Leisure centre land agreed
A new leisure centre for Newark has moved a step closer after councillors agreed a land deal that will provide a site for it, should it go ahead.
The deal with Newark Town Council will mean Newark and Sherwood District Council will own a site big enough for a leisure centre on Bowbridge Road.
It would also mean the town council would get land it needs for a cemetery extension.
The cabinet agreed on Thursday to give its deputy chief executive, Mrs Kirsty Cole, delegated authority to complete the deal.
The cabinet also reaffirmed its commitment to proceed with the new centre on Bowbridge Road and that site investigation surveys and design work should begin.
A further report will be presented to the council’s policy overview and scrutiny committee on February 18 and to cabinet on February 21.
Mr Roger Jackson said the Grove Leisure Centre, Balderton, which serves the Newark area, was more than 40 years old and needed to be replaced.
“It is very tired and run down,” he said.
“It is a well-used centre that at the moment is not really able to cope with more users.
“Providing a new leisure centre is a top priority.”
Mr Jackson said they considered rebuilding on the Grove site as part of Building Schools for the Future, but that programme was scrapped.
The school is now due to be rebuilt but work is not scheduled to start before 2014.
Mr Jackson said that meant work on a new leisure centre there could not start until 2016.
He said the Bowbridge Road site was the best location for a leisure centre to serve the district.
He said: “This is a great opportunity for Newark and surrounding areas. We are going create something greatly needed by sports people in the district that will be the envy of many around.”
The council leader, Mr Roger Blaney, said it was an exciting project and would be welcomed by all residents.
Mr Bruce Laughton said it would be tragic if Newark was left without a leisure centre fit for the 21st Century.
“This will be our Olympic legacy,” he said.
Mr David Lloyd said a leisure centre was sorely needed in Newark and it was important they helped to ensure people could maintain healthy lifestyles.
Mr David Staples was concerned the cabinet had not considered other possible alternatives such as how the council could support sports clubs or providing walks or cycle paths.
