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Strategy aims to improve sport in 'inactive' areas

Google Entrance to leisure centre with "Redwell Leisure Centre and 3G Pitch" sign in the foreground. There is a car park behind the sign and a two-storey brick building to the left, flanked by treesGoogle
Community facilities at Redwell Leisure Centre in Wellingborough are due to be improved

Improvements have been proposed for sports facilities in an area deemed to have a high number of inactive people.

The plans, announced by North Northamptonshire Council, include new gyms and fitness studios for places including Corby and Rushden.

The authority has also been considering reopening some public tennis courts in Wellingborough.

The proposals were revealed in an Active Communities Strategy, which has now been approved.

A survey carried out by Sport England Active Lives in 2020-21 found the area had a significantly higher number of inactive adults and children than national levels, with some of the areas most at risk including rural communities and areas of high deprivation.

A report to the Conservative-controlled council's executive committee said: "One of the key drivers is to improve the health and wellbeing of residents by planning for the appropriate facilities to meet the needs of the increasing population."

Google Brick building labelled "Desborough Leisure Centre" with a car park in front. Tree-lined paths are visible along with a skate rampGoogle
The floor of the sports hall at Desborough Leisure Centre is earmarked for replacement

Following an assessment of existing facilities, the council compiled an action plan which included:

  • Replacing pool lanes and a new fitness studio space at Kettering Swimming Pool
  • Improving community space at Lodge Park Sports Centre, Corby and Redwell Leisure Centre, Wellingborough
  • Sports hall floor replacements and using S106 funding to improve facilities at Desborough Leisure Centre
  • Developing a fitness/gym provision at Corby International Pool and Lodge Park Sports Centre
Google A green astro tennis court surrounded by sports chainmail fencing. There are torso high spiked metal railings in the foreground next to a footpath, with the rest of the park, including mature trees in the background.Google
The council said it was working with the Lawn Tennis Association to bring the Swanspool Gardens courts (pictured in 2020) back into use

A feasibility study will be carried out to assess whether the tennis courts at Swanspool Gardens in Wellingborough can be brought back into use.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said officials would also be looking at possible locations for outdoor table tennis tables and ways of developing council-owned fisheries.

Helen Howell with long blond hair glasses wearing a speckled brown top and brown cardigan standing in front of display cabinets
Helen Howell, a North Northamponshire councillor, said the strategy would help the council negotiate with developers for funding

Helen Howell, the authority's executive member for sport, leisure and culture, said the strategy would provide a detailed evidence base and help officers negotiate with developers and sports funding bodies.

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