Decision details

Endorses the Huntingdonshire Sports and Leisure Facility Strategy 2016 – 2021, as appended to the submitted report, which contains the following nine recommendations:

  i.  Encourage investment in projects where the most significant impact can be made on participation levels to address both health and social wellbeing;

  ii.  Commit to the retention of all strategically important sports facilities as highlighted in section 5.2 of the Strategy, in particular given the current shortfall of indoor sports hall provision;

  iii.  Support projects identified as priority projects to refurbish/upgrade existing sites as identified in section 5.3 of the Strategy;

  iv.  Support projects identified as sites planning new facilities to increase the sport and leisure stock as identified in section 5.4 of the Strategy;

  v.  Ensure that significant identified gaps in provision are addressed as opportunities permit as identified in section 5.5 of the Strategy;

  vi.  Work with partners and stakeholders including other operators to develop and deliver new facilities in areas of identified strategic need as identified in section 5.6 of the Strategy and in correlation with the new major housing sites;

  vii.  Seek to maximise all funding opportunities including Section 106, Community Infrastructure Levy, external grants or sponsorship contributions;

  viii.  Seek to ensure all sports facilities are fit for purpose, of good quality and with excellent access with Huntingdonshire District Council’s own stock being the exemplar for others to follow (including sports pitches and built facilities); and

  ix.  Work with other sports and leisure providers to seek improvements in sports provision and encourage participation in sport and active leisure.

The Huntingdonshire Sports Facility Strategy has expired and there is a requirement to update the previous strategy to demonstrate the strategic facility requirements within the district.

None considered.

None.