Decision details

To inform Councillors of the progress Officers have made on the project for a new proposed 3G ATP at OLSIO including final designs, progress of the project and overall capital costs.

To provide confidence to the Cabinet and wider Council that due diligence has been conducted on the final designs and costs with support of expert consultants.

To utilise the final capital costs outlined within this report to help inform budget setting and approval of the wider project delivery of the new proposed 3G ATP at OLSIO.

To provide an update on stakeholder engagement and progress to date across the project and to illustrate the broad support Officers have gained from partners for the proposed 3G ATP at OLSIO.

To gain full approval from Cabinet to allow this project to proceed.

The Cabinet has

(a)  approved the project of a new 3G ATP to be constructed at OLSIO;

(b)  noted that, subject to the project securing all necessary consents (including full planning application approval); funding secured through the budget process; and project costs being within budget; the intention is for works to commence on-site in late 2026 with an anticipated opening in early 2027;

(c)  delegated to the Head of Leisure, Health & Environment in consultation with the Corporate Director (Place) & Corporate Director (Finance and Resources) to proceed with and secure any necessary consents to allow the development to move forward;

(d)  noted that HDC has signed up to the FF Framework Alliance Contract (FFFAC) which covers services such as management consultancy, independent testing and the supply/installation of 3G ATP’s with HDC becoming an “Additional Client”;

(e)  delegated to the Head of Leisure, Health & Environment in consultation with the Corporate Director (Place) & Corporate Director (Finance and Resources) to proceed with the FFFAC in partnership with the FF to ensure successful completion of the project;

(f)  agreed the proposed budget envelope of £1.4 million for the project and notes the composition of this total, which is made up of contributions from multiple funding sources such as £300k from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and £300k from HDC;

(g)  noted and approved that the Head of Leisure, Health & Environment will lead on and complete negotiations with the FF with the intention to secure up to £800k of capital funding towards a new 3G ATP; and

(h)  delegated to the Head of Leisure, Health & Environment to facilitate, and in consultation with the Corporate Director (Place) & Corporate Director (Finance and Resources) complete all relevant land and legal requirements to facilitate this project and enable its delivery.

The proposal addresses a documented shortfall of full-size 3G artificial turf pitch provision in the District, particularly in and around St Ives, and responds to evidenced peak-time capacity constraints.

The proposal directly delivers the priorities of the Council’s PPOSS by increasing all-weather football capacity, addressing identified shortfalls in provision, and supporting additional secured community use.

The proposal aligns with and helps implement the Local Football Facility Plan by providing the recommended investment in additional 3G capacity, enabling more training and match activity, supporting club development pathways, and meeting current and future demand for football facilities.

The proposal is supported by local clubs and stakeholders, who have identified unmet demand, constraints on existing provision, and a desire to secure regular block bookings and partnership

The project supports the wider commercial sustainability of One Leisure by increasing all-weather capacity, improving utilisation, and enabling broader access to high-quality facilities for residents.

The proposal future-proofs an important Council asset and helps ensure the Outdoor Centre remains fit for purpose as a multi-sport hub serving current and future generations.

The additional 3G capacity will enable more consistent delivery of community sport and physical activity, reducing cancellations and displacement onto less suitable surfaces, and helping to protect existing grass pitch quality.

The proposal strengthens inclusive access by creating additional capacity for women and girls’ football, disability and pan-disability provision, and recreational formats (e.g., walking and wellbeing football), including at off-peak times.

The project supports wider health and wellbeing outcomes by enabling more people to be physically active more often, aligning with the Corporate Plan priority to improve quality of life and maximise physical activity across partners.

The estimated total cost for delivering a new full-size, floodlit 3G ATP at OLSIO Centre is circa £1.333 million. With a 5% contingency allowance, the total projected cost is circa £1.4 million. This estimate is based on recent comparable local projects and national cost benchmarks, and includes all necessary elements for a high-quality, sustainable facility.

Costs have been aligned with the FF Framework, to which HDC is signed up as a client. This provides the Council with technical and procurement support, enabling the appointment of a contractor through the FF’s approved tender process.

The largest single contribution is expected to come from the FF, with a grant application for £800,000 submitted in December 2025 with an answer due in March 2026. This funding is subject to compliance with the FF conditions, including the registration of leases and DfE approval for the change of use. The grant will be allocated following successful completion of the procurement process through the FF’s AGP Framework.

One Leisure has notionally committed a contribution of £300,000, which is scheduled for a decision in February 2026 as part of the normal budget setting process. This investment reflects the strategic importance of the facility in supporting leisure and community sports provision across the district.

A CIL funding request for £300,000 was approved in October 2025, demonstrating alignment with local infrastructure priorities and reinforcing the commitment to delivering enhanced sports facilities for community benefit.

The financial model for the new facility is robust and future focused. The pitch is forecast to generate annual income of circa £60,000, in line with the current 3G ATP on site. A ringfenced £27,000 per annum will be allocated to a sinking fund, in line with FF requirements, to support pitch replacement after 10–12 years. Day-to-day maintenance is projected to cost circa £5,000 per annum, with the remaining £28,000 contributing to HDC One Leisure’s operational budget to support the wider management and delivery of services at the site.