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SDC Built Leisure Review 2018

Stratford-on-Avon District Council Built Leisure Provision Review 2018


Contents:

Ref Section Page No.

1 Introduction 3

2 National Context 3

3 Local Strategic Context 3

4 Commissioned Review 5

5 Evidence base 6

5.1 Population 6

5.2 SDC Core Strategy 10

5.3 Economic Value and Cost of Physical Activity 10

5.4 Physical activity and participation 11

6 Existing Facility Provision 11

6.1 Swimming Pools 13

6.2 Sports Halls 17

6.3 Gyms 20

6.4 Studios 23

6.5 Squash Courts 27

6.6 Indoor Bowls 29

6.7 Indoor Tennis 31

7 Recommendations 34

Appendix 2 References 36

Appendix 1 Current Population and Demographics 37

District


1. Introduction

This review aims to establish whether the current built leisure provision in the District is adequate and fit-for-purpose, both now and in the future.

Given the projected population increase within the Council’s Core Strategy (between 2018 – 2031), future demand for built leisure needs to be determined to identify any shortfalls in provision which will need to be addressed during this timeframe.

2. National Context

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport ‘Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation’ (Dec 2015) sets out its ambition to target public investment into community sport for all age groups. This shifts Sport England’s remit from focusing on those aged 14 and over to supporting people from cradle to grave to create a more active nation.

Investment should be directed at projects that have a positive impact on improving people’s lives from helping young people gain skills to get into work, tackling social inclusion and improving physical and mental health. (2004)The strategy aims to change the culture of sport and physical activity in England to increase participation across all social groups to bring health, social and economic improvements. However, supporting progression into higher levels of performance remains a key objective.

Within the Public Health England agenda, priority is placed on reducing health inequalities and increasing participation in physical activity. Local Authorities’ changing role in the Public health agenda puts an onus on them to promote healthier lifestyles, targeted at getting the most inactive, active. This includes facilitating sustained behaviour change to increase participation in sport and physical activity to reduce obesity, improve health and contribute to addressing mental health issues.

3. Local Strategic Context

Stratford-on-Avon District Council Corporate Strategy (2015 – 2019)

The Vision of the Strategy states:

Stratford-on-Avon District will be recognised as a place of opportunity and economic prosperity in order to provide a better quality of life for all who live, work and visit.

Objective 2, ‘People and their Environment’, commits to supporting activities to improve the health and wellbeing of our local communities by:

Maintaining quality leisure facilities, with an emphasis on enhancing facilities in Alcester and completing the refurbishment of Stratford-upon-Avon Leisure which has been carried out), and


Promoting Health and Wellbeing including playing an active role in the Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Board.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council Core Strategy (2011 - 2031)

The SDC Core Strategy, adopted in July 2016, sets out the Council’s allocation of strategic housing sites.

With the release of land for development, appropriate arrangements should be put in place to improve infrastructure, services and community facilities (including sport and leisure) to mitigate the impact of development and integrate it with the existing community. Such infrastructure should promote healthy and inclusive communities.

It is expected that existing community facilities including, sport and leisure, will be retained unless it can be demonstrated that one or more of the following criteria is satisfied:

there is no realistic prospect of the facility continuing for commercial and/or operational reasons on that site;

the land and/or property has been actively marketed or otherwise made available for a similar or alternative type of facility that would be of benefit to the community;

the facility can be provided effectively in an alternative manner or on a different site in accordance with the wishes of the local community; or

there are overriding environmental benefits in the use of the site being discontinued.

The overriding outcome is that the quality of life will have been improved for everyone who lives in the District.

Warwickshire Health & Wellbeing Strategy (2014 – 2018)

The Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Board published its Health & Wellbeing Strategy in 2014 which is currently under review. It sets out a countywide approach to improving local health and social care, public health and community services. The Health and Wellbeing Board is also responsible for leading locally on tackling health inequalities.

The strategy priorities are to; Promote independence for all, ensure community resilience and integrate and work together

Leisure and sport facilities and opportunities are integral in achieving this.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council Active Communities Strategy (2013 - 2018)

The SDC Active Communities Strategy ‘Getting Stratford District Active’ links the Corporate Objectives to the National and Local Health & Wellbeing agenda through the following themes:


Theme 1: Encouraging Active Communities

Theme 2: Enhancing and Sustaining Facility Provision

Theme 3: Engaging to raise the Profile of Sport & Physical Activity

A new Strategy is currently being drawn up for 2019 onwards to set out how SDC will support the delivery of the health and wellbeing agenda at a local level, through sport and leisure opportunities.

4. Commissioned review

Sports Facility Strategic Review (March 2018)

SDC commissioned Strategic Leisure Ltd to carry out a Sports Facilities Strategic Review for the District, including existing built leisure provision and future need.

The key drivers prompting SDC to commission the review were:

The need for an evidence base to aid decision making regarding priorities for its owned facilities i.e. quantity and quality;

To ensure value for money in provision of leisure services; To identify the need for any additional provision to facilitate an increase in

demand and participation in physical activity; To support improvements in health and wellbeing; To consider the model of future provision (e.g. SDC direct delivery,

educational sites, community facilities and the private sector); and To provide for a projected demographic change in population.

The review considered the following:

Local sports provision standards; Protection of existing facilities; Allocation of sites for new and/or improved sports and leisure facilities The infrastructure required to support development; Models for future provision; Funding streams for improvements to existing facilities and new projects; and Recommendations on future provision, funding and management of facilities

The following partners were consulted as part of the review:

Relevant SDC services Colleges and schools* County Sports Partnership (Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Sport) Sports and Leisure Management Ltd (Everyone Active) Warwickshire County Council Public Health England Local sports clubs and educational sites*

*NB: Not all colleges, schools and sports clubs participated in the consultation process


Findings from this review have been incorporated into this paper.

5. Evidence base

5.1 Population

The population profile of the District is a key consideration in the future provision of built sport and leisure facilities. The current population of the District is circa 123,000.

The current age profile of the District shows that proportionately, there is a higher than national average proportion of elderly residents in the District with 1 in 4 being over 65. As with elsewhere in the county, women account for a higher proportion of those aged 65+. Conversely, pockets of the District have higher numbers of pre-school children, particularly in areas of new housing development.


Map: Current Population Distribution in Stratford-on-Avon

Ethnicity

'White British' accounted for 93.6% of the population in 2011, ‘Other White' at 2.9%,'White Irish' at 0.7% and 'Indian' as 0.5%.

Across the District, 459 residents are unable to speak English well or at all.

Education

The population of the District is generally well educated with performance at GCSE level better than both the regional and national averages.


Car ownership

Car ownership is significantly higher than the national average with only 12.5% of the District population having no access to a car.

Multiple deprivation

The District is within the top 30% least deprived local authorities in the country and is also the least deprived local authority in Warwickshire.

The most deprived areas within the District are North-west of Stratford-upon-Avon, Bidford-on-Avon, Alcester and Studley.

Map: Deprivation Areas in Stratford-on-Avon

Health Profile


The health of people in in the District is better than the national average. However, 9.1% of children live in poverty.

Life expectancy for both men and women is higher than the England average.

Health priorities in Stratford-on-Avon include addressing alcohol misuse, smoking in pregnancy, and tackling obesity.

In 2015/16, 14.4% Children (Year 6) were classed as obese and the proportion of adults with excess weight (2013-15) was 63.7%, both of which are lower than the national average.

Public Transport

Public transport or access to facilities by cycle or foot is important especially for residents with no access to a car. The Warwickshire County Council Local Transport Plan (2011 – 2026) highlights the need and challenge of accessibility to services and facilities.

Key geographic and demographic challenges in the District

The geographic and demographic make-up of the District creates the following challenges:

An ageing population Shortage of affordable housing Lack of access to services Rural isolation Crime and the fear of it Deprivation

Future population increase

The population of Stratford-on-Avon District is forecast to increase by 4.0% from 2017 to 2027 (compared to 5.2% for the whole of Warwickshire).

Table: Population changes in the District from 2017 - 2027


5.2 Stratford-on-Avon District Council Core Strategy (2011 - 2031)

To meet housing provision targets, SDC will provide at least 14,600 additional homes between 2011 and 2031 including the creation of two new settlements at Long Marston (2,100 properties) and Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath (2,300 properties).

5.3 Economic value and cost of physical activity

Cost of inactivity The total cost of inactivity for the District has been determined to be approx. £1.9m.

The Economic Value of Sport


It was estimated in 2013 that physical activity contributed £20.3 billion nationally and £39.1 million in the District.

5.4 Physical Activity and Participation

The value of participation in improving quality of life The value of physical activity is significant in terms of individual and community quality of life. Participation delivers:

Opportunities for active living Physical health improvements e.g. weight control, cardio vascular, stronger

bones, mobility Mental health benefits Social benefits – socialisation, communication, inter-action, regular contact. The learning of new skills Development of individual and/or team ability and performance Life skills including team spirit, comradery, respect and self-discipline

There is an existing audience in the District which already recognises the advantages of participation and a latent community who have the potential and desire to take part.

Current Participation Rates

The Public Health England’s recommendation for physical activity is 150 minutes or equivalent of at least moderate intensity activity per week. From the Sports England Active Lives Adult Survey 2016/17 the percentage of population who are classified as active / inactive is set out below:

Table: Percentage population classified as inactive / fairly active and active (2016/17)

Inactive(less than 30 mins / week)

Fairly active(30 – 149 mins / week)

Active(150+ mins / week)

23.9% 12.5% 63.6%

Lowest participation levels in the District are within Southam, Alcester and Studley areas.

6. Existing Facility Provision:

Formal facilities

There is a current supply of formal indoor sport and leisure facilities in the District, which is accessible to the public for community use / ‘pay and play’. These include:

Swimming pools Sports Halls Gyms Studios Squash courts


Indoor tennis courts Indoor bowls

Informal facilities

Informal facilities, such as community halls, can also be used for sport and physical activity even if they are not purposely designed for such use. They can often provide an introductory experience of sport and physical activity, with no commitment to continue, and a local, more accessible option for those with no access to a car or who have time commitments which make it difficult for them to travel further to formal facilities.

Community centres, village halls, schools, etc. have potential to provide physical activity opportunities at a very local level. They are well placed to encourage active communities especially in the more rural areas of the District.

Not everyone is, can, or wants to be a member of a sports club, so facilities providing access only for clubs and groups does not provide for the whole community. As such, they are unlikely to address the needs of the most inactive or those from the areas of highest deprivation. There is therefore a role for the existing informal hall space and academic facilities across the District to offer this type of community access.

Facilities outside of the District

The availability of facilities in neighbouring areas offers a wider choice. The local population will often use facilities that are convenient and provide value for money regardless of where they are located and ownership.

It is therefore important to take into account neighbouring authorities’ current and planned facilities as community use is not restricted by boundaries on a map.

Catchment areas

In terms of accessibility, the standard measure is a 20 minute drive time, as specified by Sports England.

Operational Management

Management of SDC Leisure Centres is contracted out to Sports and Leisure Management Ltd (SLM) until 2021. The four leisure centres are:

Stratford-upon-Avon Leisure Centre Studley Leisure Centre Southam Leisure Centre Shipston-on-Stour Leisure Centre

Other community accessible facilities are managed by a range of Sports Clubs, Trusts, Community Groups, Schools, Colleges and the private sector.

Facility Specific Analysis


Based on the long term population growth projected for the District, SDC must consider how best to provide community access to meet increased future demand.

There is also a need to plan longer term for the replacement of, or investment in, existing and new facilities.

Consideration should be given to:

The age of facilities

How to grow participation in physical activity

The opportunity to increase community access to community halls and academic facilities by securing formal Community Use Arrangements (CUAs).

Increasing awareness of existing facilities

The potential for long term investment through S106/CIL contributions.

Opportunities, through housing development, to co-locate leisure facilities with other infrastructure (e.g. schools, health facilities, public open spaces and play areas) which are intrinsically linked to improving health and wellbeing.

The proximity of facilities, and

Availability of facilities, in terms of programming/scheduling of publicly accessible ‘sessions’ during day the day, evening and weekends.

Condition of facilities

Condition surveys have been carried out on the four SDC Leisure Centres (Appendix 1). Some condition surveys have been carried out on other facilities. The findings are set out in the facility-specific sections below. 6.1 Swimming Pools

6.1.1 Current provision

There are currently four community swimming pools provided by SDC through a contract with SLM and eight privately operated pools (which have no or limited access for community use).

Swimming Pool resources are considered to be higher order facilities that should be provided at a strategic level within appropriate travel times to surrounding settlements.

Table: Swimming Pools in the District

Pool Lanes Length Width Area Built RefurbishedStratford-on-Avon Leisure Centre – Main pool 6 33.0m 12.5m 412.5m2 1975 2015


Pool Lanes Length Width Area Built RefurbishedStratford-on-Avon Leisure– Teaching pool N/A 12.0m 11.0m 102.0m2 1975 2015

Shipston-on-Stour Leisure Centre 5 25.0m 10.5m 262.5m2 2005 N/A

Southam Leisure Centre 4 25.0m 10.0m 250.0m2 1988 2004Studley Leisure Centre 4 20.0m 9.0m 180.0m2 1971 2002Club Moativation, Stratford-upon-Avon*

0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Club & Spa at Walton Hall Hotel, Wellesbourne 0 18.0m 10.0m 180m2 1987 2011

Ardencote Manor Spa & County Club*

0 13.7m 7.6m N/A 1981 2008

Club at Ettington Chase* 0 14.0m 6.0m 84m2 1995

Club & Spa at Billesley Manor Hotel, Alcester* 0 12.0m 6.0m 84m2 2004

Vital Health & Wellbeing at Alveston Manor*

0 18 9 162 2003

The Welcombe Spa* 0 15.0m N/A N/A N/A 2017

Wildmoor Spa & Health Club*

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Broom Swim School# 0 11 5 N/A N/A

Kineton High School Sports College#

0 15 10 250 1980 2007

*Membership use only, no ‘pay and swim’#Not currently available for public use

Map: Swimming pools available for community use


At a District-wide level there is good provision of swimming pools. Across individual settlements, provision is varied with a surplus in larger settlements and significant shortages in smaller settlements which is common of higher order facilities. As expected, there are no swimming pools within the local service villages (excluding school swimming pools); however, these are served by the facilities in larger settlements.

6.1.2 Condition Survey

The quality of SDC swimming pools varies across the District but is generally good. The oldest pool is Studley Leisure Centre, built in 1971. Whilst it was refurbished 15 years ago, there is a need to consider a further refurbishment/replacement of this facility. Stratford-on-Avon Leisure Centre was built in 1975 and had a major refurbishment in 2015. Shipston-on-Stour Pool was built in 2005 and has not subsequently been refurbished. Southam was built in 1988 and refurbished in 2004.

The commercially owned and operated pools tend to be newer then SDC facilities.


6.1.3 Accessibility

Based on the principle of easy access being within a 20 minute drive time, there is good accessibility to swimming pools which are well-located across the District. All are on public transport routes and their catchment areas provide access to the majority of residents. In addition, there are other community accessible facilities.

6.1.4 Availability

The four SDC swimming pool sites provide day time, evening and weekend use. The commercial pool facilities in the District provide for some community use, although these may be less attractive due to cost and commitment.

Swimming pools outside of the District provide availability specifically for towns, villages and rural areas on the outskirts of the District. These include: Redditch, Banbury, Leamington Spa, Warwick, Rugby, Coventry and Chipping Norton.

6.1.5 Future demand

The largest requirement for additional provision is the Gaydon and Lighthorne Heath new settlement. Stratford-upon-Avon will also have substantial population growth.

Studley Leisure Centre swimming pool is currently operating at nearly full capacity and any housing growth in the District will exacerbate this.

There is an assumption that the following areas will have a level of deficit in terms of provision at the end of the Core Strategy:

Alcester Bidford-on-Avon Henley-in–Arden Wellesbourne Long Marston new development

However latent demand can, in the most part, be met by existing pools in or outside of the District.

6.1.6 Committed provision

There is committed provision for improvements to the swimming pool at Kineton High School as part of the Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath development to be funded through S106 monies. SDC have secured enclosure of the pool to provide public access.

6.2 Sports Halls

6.2.1 Current provision


Sports hall resources are considered to be higher order facilities that should be provided at a strategic level within appropriate travel times to surrounding settlements.

The assessment of sports hall demand is based on the number of badminton courts. For reference, typical sizes of full scale facilities are set out below:

Table: Minimum size of indoor sports halls

Court size Dimensions (m) Total area (m2)Basic badminton court size 18 x 10 1804 court indoor hall 33 x 18 5945 court indoor hall (max.) 40 x 20 8006 court indoor hall (max.) 34 x 27 918

Indoor, multi-use sports halls are defined as areas where a range of sport and recreational activities are carried out which includes specifically designed venues such as leisure centres and school sports halls.

There are a number of community accessible sports halls in the District and a further five privately operated facilities which are not for public use.

Table: Sports Halls in the District available for community use

Site NameNo. of badminton courts

Ownership Type Built Refurbished

Stratford-on-Avon Leisure Centre 8 Local Authority 1975 2015

Studley Leisure Centre 4 Local Authority 2002

Meon Vale Leisure Centre 4 Commercial 2014

The Greig 4 Trust 1958Kineton High School Sports College 4 Education 2000

Stratford-upon-Avon School Community Sports Centre 4 Education 2002

Warwickshire College (Henley-In-Arden Campus) 4 Education 2009

Alcester Grammar School* N/A Education N/A

King Edward VI School* N/A Education N/A

Stratford Girls’ Grammar school* N/A Education N/A

Southam College*# N/A Education N/A

Warwickshire College (Moreton Morrell Campus) * N/A Education N/A


*Not currently available for community use #Southam College is considering applying for planning permission to build a new sports hall on their site which may become accessible for community use under a Community Use Agreement (CUA).

Map []: Map of Sports Halls in the District available for community use

There are other facilities such as community centres and village halls but these are smaller than one badminton court in size. Whilst these may not facilitate delivery of formal sport, they can be used for a wide variety of informal physical activities.


Quality assessments on SDC facilities establish that they are of a good standard. Facility quality is very good generally on education sites and other formal and informal facilities are considered to be good / excellent.

6.2.3 Accessibility


Based on the principle of easy access being within a 20 minute drive time, the majority of the District has good access to sports halls.

Small pockets to the north and east of the District are not covered by a 20 minute catchment; however, there is the potential for their needs to be met outside of the District due to their proximity to neighbouring towns including Leamington Spa, Redditch and Banbury.

6.2.4 Availability

Community access during the day, evening and weekends is offered at Stratford-on-Avon Leisure Centre, Studley Leisure Centre (during school holidays), Meon Vale Leisure Centre and The Greig in Alcester. Programming and opening hours is also generally good for these facilities.

The educational sites offering community use general cater for clubs and groups during evenings, weekends and school/college holidays. However, these could be withdrawn at any time as there are no secured community access arrangements in place. Commercial and Trust operated facilities (such Meon Vale and the Greig) are reliant on income to meet costs and, as such, their sustainability cannot be guaranteed.

Community centres and villages halls provide physical activity opportunities at a local level, particularly where the availability of formal facilities is limited.

6.2.5 Future demand

The largest requirement for additional sports hall provision is at the proposed Gaydon and Lighthorne Heath new settlement which will create the largest focused population increase within the Core Strategy period. The second largest requirement will be in Stratford-upon-Avon (including Meon Vale and Long Marston Airfield developments) as a result of the planned housing; however, it is expected that this latent demand can be met by the available capacity at Stratford Leisure Centre.

Studley Leisure Centre sports hall is currently operating at near full capacity and any housing growth in the District will exacerbate this.

In addition, there is an assumption that Bidford-on-Avon, Shipston-on-Stour and Wellesbourne areas will have a deficit in provision by the end of the Core Strategy period, although some of this can be met by available capacity at Stratford Leisure Centre.


Following the commencement of the Core Strategy period (2011), there has been one additional indoor sports hall committed through the planning permission at the Long Marston site.

6.3 Gyms

6.3.1 Current Provision


Gyms are considered to be standard level facilities which are generally provided at a more local level than swimming pools and sports halls.

The assessment of gyms is based on the number of individual work-out stations (i.e. pieces of equipment). The gyms in the District range from small facilities (less than 50 stations) to large facilities (50 or more stations).

There are 26 gyms in the District, some of which offer community use.

Table: Gyms in the District

Site Name No. of Stations

Management Type Built Refurbished


Shipston-on-Stour Leisure Centre 30 Local Authority 2005

Southam Leisure Centre 50 Local Authority 1988 2010

The Greig, Alcester 50 Trust 1983

Stratford-upon-Avon School Community Sports Centre 20 Education 2010


Meon Vale Leisure Centre 22 Commercial 2014

Club Moativation, Stratford-Upon-Avon 30 Commercial 1990 2007

Wellesbourne Sports & Community Centre n/a Commercial 2017

Alcester Grammar School* n/a Education n/aArdencote Manor Spa & Country Club, Claverdon 54 Commercial 1981 2010

The Club And Spa At The Billesley Manor Hotel, Alcester 12 Commercial 2004

Club At Ettington Chase, Ettington 12 Commercial 1995 2004

The Club And Spa At The Walton Hall Hotel, Wellesbourne*

17 Commercial 1987 2006


Site Name No. of Stations

Management Type Built Refurbished

Healthworks Fitness Studio, Stratford-upon-Avon 31 Commercial 1994 2010

Kineton High School* n/a Education n/a

King Edward’s School* n/a Education n/a

Southam RUFC* 10 Sports Club 1970

Stratford Girls' Grammar School, Stratford-upon-Avon* 20 Education 2015

Stratford Manor, Stratford-upon-Avon 5 Commercial 1990 2012

Stratford Oaks Golf Club, Stratford-upon-Avon 10 Sports Club n/a

Strong Arm Gym, Alcester 25 Commercial 2012

Vital Health & Wellbeing (Alveston Manor), Stratford-upon-Avon

22 Commercial Management 2003

Warwickshire College (Moreton Morrell Campus)* n/a Education n/a

The Welcombe Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon 30 Commercial

Management 2006

Wildmoor Spa & Health Club, Stratford-upon-Avon 84 Commercial 2005

*Not currently available for community useNB: this list is not exhaustive

Map of gyms (health and fitness suites) in the District


NB: Wellesbourne Sports & Community Centre is not included on the above map

The SDC Leisure Centres provide 72% of the community accessible supply.

There are independent private sector gyms; however, there are no large chains operating in the District.


The SDC facilities at Stratford-on-Avon Leisure Centre, Shipston-on-Stour Leisure Centre and Southam Leisure Centre are considered to be of a good/excellent standard. Other gyms in the District are deemed to be fit-for-purpose.

6.3.3 Accessibility


The ‘pay and play’ community accessible gyms are located in more urban areas. This pattern is similar for the commercial sector provision. Residents closer to the District boundary may find it more convenient to access provision in neighbouring authorities.

The majority of District residents are within a 20-minute drive time of a ‘pay and play’ community accessible gym with the exception of those in the Studley area.

6.3.4 Availability

SDC facilities offer daytime, evening and weekend community access.

In addition commercial facilities offer a differing range of access during the daytime, evening and weekends. Gyms on educational sites tend to be available evenings, weekends and school/college holidays.

Community access to educational facilities could be withdrawn at any time as there are no secured community access arrangements in place. In additional, commercial and Trust operated facilities rely on income, therefore their sustainability cannot be guaranteed.

6.3.5 Future demand

There is a deficit in provision of gym facilities in the North West of the District in the Studley area.

There is projected future demand identified in the north of the District but this may be reduced given the investment being made in Warwick ‘pay and play’ fitness provision.


SDC has approved funding to invest in a gym at Studley Leisure Centre.

6.4 Studios


Studios are considered to be standard level facilities which are often provided at a more local level than swimming pools and sports halls.


Table: Studios in the District available for community use

Site Name No. of studios



Southam Leisure Centre 1 Local Authority 2003

The Greig n/a Trust N/A

Stratford-upon-Avon School Community Sports Centre n/a Education N/A


Wellesbourne Sports & Community Centre 2 Commercial 2017

Alcester Grammar School* 1 Education 2005Strong Arm Gym, Alcester n/a Commercial N/A

Ardencote Manor Spa & Country Club 1 Commercial 2006

Henley-In-Arden High School* n/a Education 2009

The Club and Spa at the Billesley Manor Hotel n/a Commercial N/A

The Club and Spa at the Walton Hall Hotel n/a Commercial N/A

The Welcombe Spa 0 Commercial 2006Wildmoor Spa & Health Club 1 Commercial 2005

*Not available for community use


Map: Studios in the District

NB: Wellesbourne Sports & Community Centre is not included on the above map

All studio facilities require some form of participation payment and all commercial facilities require registered membership prior to use.

Studios provide a space in which a wide range of physical activity can take place including aerobics, dance, yoga and martial arts. Studios are normal booked by internal or private instructors who may charge class attendees a fee per class / month / school term.


Although some classes require specialist equipment (e.g. martial arts and boxing), it is possible to provide some activities in an informal space including fitness and dance classes. Also, the smaller halls often available on education sites have significant potential to be used for community access fitness (including dance classes).


The quality of studios is generally very good with significant investment in a number of facilities. Existing studio facilities at Stratford-on-Avon Leisure Centre were refurbished in 2015. Private sector, education-based studios are of a very good quality, whilst community centres and village halls vary in condition.

The age of formal facilities ranges from those built in late 1970s to 2015. The commercial facilities tend to have been developed more recently, with many of the public and education-based refurbished within the last 10 years.

6.4.3 Accessibility

Studios are located across the District with a higher concentration in more urban areas. Most are part of an overall fitness offer, although there are some stand-alone facilities on education sites. There are fewer studios in the north and south of the District.

The south of the District has a distinct lack of provision given that Shipston-on-Stour Leisure Centre does not currently provide studio facilities and there are currently no identified studios in the District South of Wellesbourne.

In the north-west and north-east of the District demand exceeds provision. Those residents may have easier access to facilities outside of the District.

There is an opportunity to develop increased access to studios and create additional opportunities for participation at a more local level, particularly on education sites.

There is also potential to develop increased access to village and community halls for the type of activities using / requiring studio space.

6.4.4 Availability

SDC facilities provide programmes and sessions during the day, evening and weekend. Commercial facilities offer a differing range of access during the daytime, evening and weekends. Studios on educational sites tend to be available evenings, weekends and school/college holidays.

It is important to note that community access to educational facilities could be withdrawn at any time as there are no secured community access arrangements (CUAs) in place. In additional, Commercial and Trust operated facilities, such as Meon Vale and the Greig Centre, operate under market forces and therefore their sustainability cannot be guaranteed.

6.4.5 Future demand


Future identified demand for community accessible studios in the north of the District, may be met in part given the investment being made in Warwick ‘pay and play’ fitness provision.

6.4.6 Committed provision:

The creation of a studio at the Studley Leisure Centre has been committed during the life of the Core Strategy.

6.5 Squash courts

6.5.1 Current Provision of squash courts

There are currently three facilities offering squash, comprising a total of eight courts. There are no squash courts at SDC sports facilities. Ardencote Manor is the only site to provide glass-backed courts.

Table: Squash courts in the District

Site Name No. of courts

Access Type


Ardencote Manor, Claverdon 3 Membership Commercial 1981 2005

Stratford-upon-Avon Sports Club 3 Membership Commercial 1982 2005

The Greig, Alcester 2 Pay and Play Trust 1958 n/a

Map: Squash courts in the District available for community use


6.5.2 Condition survey

The Ardencote Manor and Stratford Sports Club courts are all of good quality but are ageing having been built in the early 1980s and refurbished in 2000s.

The oldest courts at the Greig were built in 1958 and have not yet been refurbished. There is a pressing need to refurbish this aging facility.

6.5.3 Accessibility

Existing squash courts are located in the north-west, centre and north-east of the District so provide reasonable coverage.

Not all residents are within a 20 minute drive time; however, squash is considered a specialist activity and the facilities are deemed to be adequate. Outlaying settlements may find it more convenient to access facilities in neighbouring authorities.

6.5.4 Availability

The Grieg is available for ‘pay and play’ whereas membership is required to use the


courts at the other two facilities.

There are no community accessible courts on education sites. The commercial facilities operate under market forces and therefore their sustainability cannot be guaranteed.

6.5.5 Future demand

None identified


None planned

6.6 Indoor Bowls


Indoor bowls facilities are considered to be specialised facilities.

The assessment of indoor bowls facilities is based on the number of rinks.

There are two indoor bowling facilities in the District; however, there are a larger number of outdoor bowls facilities.

Table: Indoor bowling facilities in the District available for community use

Site Name No. of rinks Access Type Ownership

Type Built Refurbished

Avon Valley indoor bowls club 5 Membership Sports club 1976 2015

Welford-on-Avon indoor bowls club 6 Membership Sports club 1996 2005

Map: Indoor bowls facilities in the District available for community use



Avon Valley Indoor Bowls Club was built 42 years ago and Welford-on-Avon Indoor Bowls Club 22 years ago. However, both facilities have been refurbished in the last 15 years.

Both facilities are of a good quality and provide a valuable resource for local people, many of whom are elderly, to meet, socialise and participate in bowling, keeping them mentally and physically active.


6.6.3 Accessibility

The Avon Valley and Welford-on-Avon Indoor Bowls Clubs are located in the west and east of the District so provide reasonable access for all residents.

Not all residents are within a 20 minute drive time of this facility. However, bowls is considered a specialist activity and would generally have a larger catchment area. Therefore, the facilities are deemed to be accessible for the majority of the District. Outlying settlements may find it more convenient to access facilities in neighbouring authorities.

6.6.4 Availability

The indoor bowls rinks are available for general public bookings; however, the majority of use tends to be from clubs.

These facilities operate under market forces and therefore their sustainability cannot be guaranteed. There is a concern regarding future public access at Avon Valley due to it being located within the JLR site.

6.6.5 Future demand

The growth in the number of older people, projected over the period of the Core Strategy, is likely to increase demand for activities like bowls, both for purposes of physical activity, but also socialisation.

On the basis of the projected population growth to 2031, demand for bowling facilities will increase. However, retaining the existing two indoor facilities, alongside existing outdoor bowls rinks, will provide sufficient capacity to meet this demand.


No provision has been committed during the life of the Core Strategy.

6.7 Indoor tennis


Tennis facilities are considered to be more specialised facilities.

The assessment of tennis facilities is based on the number of courts.

There is one indoor tennis facility with two airhall courts in the District, based at Stratford Tennis Club.


Table: Indoor tennis facilities in the District

Site Name No. of courts Access Type Ownership

Type Built Refurbished

Stratford-upon-Avon Sports Club 2 Membership Sports Club 2016 N/A

Map: Indoor Tennis Facilities in the District

6.7.2 Condition survey


The indoor tennis courts are of good quality, and very recently built (2016). The courts are usable all year round.

6.7.3 Accessibility

Not all residents are within a 20 minute drive time of this facility. However, tennis is considered a specialist activity and would generally have a larger catchment area as a result so accessibility is considered adequate. Outlying settlements may find it more convenient to access facilities in neighbouring authorities, where such facilities are offered.

6.7.4 Availability

The courts are commercially managed and owned by the Stratford-upon-Avon Sports Club. The indoor tennis facilities do not provide community access; Membership is required to use the courts which cater for lessons, coaching, league and club use.

The continuation of the Sports Club is dependent on contractual arrangements with SDC.

6.7.5 Future demand

None identified.


No provision has been committed during the life of the Core Strategy (up to 2031).


7. Recommendations

General

GEN 01 Maintain levels of participation and plan for future demographic changes

GEN 02 Plan to replace or refurbish ageing SDC facilities

GEN 03Consider setting up Community Use Agreements (CUAs) to secure ‘pay and play’ use at educational, commercial and other sites

GEN 04Re-modelling Southam leisure Centre, exploring the option of longer-term partnership with Southam College

GEN 05

(a) Consider management options of the sports centre within the Greig Centre, Alcester to ensure sustainability and secure future provision.

(b) Establish requirements to maintain (and enhance) the physical structure of the building

GEN 06 Consider management options of the sports centre at Meon Vale to ensure sustainability and secure future provision.

GEN 07 Identify capital funding available and any future opportunities for funding.

GEN 08 Avoid saturation of specific facility types in any geographical area

GEN 9 Review the availability and cost of parking

Swimming pools and sports halls

SS 01 Consider the provision of a four court sports hall at Long Marston new settlement

SS 02 Provide a four court sports hall at Shipston-on-Stour Leisure Centre

SS 03Create a community swimming pool and four court sports hall at Gaydon/Lighthorne giving consideration to an off-site community sized swimming pool at Kineton to serve the village and surrounding area

SS 04 Consider provision of a sports hall at Wellesbourne

SS 05 Consider options to address the issue of Studley Leisure Centre sports hall and swimming pool at being close to full capacity.


Gyms

GY 01 Create an increase in level of provision (i.e. stations) at existing gyms.

GY 02 Provide a gym at Studley Leisure Centre

GY 03 Explore the options for supporting private gyms

GY 04 Explore the possibility of installing gym equipment in community centres, village halls, etc.

Studios

ST01 Work with local communities to facilitate studio-based fitness classes in community centres and village halls

ST02 Provide a studio at Studley Leisure Centre (as committed)

ST03 Provide a studio at Shipston-on-Stour Leisure Centre

Squash courts

SQ01 Support the maintenance of the current level of provision

Indoor bowls

BO 01 Support the maintenance of the current level of provision

Indoor tennis

TE 01 Support the maintenance of the current level of provision


References

British Heart Foundation Health Promotion Research Group Media and Sport (Dec 2015) ONS Neighbourhood Statistics (2014) Public Health England - Public Health Outcomes Framework (2016 - 2019) SDC Active Communities Strategy (2013 – 2018) SDC Core Strategy (2016 – 2031) SDC Corporate Strategy (2015 – 2019) SDC PPG17 Open Space Sport and Recreation Assessment (2011). Sport England Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide for Indoor and Outdoor

Sports Facilities (July 2014). Sport England Local Profile 2015; and the Economic Value of Sport (2013) Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation, Department for Culture

(2015) Stratford-on-Avon Health Profile (2015) Stratford-on-Avon Sports Facilities Strategic Review, Strategic Leisure Ltd (2018) Warwickshire County Council Local Transport Plan (2011 – 20126) Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2014 - 2018) Warwickshire Joint Health Needs Assessment (2017) Warwickshire Observatory April 2016)

Appendix 1: SDC Built leisure facilities - Condition survey


Key Rating>80% Excellent60% - 80% Good40% - 59% Average20%-39% Poor<20% Very Poor

Stratford-upon-Avon Leisure and Visitor Centre

Quality Rating Excellent

Good

Average Poor

Very poor

General Condition x

Need for capital investment: MinimalFacility Quality:

Reception x Sports Hall x Gym x Changing rooms x Swimming Pool x Learner Pool x Studio x Sauna and Steam x Clip and Climb x Café x Crèche x Spinning studio x Meeting Rooms x 5 aside pitches x

Disability Access FullServed by Public Transport Yes (a short walk away)Good Natural Presence GoodWell Signposted GoodCar Parking GoodDevelopment Potential Some

Overall Score: 85%

Studley Leisure CentreQuality Rating Excellen Goo Averag Poor Ver


t d e y poor

General Condition x

Need for capital investment: ModerateFacility Quality:

Reception x Sports Hall x Changing rooms x Swimming Pool x

Disability Access FullServed by Public Transport Yes (a short walk away)Good Natural Presence GoodWell Signposted SomeCar Parking SomeDevelopment Potential Some

Overall score: 71%

Southam Leisure Centre

Quality Rating Excellent

Good

Average Poor

Very poor

General Condition x

Need for capital investment: ModerateFacility Quality:

Reception x Gym x Changing rooms x Swimming Pool x

Disability Access FullServed by Public Transport Yes (a short walk away)Good Natural Presence SomeWell Signposted SomeCar Parking LimitedDevelopment Potential Some

Overall Score: 69%

Shipston-on-Stour Leisure CentreQuality Rating Excellen Goo Averag Poor Ver


t d e y poor

General Condition x

Need for capital investment: ModerateFacility Quality

Reception x Gym x Changing rooms x Swimming Pool x Vending provision x

Disability Access FullServed by Public Transport Yes (a short walk away)Good Natural Presence GoodWell Signposted SomeCar Parking SomeDevelopment Potential Some

Overall Score: 71%

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