Leisure centre is at the forefront of debate
Question over £29k investment in ‘unfit’ building
QUESTIONS have been raised if £29,000 of taxpayers’ money should be spent on a community building described as “unfit for purpose”.
Earlier this year, Staffordshire Moorlands District approved the funding to install a full Changing Places facility at South Moorlands Leisure Centre in Cheadle, Staffordshire.
This would allow disabled users to access and use the leisure facilities and to also allow visitors to the area to access a suitable facility while visiting.
However, the leisure centre site has been the centre of discussions since the council consultants issued a report for community buildings in the town.
A Cushman and Wakefield options appraisal report looked at the possible future uses for sites in the town in public ownership, including the town centre car parks, South Moorlands Leisure Centre and Cheadle Community Hospital.
Options include building a community hub on Tape Street car park and houses on the sites of the hospital, leisure centre and Newlands Care Home.
Speaking at last week’s meeting of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s service delivery overview and scrutiny panel, Councillor Gary Bentley said that the people of Cheadle were not being listened to.
He said: “It is confirmed that the leisure centre is not fit for purpose. People do not think it needs moving as the football field and the centre are all in one place. It should be rebuilt in the same place.”
Councillor Darren Price said: “Cheadle Leisure Centre is unfit for purpose. A grant of £29,000 for Changing Places has been approved. Is this good use of money agreed by the council? We did question if this was sensible to spend this amount of money.”
Councillor Andrew Hart said: “There are many options for the future of leisure services. If the facilities are difficult to refurbish, then it is better to start from the beginning.”
Councillor Mark Deaville, who has the responsibilty for sports and leisure on the Moorlands council, said that people of Cheadle would tell the council what they want.
He said: “I think the leisure centre is in the right place. It is a great multiple site. Does it want improving, yes, and do we include the same size pool?
“We now realise how important leisure is. The two stakeholder meetings have been very good. We rule nothing in and nothing out.”
Councillor Keith Flunder asked if the consultation included the neighbouring parish council, which Mr Deaville replied that all surrounding parish councils would be involved as they were important.
A report to councillors by council director Neil Rodgers said: “The district council owns South Moorlands Leisure Centre. The centre was built in 1967 and extended in 1984. Further investment is now required to deliver modern facilities appropriate for the town.
“The option to just refurbish the leisure centre has been discounted, on the basis that the building is considered to be old, over-specified for its catchment population, and with a poor layout and facility mix, that are not well aligned with Cheadle’s population profile.”
Speaking at the meeting, senior regeneration officer, Joanna Bagnall, said: “There has now been two stakeholder meetings and the panel have looked at options for Cheadle town centre and the usage of sites.
“Alternative sites are also being looked at. It will go out for consultation.”