average Community use – Membership or pay and play (ladies only).

Changing rooms Poor


Oxley's At Underscar

13 metre learner pool Very Good No community use

8 station health and fitness suite Very Good

Changing rooms Dry: Very Good

Wet: Very Good

Overall ranking Very Good

Intrim Fitness Centre

80 station health and fitness suite Average Community use - membership or pay and play



Oval Centre 30 station health and fitness suite Average Community use – over 50 hours. Membership or pay and play

Changing rooms Very Poor


G & S Fitness Dance studio Good Community use - membership or pay and play




Aspatria Rugby Union Football Club

16 station health and fitness suite Poor Community use - membership Changing rooms Poor


Wigton Sports Club

Dance studio Average Community use - membership or pay and play


Changing rooms Poor





Seaton Rangers Rugby League FC

18 station health and fitness suite Average Community use - membership Overall ranking Average

Moor Close Campus

6 court main hall Poor Community use

The Wave Centre

Clip n Climb Very Good Community use – pay and play Overall ranking Good

Audits were not undertaken at a number of sites where access could not be arranged or where operators were unwilling to be involved in the study. Table 3 – Leisure facilities not audited Site name Reason for not visiting

Allonby School Visit not required as facility is too small. The school has a one badminton court sports hall

Bodyflex Body and Soul No response despite numerous emails and telephone calls. Facility has a 35 station health and fitness suite

Grasmoor Sports Centre Did not want to be included in the audit. The Centre has an eight station health and fitness suite

Yates Evolution Gyms (formerly Jonti’s Gym) No response despite numerous emails and telephone calls. Facility has a 93 station health and fitness suite

Lifestyle and Shapers Fitness Centre Did not want to be included in the audit. The Centre has a 58 station health and fitness suite

Lodore Falls Hotel Health Club Did not want to be included in the audit. The Club has a 12 station health and fitness suite

Peak Fitness Workington No response despite numerous emails and telephone calls

Solway Fitness Visit not required as facility is too small. Facility has a 16 station health and fitness suite

Netherhall RUFC Assessment of 8 station health and fitness suite was not completed as access could not be gained to the suite

Wigton Pool Swimming pool was closed at time of visit due to issues with contamination

Sandylands Pool and Spa The pool has limited community use with no pay and play

Stanwix Park The pool has limited community use with no pay and play

Washington Central Hotel There is no community use of the pool as it is available for private members and hotel guests only

Fox’s Pool The pool has limited community use with no pay and play

Beckside Pool The pool has limited community use with no pay and play

Maia Pool The pool has limited community use with no pay and play

Hagans Holiday Pool There is no community use of this pool.



Sports hall findings The Sport England FPM analysis (based on 41 badminton courts) indicates that Allerdale has above average sports hall provision per 10,000 population with 5.6 badminton courts compared to the national, regional and county averages (at 3.9, 4.2 and 4.9 badminton courts respectively). However, if we only include those sports halls of 4+ badminton courts the analysis should be adjusted based on 34 available badminton courts, thus reducing the level of provision to circa 4.5 badminton courts per 10,000 population, which is in line with the regional average. The FPM analysis also indicates that the population within Allerdale equates to a minimum need for circa 26 badminton courts across the Borough. However, this assumes that quality, programming, accessibility and availability are of a standard that accommodates and attracts this high level of use. However, the reality is that quality is variable, with many sports halls being poor quality. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence that there is over provision, but clear evidence of poor quality inhibiting use and participation. There is a real mix of quality of sports halls across the Borough; 40% rated as either poor or good while 20% are average. There is good quality 4-court provision in Workington, Maryport and Silloth; while Wigton and Keswick have average quality provision. There is a poor quality 4-court and 6-court sports hall located at Workington Leisure Centre and Pool and Moor Close Campus. The key gap in 4-court sports hall provision is the Cockermouth area which only has access to a poor quality 3-court sports hall. Importantly the FPM analysis indicates that this sports hall is operating at the highest capacity in the peak period (i.e. 90%). 38% of the Allerdale population live within a 20 minute (1 Mile) walk time radial catchment of a 4-court sports hall. Allerdale Borough Council has plans to replace Workington LC. This development will sustain sports hall provision in Workington and improve the overall quality of provision in the area. The future of the sports facilities at Moor Close Campus remains uncertain at this point and will only be known when Cumbria County Council make a decision on the future of the site. The potential exists for Stainburn School and Southfield Technology College to amalgamate to form a new academy. Stainburn School has a good quality four court sports hall that is well used by local sports clubs. Consideration will need to be given to ensuring formal community use of any new school sports facilities as well as retaining the facilities at Stainburn School which currently have good levels of community use.



Swimming pool findings The Sport England FPM analysis indicates that in terms of overall supply and demand for pools, Allerdale has slightly above average provision. The FPM identifies that the community pool stock in the Borough is old, but that all have been refurbished in the last 10 years. However, this does not correlate with the pools audit which identifies that Netherhall Community Sports Centre pool and Wigton Pool are average quality, while all other pools are poor quality. Therefore, there is a need to consider the longer term investment requirements for community pools across the Borough. The future of Wigton swimming pool is uncertain given that Cumbria County Council is withdrawing its funding for the facility in March 2015. Wigton Pool Trust is looking to take on the lease of the pool from Cumbria County Council and is looking to increase the availability of the pool to circa 62 hours per week. If this pool is closed there will be no community accessible pool in the north of the Borough. Likewise if the Trust is not able to increase the number of available hours, the impact of the pool becomes limited. Although the FPM indicates that some pools cannot meet demand due to their lack of capacity (i.e. undersized) it also suggests that the size of the existing Workington pool is appropriate. However, the need for an eight lane competition swimming pool in the County has been identified by the County Swimming Association given that clubs need to travel outside of the County to host competitions. The design of the new Workington pool reflects this and will accommodate eight lanes. The main community accessible pools are at: Cockermouth Leisure Centre Netherhall Community Sports Centre Keswick Leisure Pool Wigton Pool. Workington Leisure Centre & Pool There are a number of other pools in the Borough, but these do not provide community access and are not recognised by the Sport England FPM analysis due to their small size. This is significant given the potential closure of Wigton swimming pool, as other pools in the area will not meet any of the demand unmet as a result of its potential closure. It would appear that these communities will either need to travel extensively to access a pool or alternatively swimming will not be an everyday accessible activity for them. Health and fitness findings There is a mixed economy of health and fitness providers in the Borough, with a significant proportion of facilities being located within the hotel sector. It is clear that Workington and Cockermouth Leisure Centres are the Council’s main fitness facilities with over 90% of members using these facilities. It is also clear that Workington is the main facility serving the most deprived communities and is a key facility in helping to address health inequalities within the area. The potential exists that the new Workington facility will draw a significant number of current members from Cockermouth; especially those from Maryport. In order to address this and to increase market penetration (rather than share existing members over two sites) the Council may need to invest in improved facilities at Cockermouth.



ASSESSMENT REPORT CONSULSION The following conclusions can be drawn from the analysis within this assessment report. These have been summarised as a SWOT analysis:

Strengths Weaknesses

Allerdale Borough Council recognises its challenges and is planning to invest in a replacement for Workington LC. The facility mix at the new leisure centre will include:

8 lane swimming pool (with 140 spectators)

Teaching pool 4 court sports hall 2 squash courts Health and fitness Climbing wall Outdoor 5-a-side courts.

Workington LC appears to be the key facility in addressing health inequalities across the Borough and has very good levels of membership from the most deprived communities.

Carlisle Leisure Ltd may consider investing in facility improvements in return for an extension to its existing contract; however sums are unlikely to be significant. This could be investment in the new facility or at other core sites.

Recent investment in the Wave Centre has been successful and is achieving a return on investment; this demonstrates the potential of invest to save initiatives.

The quality of the Council owned facilities is generally poor and in need of investment, this especially true of swimming pools.

In some instances there is limited use of some school sports facilities across the Borough.

No organisation appears to be taking a lead on the co-ordination of use of facilities across the Borough (i.e. Council and school sports facilities).

There has been the recent closure of Beacon Hill School and temporary closure of Wigton Pool.

There is limited community access to swimming pools located at holiday parks/homes, hotels and apartments.

38% of residents live within 1 mile of a community accessible 4 court sports hall.

Similarly for pools, 37.5% of residents are within 1 mile of a community accessible swimming pool.

The Council does not appear to have defined the role of Keswick leisure pool.

The key gap in 4+ court sports hall provision is in Cockermouth, which is identified as the facility operating at highest capacity in the peak period.

There appears to be good coverage of pools across the Borough, however it is clear that there is currently limited availability of pools in the north. This is exacerbated by the recent closure of Wigton Pool and the limited hours (circa 11.5) that it is currently available.



Opportunities Threats

The Council has committed to developing a new sports facility to replace Workington LC.

This will include an eight lane competition pool which will significantly improve the quality of competitive swimming across the County and will improve the swim programme for local communities.

The pool at the new leisure centre in Workington has the potential to become the County swimming venue for Cumbria.

Investment into existing facilities (such as Moor Close Campus) should complement the new sports facility in Workington.

The potential exists for the leisure management contractor to take a wider role in the programming of school sports facilities, not just contracted leisure centres.

The potential exists to extend the Carlisle Leisure contract in return for investment into the facility stock; however this might not be significant funds.

Links with health partners are increasing and relationships need to be fostered in order that genuine opportunities to ensure the facilities serve the health and wellbeing needs of residents are maximised.

The condition of the Council owned leisure facilities are in decline and three are clearly in need of investment.

The future of Wigton swimming pool is uncertain and the potential exists that the Wigton Pool Trust will not be able to sustain the operation of the pool.

If Wigton Pool closes or if the Trust cannot substantially increase the availability of swimming at the pool; there will be no or very limited availability of swimming in the north of the Borough.

On-going funding pressures on the Borough Council resulting in further cuts in budgets.

Swimming pools located at holiday parks/homes may be considered as adequate alternatives to larger more accessible pools.

Growing rates of inactivity and obesity across the Borough.

If the Council cannot identify funding to invest in its wider leisure stock (in addition to the new leisure centre in Workington) it is likely that these will continue to cost more to operate, thus putting pressure on the Council to close them.

There is uncertainty over the ability to increase the size of sports hall at the Cockermouth Leisure Centre site; this would potentially require a replacement facility on an alternative site.

The potential that Moor Close Campus is used for alternative use and there is an overall reduction in quality and availability of sports halls.



INDOOR SPORTS FACILITY STRATEGY - VISION

Vision: To have a network of high quality sport and leisure facilities which deliver vibrant programmes of activity to ensure that all residents and visitors have the opportunity to engage in activities and experiences as part of a fulfilled and active lifestyle.

This Strategy presents Allerdale’s vision and objectives for sports facilities across the Borough and builds upon the conclusions identified in the Assessment Report. It seeks to provide a clear and coherent way forward for the delivery of sports facilities in Allerdale in order to give residents leisure facilities of which they can be proud. The strategy reflects the national strategic drivers for sport identified within key national strategies including Sport England’s - A Sporting Habit for Life (2012-2017); The strategy also reflects Allerdale’s local context and the strategic direction of the Council and it wider partners. The Council’s Commitment to Local Communities sets out a vision and priorities from 2012 to 2015, which will shape future service provision and decision making. The Council’s commitment to local communities includes priorities and targets across five topics: Reducing poverty. Economic development. Town centres. Creating a sustainable business Sports, arts and leisure. The strategic priority identified as part of this and which is most relevant to the development of this strategy is that: “Everyone has the opportunity to access affordable sports, arts and leisure activities to improve quality of life.”



INDOOR SPORTS FACILITY STRATEGY - OBJECTIVES The following section provides a framework for the Council and its partners to maintain and improve the Borough’s leisure assets and to help address the key issues emerging from the Assessment. Strategic objectives The proposed vision is based upon a clear, achievable framework of strategic objectives (not in any priority) and summarised in the text boxes below. It is recommended that the Council and its partners adopt the following strategic objectives (as policy) to enable it to achieve the vision of the Strategy:

OBJECTIVE 1

Ensure Allerdale has an appropriate mix and spread of county, community and neighbourhood sports facilities programmed to meet the needs and aspirations of strategic stakeholders and local communities

OBJECTIVE 2

Commit to key facility development projects to replace or bring facilities up to standard.

OBJECTIVE 3

Define and implement a Borough-wide community use policy.

OBJECTIVE 4

Take a more strategic approach to facility programming on a Borough-wide basis.



OBJECTIVE 1

Ensure Allerdale has an appropriate mix and spread of county, community and neighbourhood sports facilities programmed to meet the needs and aspirations of strategic stakeholders and local communities

It is clear that communities across Allerdale have varying degrees of access to high quality sport and leisure facilities. Therefore, there is a need for the Council to adopt an approach which ensures that key population centres are served by a minimum standard of facility which enables local communities to participate in sport and physical activity. However, this also needs to be undertaken against a backdrop of Council efficiencies and a changing population. Facility hierarchy The intention is that the Council will consider the Borough’s provision against a hierarchy of facilities, each of which will have distinct roles and functions; carry differing levels of operational weight and related staffing. However, it is also recognised that, given the rural nature of the Borough, it is of paramount importance that all facilities play a local role relative to their local communities. Key principles of the hierarchy are shown in the table overleaf, whilst broad principles are illustrated in the hierarchy diagram shown below: Figure 1: Facility hierarchy – core principles



Table 1: Proposed facility hierarchy – site designation and definition

Designation Role and function

Level 1: County facilities

Provides a county significant facility which is the primary performance venue for a single or select number of priority sports.

Provides a county significant facility which attracts events and visitors to Allerdale.

Potential venue which can host Borough-wide and local events.

Provides a wide a range of opportunities for residents and visitors to participate in sport and physical activity, contributing significantly to the quality of life of residents across Allerdale.

Provides/programmes opportunities for local people to try new activities, develop their skills and progress to a higher performance level.

Core venue for training/ and development of teachers, coaches, volunteers, officials and others in key sports organisations.

Level 2: Community facilities

Contributes to quality of life of residents within the local community, and provides a range of opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity.

Generally a combination of stand-alone community facilities and sports facilities on school sites (where this is the primary facility within the locality).

Potential venue which can host Borough-wide and local events.

Provides a base for the provision of opportunity (delivered by a range of providers) for local people to develop their skills and try new activities.

Core venue for health and fitness activities across the Borough.

Core venues to accommodate the Borough’s Learn to Swim programmes (where a pool is available)

Provides options for a range of sports organisations to develop skill, participate and compete within their chosen activity.

Supports voluntary sports sector to raise standards with respect to coaching, coach education, administration and volunteer development in chosen sport.

Facility use to reflects demographic profile of the local community

Increases/ improves quality of PE and school sport opportunity for young people attending the school upon which it is based.

Level 3: Neighbourhood facilities

Where this facility is within the vicinity of a ‘community sports facility’ it should seek to complement the programming and opportunities offered to the local community.

Contributes to quality of life of the neighbourhood, accommodating a range of opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity.

Either stand-alone smaller dryside community facilities or sports facilities on school sites which operate within a lettings policy

Provides opportunities for range of sports organisations to participate, train and compete in their chosen activity.

Facility use to reflect demographic profile of the local community



Based on the above, Allerdale has the following community accessible provision and potential gaps in relation to its main population centres:

Population centre

Facilities Hierarchy Gaps

Keswick Keswick Leisure Pool Level 2 Quality of stock in the area

Keswick School Level 2

Workington

NEW Workington leisure facility

Level 1 Some quality issues addressed by new leisure centre; however quality continues to be the main gap across a number of sites.

Availability of some facilities needs to be addressed

Southfield Technology College Level 3

St. Joseph’s Catholic High School

Level 3


Level 3


Level 2

Beckstone Primary School Level 3

Moor Close Campus (Southfield Sports Hall)

Level 3

Maryport


Level 2 Quality of stock in the area

The Wave Centre Level 2

Cockermouth Cockermouth Leisure Centre Level 2 4 court sports hall.

Quality of stock in the area Cockermouth School Level 3

Wigton

Wigton Swimming Pool Level 2 Availability of community use at both facilities.

Quality of stock

Nelson Tomlinson School Level 3

Siloth Solway Community Technology College

Level 3 Swimming pool

Community health and fitness

Aspatria

Beacon Hill School Level 3 4 court sports hall.

Swimming pool.

Community health and fitness.

Availability of community use and quality of stock

It is clear that there are gaps in relation to the general quality of facilities across the Borough, with specific facility gaps in the following: Access to a 4 court sports hall in Cockermouth Access to a swimming pool, health and fitness and 4 court sports hall in Aspatria Access to a swimming pool and community health and fitness in Siloth Availability of wet and dry facilities in Wigton



OBJECTIVE 2

Commit to key facility development projects to replace or bring facilities up to standard.

Facility development The following section identifies the major investment requirements over the life of this Strategy. It describes the investment required in order to ‘protect’, ‘enhance’ and ‘provide’ sport and leisure facilities for the residents of Allerdale and enable the Council to meet its wider objectives. It should be noted that the investment requirements for these improvements or replacements should not solely sit with the Borough Council to deliver. Workington The Council has already identified the funding to invest in a new leisure centre in Workington. Given the issues identified within the Assessment report this facility should include the following: 8 lane 25m swimming pool; which should be able to accommodate County swimming

competitions. Teaching pool; to deliver a comprehensive learn to swim programme 4 court sports hall Health and fitness facility (circa 75 stations) Group fitness studio x 2 Squash courts x 2 (with moveable walls to enable maximum use to be made of the

space). Climbing wall; to complement The Wave – ‘clip and climb’. Ancillary facilities as appropriate. 3 x floodlit 5-a-side pitches which complement the AGP to be developed at the

College. In addition to developing a new facility, the Council and its ‘joint venture company’ delivering the regeneration of Workington should consider the wider range of complementary service that could be developed at or delivered in partnership with the new facility (e.g. library service, NHS services, etc.). Cumbria County Council is considering wider plans for the redevelopment of school stock in Workington. This could potentially result in the redevelopment of the Moor Close Campus as a new school. In this instance it is likely that the existing six court sports hall is replaced by a new 4 court sports hall for the school (depending on the size of the school). In order to minimise the loss of sports halls in the area, consideration should be given to retaining the good quality 4 court sports hall at Stainburn School and Science College rather than potentially losing six courts.



Cockermouth The assessment report identifies that there is a clear need to retain a sports hall and swimming pool in the Cockermouth area. Give the condition of Cockermouth swimming pool and the fact that it is the key area without access to a four court sports hall (and its three court operates to the highest capacity) there will be a need to consider the long term refurbishment or replacement of the facility. It is unlikely that the footprint existing site could accommodate the extension of the sports hall alongside the refurbishment of the pool; therefore consideration will need to be given to relocating the facility to a new site in the town. The potential facility mix for this new facility should include as a minimum: 4/5 lane 25m swimming pool. 4 court sports hall Health and fitness facility (circa 50 - 60 stations) Group fitness studio x 2 Climbing wall Ancillary facilities as appropriate. Wigton The future of the swimming provision in Wigton is uncertain. Cumbria County Council is planning to withdraw funding from the facility in March 2015 and it is unclear at this stage if the Wigton Pool Trust will take on the management of the pool. If the pool closes it will result in the north of the authority not having access to a swimming pool. Furthermore, the pool is currently only available for 11.5 hours per week; which if it is not substantially increased is such limited availability that is similar to closure. Therefore, there is a need for the Borough and County councils to work together and with the Wigton Pool Trust to initially find a way of maintaining a swimming pool in the north of the Borough and then to identify sources of funding to develop a longer term approach to sustaining a pool in the area. Consideration should be given to extensively refurbishing the existing pool or replacing it. Keswick The Council needs to consider the longer term role of Keswick leisure pool. It is clear that the pool is currently aligned to the tourism offer for the town and the majority of the facility’s income is generated in the three months over the summer period. However, consideration also needs to be given to the wider physical activity needs of the local population and the role that the facility plays in helping to deliver against these. As such, there is a clear need to retain a facility in Keswick. The opportunity exists to consider re-provision of a new facility aligned to an alternative use of the existing site. If this option is considered, the Council should look to provide the following mix of activity areas:



4/5 lane 25m swimming pool. Health and fitness facility (circa 50 - 60 stations) Group fitness studio x 2 Ancillary facilities as appropriate. Siloth The analysis identifies that residents of Siloth have limited access to a swimming pool; especially given the limited availability at Wigton Pool. The Council and partners need to consider the approach to swimming pool provision in the north of the Borough as there is clearly a gap in provision. There is also a gap in community health and fitness provision which could potentially be provided as part of the community accessible offer at Solway Community Technology College. Aspatria In general, the level of provision and quality of the offer in Aspatria is poor. Coupled with this, what does exist is available for a limited number of hours. The analysis identifies that residents of Aspatria have limited access to a swimming pool; especially given the closure of the pool at Beacon Hill School and the limited availability at Wigton Pool. The Council and partners need to consider the approach to swimming pool provision in the north of the Borough as there is clearly a gap in provision. There is also a gap in the provision of a 4 court sports hall and community health and fitness provision which could potentially be provided as part of the community accessible offer at Beacon Hill School. However, these would need to be made available for more than the current limited offer (i.e. under 10 hours per week).



OBJECTIVE 3

Define and implement a Borough-wide community use policy.

Defining community use It is clear that there are variable definitions of community use currently in play in Allerdale by the range of operators of community sports facilities. Therefore, there is a need for Allerdale Borough to take the lead in defining what community use should be and the objectives to be achieved from it. Therefore, the following definition of community use should be applied to all community sports facilities in Allerdale:

To maximise the use and effectiveness of leisure facilities and services for the benefit of local communities so that their use directly assists the achievement of key (national and local) targets such as: Improving the quality of life for residents in Allerdale. Connecting local people to local services to enable them to have a happier and more

fulfilled life. Contributing to people having a more active, less sedentary lifestyle. Increasing participation in sport and physical activity. Enabling participants to achieve their full sporting potential.

By adopting the above definition and a related approach to managing facilities and services, this requires the Borough Council and its partners (e.g. Carlisle Leisure, local schools, Active Cumbria etc.) to: Develop capacity to ensure that they know who their users and customers are, the

extent to which they currently participate; where and in what activities, and have the wherewithal to communicate effectively with them.

Develop, use and apply their knowledge and understanding of the demographic profiles and needs of local residents.

Develop and keep up-to-date, accurate knowledge and understanding of community need, through continually engaging and consulting with local representative agencies such as youth clubs, tenants and residents associations, older peoples groups, local pressure groups, etc.

Develop and maintain a detailed knowledge and understanding of the whole sporting infrastructure across the Borough.

Understand and appreciate the strategic definitions of ‘need’ applied across the Borough by key partner agencies such as health, housing, regeneration, Cumbria County Council, etc.

Commit to the achievement of strategic impacts and outcomes within the local area.



Adopting this approach to managing public sports and leisure facilities will enable partners to: Ensure facilities are available for a minimum number of hours Provide variety across programming to accommodate a broad range of sport and

activity from introductory levels through recreational involvement on to performance. Offer a combination of direct delivery and intervention programmes with partners (e.g.

sports clubs, health partners, NGBs etc.). Collect management information and intelligence to underpin actions to extend the

reach of the service, which will: Introduce new people and communities to existing activities and club

opportunities. Introduce existing users/customers to new activities and club opportunities. Enable operators to develop innovative programmes and processes to improve

service impact among hard to reach groups. Continually re-present the sport and leisure offer to local communities. Develop the various services offered in such a way that people in local communities

are able to make informed choices about them.



OBJECTIVE 4

Take a more strategic approach to facility programming on a Borough-wide basis.

This is the implementation side of Objective 3 and reflects the key challenge identified within the Assessment Report that no organisation is taking the lead on co-ordinating the use of facilities across the Borough. This is to ensure that priority can be given to key sports (e.g. development initiatives, clubs, etc) in order that development pathways are created; rather than operators and schools looking for the highest financial return from minimal programming effort. This is of particular importance to those schools where there is limited community use or where football dominates programmes. Facility programming Ensure that all facilities, including schools, are programmed and animated to their

maximum capacity reflecting local needs and contexts, to assist ABC to meet its wider strategic objectives.

Ensure that the operation of all sites facilitate the collection of management information and that this is used to inform strategic and operational decision making in the future; particularly in relation to the planning of service delivery.

Develop an effective monitoring and evaluation process for all facilities on the back of being furnished with appropriate management information.

Ensure, where possible, that all school sports facilities are accessible to the local community for as much time as is feasibly possible (i.e. a minimum of 20 to 30 hours per week). As such this type of access should be written into future community use agreements.

Ensure that the cost of accessing facilities is appropriate for different client groups and does not become a significant barrier to participation.

Develop the management contract for Carlisle Leisure which ensures the operator takes on an advocacy and leadership role in the management and letting of sports facilities across the Borough.



INDOOR SPORTS FACILITY STRATEGY - ACTION PLAN

Aspatria

Facility Hierarchy Challenges Recommended actions Lead agency Timescale

Beacon Hill School

Level 3

Poor quality one court sports hall with less than 10 hours of community use. Pool recently closed.

Work with Cumbria CC to determine the sports hall and health & fitness needs of the school. If improvements are made, ensure community use benefits and extension of use are considered.

CCC / ABC Long

Beckside Pool N A Pool located at privately owned holiday homes with limited community use.

Consult with operator to assess the potential for wider community access to the pool if appropriate.

ABC Long

Aspatria RUFC Level 1

A poor quality 16 station health and fitness suite.

Support club to improve the quality of the fitness and wider club offer and to determine if appropriate for wider community use

ABC Long

Yates Evolution Gym

N A A 67 station health and fitness suite.

Greater understanding of the club’s offer for the local community.

ABC Long

Silloth


Solway Community Technology College

Level 3

Good quality facility with 30-40 hours per week of community use

Consult with school to achieve buy in to a co-ordinated programme and definition of community use. Assess potential for community health & fitness offer

ABC Medium

Stanwix Park N A Pool located at holiday park with limited community use.

Consult with operator to assess the potential for wider community access if appropriate.

ABC Long

Allonby School Level 3 One court sports hall with no community access

Consult with school to assess the potential for community access.

ABC Long

Sandylands Pool and Spa

N A Pool located at a holiday park with limited community use.

Consult with operator to assess the potential for wider community access if appropriate.

ABC Long



Cockermouth


Cockermouth Leisure Centre

Level 2

Poor quality pool and sports hall. Only area not served by a 4 court sports hall. Limited scope to extend and refurbish within the same footprint.

Consider the potential to refurbish the facility with the option of extending the sports hall. Alternatively, if the footprint does not allow this consideration should be given to replacing the facility in another part of the town

ABC Medium

Cockermouth School

Level 3

A one and a two court sports hall with community use.

Ensure programming of sports halls is co-ordinated across both sites. Assess longer term needs of the school regarding increased sports hall provision. If required, assess the potential and appropriateness of co-locating school and community sports provision.

ABC Medium

Grasmoor Sports Centre

Level 3 Centre did not want to engage with the study

Work with the centre to ensure complementary programming across the area.

ABC Medium

Maryport



Level 2 Average quality facility with some good quality activity areas.

Retain the facility and consider the longer term investment needs in order to ensure that quality does not deteriorate.

Trust / ABC Long

Bodyflex and Body and Soul

Level 3 A 35 station health and fitness suite.

No action required N A N A

The Wave Level 2

Clip n Climb and conference facility.

Continue to operate the facility as a local climbing experience and to ensure medium and longer term investment to retain quality.

Trust / ABC Long



LDNP


Keswick Leisure Pool

Level 2

A poor quality facility, originally developed as part of a timeshare development.

Retain a facility in Keswick and consider the longer term role of Keswick leisure pool within the context of tourism offer and local community need. If appropriate, consider re-provision of a new facility aligned to an alternative use of the existing site.

ABC Long

Keswick School Level 2 Average quality one and a four court sports halls with extensive community use.

Ensure current level of community use is maintained and buy in to a co-ordinated definition of community use.

ABC Medium

Armathwaite Hall Hotel

Level 3 Good quality commercial fitness and pool


Ladore Falls Hotel Health Club

Level 3 A 16 metre and a 13 metre swimming pool with no community use.




Wigton


Wigton Pool Level 3

A 5 lane 18 metre pool with community use. Pool recently re-opened and its future is uncertain.

Work with Cumbria CC to retain the existing pool for the immediate term and consider longer term sustainable options for swimming in the north of the Borough.

CCC / ABC Short

Nelson Tomlinson School

N A Good quality facility with 10-20 hours per week of community use

Consult with school to assess the potential for greater availability of community use, if demand exists.

ABC Medium

G & S Fitness N A A good quality 29 station health and fitness suite with community use.


Wigton Sports Club

Level 3

A good quality 25 station health and fitness suite, although changing rooms are poor quality.


Fox's Pool N A Pool located at privately owned holiday homes with limited community use.


Maia Pool N A Pool located at privately owned holiday homes with limited community use.


Hagans Holiday Pool

N A Pool located at holiday park with no community use.


Oxley’s At Underscar

N A A 13 metre pool that has no community use.


The Castle Inn Hotel and Leisure Club

N A A 15 metre pool with no community use. No action required N A N A



Workington


Workington Leisure Centre & Pool

Level 1 Dilapidated facility scheduled for replacement

Undertake investment in the facility aligned to the details within this strategy.

ABC Short


Level 2

Average quality sports facility which offers 30-40 hours per week of community use.

Consult with school to achieve buy in to a co-ordinated programme and definition of community use. (especially in light of potential AGP at the site)

ABC Medium

Beckstone Primary School

Level 3 Good quality two court sports hall with no community use.

Consult with school to assess the potential for community access.

ABC Short

Energize Ladies Fitness Studio

N A Average quality 66 station health and fitness suite. No action required N A N A


Level 3

Good quality 4 court sports hall with other areas all poor quality. 20-30 hours of community use

Consult with school to achieve buy in to a co-ordinated programme and definition of community use. Retain sports hall for community use even if school is relocated.

CCC / ABC Short

Intrim Fitness Centre

N A An average quality 80 station health and fitness suite.


St Joseph’s Catholic High School

Level 3 Two court activity hall with 20-30 hours of community use.

Consult with school to achieve buy in to a co-ordinated programme and definition of community use.

ABC Medium

Moor Close Campus

Level 3

Poor quality six court sports hall with community use.

Future of facility depends upon the wider plans for school provision in the area. Either retain and invest in this site or Stainburn.

CCC / ABC Short

Washington Central Hotel

N A Pool located at hotel with no community use.


ALLERDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL INDOOR SPORTS …democracy.allerdale.gov.uk/documents/s102921/Appendix B -...

Documents

Transcript of ALLERDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL INDOOR SPORTS …democracy.allerdale.gov.uk/documents/s102921/Appendix B -...