A bowls club has been told provision for their sport is not being included ‘at this stage’ as plans to upgrade leisure facilities in Carlton take a step forward.
Gedling Borough Council’s Leisure Transformation Programme has taken a significant step forward following decisions made by Cabinet on 19 November 2025.
Work will now progress on the detailed design and business case for the Carlton Active project, which will provide a brand-new leisure, wellbeing and community hub serving Carlton and the wider borough.
The centre is being designed as a modern, energy-efficient building offering high-quality swimming, fitness, rehabilitation and community facilities including soft play and Assisted Exercise facilities. A further Cabinet decision is expected in February 2026 once the detailed work on design and costings has completed.
Cabinet confirmed that Gedling’s leisure service will continue to be delivered in-house, reflecting its strong financial recovery and consistently high performance across all centres.
The Council confirmed proposals for Carlton Active do not include provision for indoor bowls. They say the initial decision not to provide indoor bowls facilities was based on extensive feasibility work, independent financial analysis and a very clear message from the sport’s governing body and the Club itself that only a six-rink facility would be viable.
The council spokesman said: “Unfortunately, delivering that within Carlton Active would make the project financially unachievable.
They added: “The Council have been a huge source of support to the bowls club particularly through the Covid-19 pandemic when the club were near to closure and the Council will continue to work closely with the Bowls Club to look at other locations and options for the club going forward.
“Cabinet will also consider a petition from the bowls club about bowls provision when they make their decisions about Carlton Active in February.”
Cabinet also endorsed the long-term masterplan for Arnold’s cultural and leisure facilities as part of the Ambition Arnold programme. The proposals include transforming the Arnold Leisure Centre and Bonington Theatre into modern, high-quality facilities integrated with improvements to the town centre, public spaces and connectivity – delivery will be subject to receiving external funding.
