Issue - meetings

Implementing the Leisure Strategy

Meeting: 24/06/2021 - Executive (Item 11)

11 Implementing the Leisure Strategy pdf icon PDF 703 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the following be approved:

 

1)       a new boxing fitness hub based in a first floor unit in Peach Place, Wokingham. This is to be managed by WBC Sport and Leisure Team and approval for all associated fees and charges to be agreed for the hub as set in Schedule 1;

 

2)       the borrowing of £630k for the hub which will be funded by income from the activities, resulting in a surplus after all costs on average of £80k p.a.;

 

3)       a new 3G pitch and additional car parking located at Laurel Park, subject to funding and planning, and borrowing of £300k to be self-financed by the project.

Minutes:

The Executive considered a report which proposed two new leisure developments which would take forward the draft Leisure Strategy by further enhancing the Council’s facilities to increase physical activity and improve wellbeing.

 

The Executive Member for Environment and Leisure introduced the report and highlighted the proposal for a boxing fitness hub.  He advised that local research had shown that combat sports and fitness sessions attendances were on the rise.  In line with the town centre regeneration an opportunity for a high-end fitness studio with classes as its main attraction had become available.  Focus would be on combat exercise classes and fee-box sessions for training and exercise purposes.

 

Councillor Batth went on to provide information on the proposal for a 3G pitch and additional car parking at Laurel Park. It was noted that data from the current Playing Pitch Strategy showed that Wokingham had over 540 football teams and there was a need for additional 3G pitches.  Laurel Park’s pitches were rated as ‘poor’ within the Strategy and maintenance work is being carried out on the pitches to improve them.  Installing a new 3G pitch and additional parking would mean that players would not have to travel outside the Borough. 

 

Councillor Jorgensen was pleased to see the proposal for a 3G pitch at Laurel Park as there were issues with the current pitches on that site.  She highlighted that local residents had problems with people parking and the traffic on matchday so asked if a solution to this issue could be considered whilst building the 3G pitch. 

 

Due to the shortage of cricket pitches in the area Councillor Jorgensen asked if consideration could also be given to the inclusion of an astroturf cricket square at Laurel Park.  Councillor Batth welcomed these suggestions and advised that between 40-50 parking bays were being proposed at Laurel Park, subject to planning permission, which should assist with the issues local residents were facing.   He agreed to look at the possibility of including a cricket square.

 

Given the physical and mental health benefits of boxing Councillor Murray welcomed the proposal of setting up a boxing fitness hub into the community and particularly the introduction of self-defence classes for women.  He asked that a commitment be made that these classes would be prioritised as part of the club’s activities and that they would be well promoted and publicised, particularly in schools, and run at various times of the day to make sure that anybody who wanted to attend was able to do so.  Councillor Batth confirmed his commitment and support for Councillor Murray requests.

 

RESOLVED that the following be approved:

 

1)       a new boxing fitness hub based in a first floor unit in Peach Place, Wokingham. This is to be managed by WBC Sport and Leisure Team and approval for all associated fees and charges to be agreed for the hub as set in Schedule 1;

 

2)     the borrowing of £630k for the hub which will be funded by income from the activities, resulting in a surplus  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11