South Holland District Council approves amended £28.3m plans for Spalding’s Castle Sports Complex, including new pools and fitness facilities
Approval for Changes to Spalding’s £28 Million Sports Centre
Changes to the plans for Spalding’s £28 million new sports and wellbeing centre have been approved.
The £28.3 million renovation of the Castle Sports Complex will add new swimming pools, a multi-sport hall, a fitness suite, a 3G football pitch, cycle and group exercise studios, health and wellbeing consultation rooms, and a children’s adventure play area.
Details of the Amendments
Members of South Holland District Council’s planning committee supported changes to the previously approved application. These changes include amendments to the building, car park, and splash pad.
The splash pad will be relocated to the outdoor play zone. The design of the Health and Wellbeing Garden has been simplified.
External changes will include new stairs and roof plant, relocation of air source heat pump units, and minor adjustments to glazing, doors, cladding, and rooftop ventilation features.
The previously approved extension to the eastern car park will not occur due to boundary conditions and ownership issues.
Additional parking capacity is now proposed in the western car park, which will include disabled and Electric Vehicle (EV) spaces.
Committee Reactions
At a meeting on Wednesday, January 7, Coun Henry Bingham (Conservative – Donington, Quadring and Gosberton ward) welcomed the approval of the amendments but noted the process had been long.
He stated, “I’m sure this won’t be the last time we see it. I’m sure there will be another committee in four or five months where we’ll change something probably layout-wise on the external in some variety, I’m sure.”
Coun James Avery (Conservative – Pinchbeck and Surfleet ward), who chaired the meeting, remarked, “I think there’s nothing more to say. It’s a good application and a good report and will, ultimately, be a cracking facility.”
Funding and Investment
The authority has described this project as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ investment to enhance the health, leisure, and wellbeing of residents while updating the outdated facilities at the site.
The project received £20 million in UK Government funding, but the remaining costs will be covered by the district council.
Last year, councillors privately agreed to invest an additional £2.83 million for the project, as costs increased from a previous estimate of £26 million.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | £28.3 million |
| Government Funding | £20 million |
| Additional Investment | £2.83 million |
| New Facilities | Swimming pools, multi-sport hall, fitness suite, 3G pitch, studios, consultation rooms, play area |
| Parking Changes | New spaces in western car park, including disabled and EV spaces |
