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Delivering the project aim of offering opportunities for Borough communities to live healthy active lifestyles, the new design provides a reduction in the cost of the project whilst still offering a range of sport and physical activity facilities.

Both Sport England and The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) have shown their support for the revisions, and calculations show that the overall project provides value for money.

Although the form of the design has been economized, participation levels at a reduced number can be catered for and physical activity outcomes can be delivered, with the following facilities still included in the plan:

• 100 station gym
• Swimming pool with learner pool
• Four court sports hall
• Studio and spin studio
• Reception and cafeteria
• All-weather 3G pitch
• Learn to Ride and Skate Park facilities

Re-aligning the project closer to its original budget, the new design comes in at a total capital cost (including £1million contingency) of £30,100,000.

In January this year the decision was made to pause the project when projected costs escalated due to an unprecedented global economic situation combined with significant increases to costs for both construction and groundwork.

Since then, a project review and an investigation into funding options, alongside several meetings with DLUHC, the Levelling up Minister, Sport England and the Football Foundation have been conducted.

Additional funding investigations to support the overall project delivery have also been planned, with a view that any additional funds secured will be used to reduce Council borrowing and mitigate financial risk.

If the revised design is approved a new planning application will be required to be submitted to account for the rationalised shape and design of the building, this will be scheduled for early 2024.

Portfolio Holder for Public Services, Cllr Sue Markham said:

“Since taking the decision to delay the project we have worked closely with a range of agencies to develop a design that we are very happy with.

“With this revised design we are still able to deliver our main objectives and produce a Hub which provides a great range of sporting and physical activity options for the people of the Borough.

“We have worked hard to ensure that this project is affordable and offers good value, and we believe that the plan we now have is the best possible solution to delivering this project within budget.

“We continue to strive to further bring down costs and continue to look for more funding avenues to further boost this project and mitigate risks to the Council finances. We are hopeful that this plan can move forward and that it will offer a great solution for our residents.”