A wide ranging assessment of indoor sports facilities in East Cambridgeshire has highlighted the need to work in partnership to deliver better services for local residents.

 

The research conducted by The Sports Consultancy, looked at all of the indoor sports facilities available in the district, assessing the supply, satisfaction, size and quality of facilities.

 

They found that demand is increasing and creating shortfalls in the provision of swimming space, gym equipment and fitness studios. The report also flagged falling levels of satisfaction with indoor sports facilities in the District, with many of the centres now being more than 30 years old. .

 

The report makes clear that the a new district leisure centre will address most of the demands for indoor leisure facilities up to 2026. However, it also suggests local communities, Parish Councils, the Leisure Centre Trusts and the District Council work together to deliver an action plan to improve the viability of the existing facilities so they keep pace with customer expectations and demands.

 

Members at this week's Commercial Services Committee (Tuesday 13 January) agreed to task the Sport and Health Development Service Review Group to report back to their next meeting to highlight what is needed to deliver the action plan. They have also asked Full Council to consider amending the CIL Regulation 123 list to include indoor sports facility projects.

 

Councillor Richard Hobbs, Chairman of Commercial Services Committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Staying, or becoming, fit and healthy is not just an aspiration – with greater strain being put on our health and social care systems, the need to take exercise becomes even more important. This is a challenge we face at all ages and abilities as recent research shows obesity levels in young people across the country growing at alarming levels. The challenge is to use our very limited funds to make a difference.

 

“The new District Leisure Centre will have an impact but to improve indoor sports facilities requires a plan. The good news is we now have one – the hard work starts with making sure we can deliver it. This is not something which can be done alone, by one body in isolation. Only by coming together, uniting our talents can we drive participation up and create sustainable services across East Cambridgeshire. The will from the District Council is certainly there, so I look forward to working with bodies across our area to begin to make a difference in the months and years to come.”

 

For more information on sport and leisure in East Cambridgeshire visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk or call 01353 665555.