Recommendations for new potential £20m Bingham Leisure Centre to be discussed

Recommendations for a new £20m leisure centre and commercial space in Bingham are set to be discussed by Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet.

Specialist independent consultants have worked with the authority to produce the plan having explored options to develop the site in line with the Bingham Masterplan.

The mix of commercial and leisure development is consistent with the Bingham Growth Board’s aspirations to develop the site as part of a key gateway between the current town centre and the growth of housing developments in the north of town.

Proposals for a new swimming pool, fitness gym, exercise studios, community hall and serviced offices on land owned by the authority on Chapel Lane in the town, north of the town’s railway line, are now set to be reviewed as part of a report to the group.

In July 2018 the Council announced plans to assess the feasibility of the site, having discounted developing a new leisure centre on the existing Toot Hill school site due to technical and operational difficulties and the costs associated.

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Chair of the Bingham Growth Board Cllr Debbie Mason said the report identifies the site could create up to 90 new jobs and will be discussed at Cabinet’s meeting on Tuesday February 12.

She said: “The recommendations of the report highlight a significant change in the quality of leisure provision available for residents in Bingham and the surrounding area, should it come to fruition.

“They show a potentially excellent community facility that would promote healthier lifestyles and complement the growth of the town in the years to come.

“We will give careful consideration to these recommendations as the location of the site is important in the wider plans for the town and that it is viable as part of our capital programme fund.”

If the Cabinet approve the recommendations, more detailed designs would then be created leading to an application for planning permission by the end of the year. This could see a new centre open in 2022.

Discussions will continue with the Nova Education Trust and other stakeholders to enable continued access to outdoor and Sports Hall facilities at the current Toot Hill School site.