To receive an update on public consultation for the new leisure centre.
Minutes:
The PIDO advised that there had been a large response to the consultation – 667 responses in total, mostly completed using the on-line survey facility. In summary, 88.4% of respondents supported a new leisure centre, with 69.4% favouring Whitfield as its location. 19% were opposed to Whitfield. The provision of a swimming-pool was the highest priority for 83% of respondents, followed by the health and fitness gym (41.9%), learner pool (28.1%) and sports hall (22.9%). Respondents had stated that 62% of them travelled to the current site by car, 20.8% on foot and 7.5% by bus. Following its relocation to Whitfield, indications were that 65.4% would travel by car, 13.3% by public transport and 11.2% on foot. Finally, 52.6% indicated that they would use the new centre more frequently.
Concerns had been raised about accessibility from the town centre, particularly by the elderly, and the difficulties of using public transport for wheelchair users. Councillor Collor advised that by the time the new leisure centre opened, buses would legally be required to transport wheelchairs. In any case, most buses currently operating were low-floor and could take wheelchairs. Councillor Walker reminded Members that plans were underway for a new rapid transport system linking the town centre to Whitfield. Mr Ward suggested that a walk-way should be provided from the bus-stop outside Christ Church Academy to the centre. He also commented that comprehensive information should be included on the centre’s website on how to get there by public transport. Officers advised that a comprehensive transport plan would need to be submitted with the planning application, and there was a meeting scheduled the following week with Kent County Council (KCC) for consultants and planners to start work on this.
Many consultees, including Vista Twisters, had raised concerns about the proposed reduction in the size of the sports hall. However, concerns appeared to be assuaged when the rationale behind it, particularly the increased use of schools’ sports halls, was explained. Officers had worked very closely with all secondary schools (but one) in the district that were identified in the Council’s Indoor Sports Facility Strategy (ISFS) as having the potential to provide public access to their sports halls. Officers were confident that the new sports hall provision would work; Christ Church Academy’s sports hall was already open and being used by external groups and clubs.
Sir Roger Manwood’s and Dover College were willing to work with the Council but there were particular complications for them which would need to be overcome. Dover Boys’ Grammar School had received planning permission for a sports hall which, if public funding were secured, would have to be opened up to the local community as a condition of that funding. The PLO added that informal discussions at a recent meeting of the Kent Association of Leisure Officers had prompted debate around the capital and maintenance costs of facilities. Sports hall provision had been discussed, with debate around the possible future reduction of such provision and a recognition of the benefits of working with schools to meet local needs. Schools identified in the ISFS were spread throughout the district and were therefore generally also more accessible to community users. In response to a suggestion by the PIDO, Members confirmed that they did not believe further investigation into the provision of a six-court sports hall was necessary, and a four-court hall should be progressed.
The PLO advised that most consultees at events had accepted why a 50-metre swimming-pool could not be provided when the reasons were explained to them. The Dover Gymnastics Club needed a large space which the new centre could not accommodate. However, the Council would work with the club to help find a suitable facility. Dover Squash and Racquetball Club had indicated its preference for three courts. In response, Officers had arranged to meet the bursar of the Duke of York’s Royal Military School to discuss access to the school’s squash facilities.
Overall, the consultation had elicited generally positive feedback. Nevertheless, Whitfield Parish Council was of the view that there should be more facilities, such as a 50-metre pool, and the Dover Society was in favour of a town centre site. There was general recognition that a new facility was needed, but some disquiet that it would be relocated to Whitfield.
It was agreed that the verbal report be noted.