£18.7m Whittlesey Leisure Centre overhaul moves a step closer
Fenland District Council’s proposal to transform Whittlesey’s leisure centre has taken another step forward after the authority’s planning committee agreed the plans.
The £18.7million Manor Leisure Centre redevelopment now requires further approval from the council’s cabinet members to progress.
The proposal would unite and enhance the leisure centre on its existing Station Road site. The centre is currently housed across two buildings split by the car park.
The new centre is set to include a refurbished 25m community swimming pool, learner pool, gym/fitness suite, studios, sports hall, soft play area, café and viewing areas, community rooms and enhanced rifle range facilities. The plan also includes three new covered padel courts, a relocated skate park and expanded car parking with electric vehicle charging provision.
A report before the planning committee, which met on Wednesday, June 24, said: “The proposal would deliver the comprehensive refurbishment and expansion of the Manor Leisure Centre, securing the long-term future of an established and important community facility within a sustainable location in Whittlesey.
“Significant weight is afforded to the social, health and wellbeing benefits arising from the redevelopment, including improved swimming, fitness and community facilities, enhanced accessibility, new outdoor recreational opportunities and wider investment in local leisure infrastructure.”
The proposal was granted with conditions to manage issues including impacts on drainage and water infrastructure, management of parking and noise during construction and beyond, and the protection of roosting bats.
The redevelopment is part of the Council’s member-led Fenland Inspire! investment campaign to enhance leisure facilities and public spaces across the district.
Cllr Steve Count, Portfolio Holder for Fenland Inspire! Leisure centre projects, said: “This is an incredibly exciting project and potential major investment in the future of Fenland and Whittlesey. We’re delighted to see the proposals taking an important step forward.”