Plans for the new South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub have been approved, as the transformational redevelopment of the Castle Sports Complex site in Spalding moves a step closer.
Receiving the support of councillors and officers at the district’s planning committee on Wednesday (8 January) evening, work will now get underway to begin the first phase of development, which is planned to commence in Spring 2025, with a scheduled completion date in Autumn 2026.
The project, which is receiving £20 million of UK Government funding alongside further investment from South Holland District Council, will address health and wellbeing through the provision of improved sport, recreation and leisure facilities, alongside new health and wellbeing services and facilities for residents.
The first phase of works will include the creation of a single building containing two new swimming pools, village changing facilities, multi-sport hall, fitness suite, cycle and group exercise studios, health and wellbeing consultation rooms, children’s adventure play area and updated reception and servery areas.
Around the rest of the site, it would see the creation of a new outdoor 3G pitch, park run circuit, community garden, running loop, additional cycling provision and improved car parking with electric vehicle charging points, along with necessary remedial works to the bowls hall.
The final plans were put together following widespread consultation with residents in spring 2024, followed by further amendments taking into account feedback from national bodies, statutory consultees and local community groups to ensure the plans reflected the interests of as many people as possible.
A Sport England study in 2021 showed that South Holland had the 4th worst rate of exercise and activity in the country, with these new, state-of-the-art facilities designed specifically to offer the widest possible range of activities and opportunities to support residents to live active and healthy lives.
Whilst construction is taking place users of the current ‘dry side’ of the Castle Complex will be able to use temporary fitness suite and group exercise facilities at the Spalding Campus of Boston College on Red Lion Street. The existing swimming pool and ‘wet side’ will remain fully operational throughout the works.
Councillor Gary Taylor, South Holland District Council’s project sponsor, said: “It is brilliant news that this ambitious project has received its long-awaited planning permission, and I cannot wait for work to get started and for these exciting plans to become a reality, bucking the trend of leisure provision nationally.
“We have done everything we can to ensure this once-in-a-generation opportunity for new state-of-the-art facilities best represents the priorities, interests and needs of as many of our residents as possible, and I am confident that the finished product will be a fantastic place to socialise, exercise and play and to receive vital health and wellbeing support, for many years to come.”
