Updated proposals shared for new South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub, as planning date nears
South Holland District Council has shared updated plans for the new South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub on the existing Castle Sports Centre site, as the authority targets a decision on the proposals in January.
The project, which is receiving £20million of UK Government funding alongside further support from the council, will address health and wellbeing through the provision of improved sport, recreation and leisure facilities, alongside new health and wellbeing services and facilities for residents.
Plans were initially submitted in May following public consultation with residents and local organisations, with several revisions and improvements made to the original proposals following further feedback from statutory consultees, interest groups and planning officers.
Changes include the introduction of a new 'running loop' with 100metre sprint straight, and improved cycling provision including alternative 'roller' and 'rock garden' features along with 'Go Ride' circuit markings and bike stands.
Internally, adjustments have been made to the layout of the dry facilities, providing a ground floor fitness suite and studios on the existing first floor, with changes to the configuration of the four-court sports hall to ensure it can cater for as many activities as possible.
The swimming facilities remain largely unchanged, with tweaks required to the ground level of the extension and the floor of the main pool becoming fixed profile, rather than flexible, following ground investigation and design work.
These changes, which have been submitted to the planning application this week, are designed to listen to the feedback for both the provision and build condition of the facility, and give it the best possible chance of receiving the required permissions for construction to get underway.
It has however caused slight impact on the project delivery timeline and, if planning permission is received, development planned to commence in April 2025, with a scheduled completion for the first phase of the works in late Summer 2026.
The first phase would include the two new swimming pools, village changing facilities, multi-sport hall, fitness suite, cycle and group exercise studios, health and wellbeing consultation rooms, children's adventure play area, updated reception and servery area, an outdoor 3G pitch, park run circuit, community garden and improved car parking with electric vehicle charging points, along with necessary remedial works to the bowls hall.
A later phase would then further expand the car parking offer on the site, as well as creating a new outdoor multi-use games area, splash pad and play area.
The existing Castle swimming pool will remain fully operational throughout the works, with the 'dry side' of the Centre closing for the construction period, with temporary alternative fitness suite and group exercise class facilities available for members at the Spalding Campus of Boston College throughout the disruption. Further details of these arrangements will be shared in the coming months.
Councillor Gary Taylor, South Holland District Council's project sponsor, said: "I am delighted that we can submit these updated proposals for the new health and wellbeing hub, that bring us a step closer to work getting underway and these fantastic, transformational new facilities becoming a reality for South Holland.
"Global factors and the construction market have changed significantly since the original bid was made, and it is important that we respond to these factors, and the feedback from local and national bodies, to put forward an exciting scheme that delivers a quality new Health and Wellbeing Hub for as many of our residents as possible, and safeguards the district's access to quality swimming and leisure facilities for many years to come."