Council considers pool for Chatteris, major renovations across centers. Over £9m in facility maintenance is outstanding.
Council members asked for this report on leisure center investment. They want to ensure the facilities are good for the future. The report shows project costs for all four centers. It gives the council options for what to do next.
A survey checked the condition of three centers in 2021. These were the Hudson, Manor, and George Campbell centers. It found that much work was needed to maintain them. Over £10 million of work was identified. Only £1 million has been done so far. This leaves over £9 million in outstanding maintenance.
The report stresses the financial impact of renovations. It notes possible risks and affordability issues. Any improvements would bring community benefits. Changes to local government in 2028 are another consideration, as Fenland Council may disappear.
The council has roughly £2.1 million for essential work. Energy efficiency improvements used some of that money. About £7 million is needed just to keep the centers running. That excludes any additional upgrades or new facilities. A Chatteris center survey found another £50,000 of needed repairs.
The leisure investment is very large and unusual. Council members must think about other projects too. These projects also require large financial investments.
One recommendation is to refurbish the Manor Leisure Centre. The plan is to tear down the sports hall. It needs a new roof and costs at least £500,000. The sports facilities would then join the swimming pool building. A completely new center would cost £25 million, but the council is not considering it.
The council will decide on preliminary work, which has an initial planning cost of over £600,000. After that, they will consider building a new sports hall, costing around £13.5 million. They could also stop the entire project. For Chatteris, the council should approve £50,000 for repairs. They should carefully consider a new swimming pool too.
The council needs to approve planning for the Chatteris pool. This initial planning costs about £160,000. The plan will look at the pool’s feasibility and cost. A pool fits on the land next to the current center. The county council owns that land. The current lease needs adjusting to reflect the new pool. Consultation with Cromwell School is also required.
The proposed pool would be 25 meters long with four lanes. It would include changing rooms for swimmers only. It would suit baby sessions up to competitive swimming. There are big initial costs before any construction, so the council must commit to the project’s completion. Otherwise, the initial costs are a waste.
Much of the project funding will come from borrowing. Leisure center income would partially offset those costs. At the George Campbell center, some funding is suggested, and the council could fund short-term projects costing £390,000.
Around £2 million could also fund further improvements. These include remodeling the reception area. The old pool changing rooms could become a cafe. An advanced spin studio and larger studio space are possible.
For the Hudson center, both short-term and medium-term work is recommended. Spending includes £450,000 for indoor tennis courts. It also includes £2 million for condition surveys. Officials should also review other refurbishment options.
The Hudson center could get three outdoor tennis courts, costing about £450,000. A spinning room could become a wellness space. Unused gym space could become activity rooms for boxing, circuits, and spinning.
In the medium term, a kitchen space is being considered to help create income from parties. The sports hall could be remodeled with soft play improvements. New uses for the sports hall with a cafe are another possibility.
Any project agreements depend on council budget approval. That vote is set for late February 2025. Council members can agree to all, some, or none. Condition survey work keeps the centers open and safe, and this work cannot be easily avoided.
New capital investment may replace some existing needed repairs. The Manor sports hall roof might not be replaced. This would happen if they choose to build a new, refurbished site.