Proposals to develop leisure facilities in Cheltenham

As part of a wider review on Leisure and Commissioning, the aim is to continue to develop a sustainable future for leisure and culture services in Cheltenham, whilst reducing the level of financial subsidy.

A report to cabinet on the development options for leisure@cheltenham and the Prince of Wales Stadium has outlined how the existing facilities currently meet the needs of the community and plans to adapt the provision of services in the future as the population of Cheltenham grows.

The report concludes that existing leisure facilities within the town - leisure@cheltenham, the Prince of Wales Stadium, and Pittville Park - do have the capacity meet the needs of a growing population, but recommends that future investment is needed to strengthen the mix of facilities these areas provide and further develop the destination appeal of each site.

It is recommended that further consideration be given to developing:

• a floodlit artificial pitch for rugby and football
• a regional standard BMX facility
• an indoor climbing facility 
• a broader range of family leisure activities
• the provision of meeting rooms, function space and hospitality.

Councillor Rowena Hay, cabinet member for sport and culture, says, “These proposals will be welcome news for anyone who uses the leisure facilities here in Cheltenham. Further investment in areas that encourage health and wellbeing is always good to hear - it’ll give us all even more incentive to get out and about with our families and friends and enjoy what the Borough has to offer.”

Cheltenham Borough Council will continue to work closely with the current users and tenants of the sites whilst the developments are considered.

The report, going to cabinet on 16 July, can be found on the council’s website.

For press enquiries contact: Lisa Davies, communications and web team leader, telephone 01242 775037, or email [email protected]