Residents and service users are being asked for their views as part of the council’s early plans to redevelop two leisure centres in West Wickham and Orpington.
Local residents and those from across the borough who use the leisure centres are encouraged to complete a survey to provide feedback about the leisure offer locally and to help shape proposals for the centres.
A number of focus group sessions, both in person and online, will also be held in April so that more detailed feedback can be sought from local residents and to discuss what is achievable at the sites, subject to viability. Those interested in attending such sessions should indicate their interest through the survey when asked.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “I encourage all those with an interest in these leisure centres to take part in this early engagement so we can ensure views from local communities are properly considered in any proposals that come forward. I know how important these leisure centres are to local people, which is why it is key that we get sufficient resident feedback at this early stage so we can align our plans with local priorities.”
Alliance Leisure, a specialist company for leisure centre redevelopment, have been appointed to carry out this initial engagement and guide the early stages of the project.
Tom Fairey, Alliance Leisure Development Director said, “We are thrilled to be able to support the council, via the UK Leisure Framework, in advancing proposals for two great leisure centres, just as we have done with over 200 leisure developments across the country in the last 20 years. We look forward to the many engaging discussions with the local community as we explore ‘the art of the possible’ in creating attractive, workable leisure centre proposals that reflect local priorities.”
As plans evolve, further information for both leisure centres will be shared in due course.
Please note, the council’s engagement for the Walnuts Leisure Centre is separate from any consultation being undertaken by the developers Areli about their proposals for the connected shopping centre in Orpington.
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