Sports Clubs welcome feedback session on Leisure Centre
District sports clubs and interest groups have attended a Winchester Sport & Leisure Centre briefing which focussed on the design responses to sport club and National Governing Bodies (NGB) input invited earlier this year.
Since the meeting in February 164 responses have been thoroughly considered by the design team in consultation with NGBs and Sport England to ensure the approach supports sporting needs whilst meeting the projects wider objectives.
The briefing was well-received by those who attended who also heard an update on the project and an overview of the engagement and consultation process. It was followed by an question and answer session. Participants then had the opportunity to review the sport clubs’ and National Governing Bodies’ comment report along with plans and exhibition boards from the planning submission.
Cllr Lisa Griffiths, Portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing said:
“The consultation on this project has been far reaching and inclusive. It has involved a really thorough process which consulted NGBs, Sport England and partners to ensure that we verified important decisions with national experts. I am confident that the time we have taken to do this will benefit the development, making a huge difference to local people going forward. We are pleased to have been able to share the latest information we have with our sports groups last night and thank those who came for giving up their time and continuing to engage with us so positively.
“It’s important that we strike the right balance between sport and leisure - choices have had to be made about what benefits the broadest reach of interest groups. It’s been great to hear sports clubs recognising this. Myself and my fellow cabinet members are confident that all the responses and requests from the consultation have been properly considered.
“Our project is supported by a team of experts who have vast experience in delivering large scale projects similar to our proposed Sport & Leisure Park. Indeed, our lead consultant, LA Architects, has designed and delivered 34 sport or leisure centres to date which should provide residents further confidence.”
A report outlining the sport and NGB feedback will be presented at the Leisure Centre Cabinet meeting on 25 July at 7pm in the Guildhall.