Agenda item

Report of the Democratic Services Manager.

Members welcomed Councillor Henry Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Lifestyles, Health and Wellbeing, to the meeting to examine his portfolio.

Councillor Wheeler delivered a presentation providing an update on key areas within his portfolio, including leisure service performance, the Carlton Active proposals, existing leisure facilities and the Council’s health and wellbeing services.

Members heard that the Council’s leisure facilities continued to attract significant numbers of users through swimming lessons, leisure memberships and specialist schemes, including memberships for members of the Armed Forces and care leavers. Although performance remained strong, attendance had been affected by temporary problems with the swimming pool at Calverton Leisure Centre and competition from a new private gym in Arnold.

The Portfolio Holder provided an update on Carlton Active and advised that the proposals had been informed by more than 2,250 consultation responses, stakeholder workshops and engagement with residents, leisure users, health partners and organisations representing people with disabilities and additional needs. Members heard that the proposed facility had been designed to improve accessibility and safety through measures including step-free access, specialist accessible facilities, a pool pod, quiet areas, CCTV and appropriate staff supervision.

Members were advised that the swimming pools, fitness facilities and health and wellbeing services currently provided at Carlton Forum would transfer to Carlton Active. The Council was working with Nottinghamshire County Council and the Redhill Academy Trust to explore the retention of the existing sports hall for school, club and community use. However, the future management arrangements had not yet been agreed, and there was no equivalent commitment to retain the existing squash court.

The Portfolio Holder also outlined the work being undertaken through Gedling Health to support residents with a range of health conditions, including diabetes, heart conditions, arthritis, obesity, cancer recovery, Parkinson’s disease and mobility difficulties. The programmes were delivered with GPs, NHS services, physiotherapists, social prescribing link workers and community organisations. Members viewed examples of participants describing improvements to their balance, mobility, physical health and wellbeing.

Members heard that maintaining ageing leisure facilities remained a significant operational and financial challenge. Updates were provided on planned roof repairs and gym improvements at Redhill Leisure Centre, while the proposed Carlton Active facility would incorporate modern energy and sustainability measures. Officers also informed Members that Gedling Health had been shortlisted for a Gym Innovation Award at the National Fitness Awards.

The Chair then gave Members the opportunity to ask questions.

Members asked how the design of Carlton Active would address the privacy and personal safety of women and girls, particularly within the proposed mixed changing village.

The Portfolio Holder and officers advised that changing cubicles would incorporate anti-peep measures, including floor-to-ceiling barriers. The group changing provision would be flexible and could be adapted for use as gender-specific changing facilities if required. Communal showers and private shower cubicles would also be provided. Officers added that privacy and safety would be supported through staff training, safeguarding arrangements and clear expectations regarding customer behaviour.

Members asked whether the sports hall and squash court at Carlton Forum would remain available following the opening of Carlton Active.

Officers said that the Council was committed to seeking the retention of the sports hall, but this would require agreement with Nottinghamshire County Council and the Redhill Academy Trust. Future management arrangements remained under discussion. There was no equivalent commitment concerning the squash court, although Members’ concerns about the loss of squash facilities across the Borough were noted.

Members asked whether Carlton Active had been designed to respond to climate change and future maintenance requirements.

The Portfolio Holder and officers advised that the facility would include solar panels, air-source heat pumps and air conditioning. The building was intended to be energy efficient, as carbon neutral as reasonably possible and suitable for use by future generations. Officers advised that a lifespan of at least 50 years was the aim for a development of this kind.

Councillor Grahame Pope left the meeting.

Members asked when the roof repairs and replacement of gym equipment at Redhill Leisure Centre would be completed.

Officers advised that procurement was underway for further investigation and repair of the roof. The roof work needed to be addressed before the new gym equipment was installed. The intention was to replace the equipment during 2027, ideally before the end of the 2026/27 financial year, although the timetable remained subject to the outcome of the investigations and procurement process.

Councillor Grahame Pope joined the meeting.

Members asked how residents and representative organisations would continue to be involved in the development of Carlton Active.

The Portfolio Holder and officers advised that further engagement would take place as the project progressed. Current activity included a drop-in session and door-to-door engagement with residents living near the demolition site, together with noise and vibration monitoring. Members heard that engagement had also taken place with sports clubs, youth services, NHS and public health partners, social prescribing services and organisations supporting older residents.

Members congratulated the Portfolio Holder and officers on Gedling Health being shortlisted for a national award and placed on record their appreciation of the work undertaken by leisure and health staff.

RESOLVED:

To thank Councillor Wheeler for attending the meeting and the information provided.