Green light for Carlton Active as council moves forward with major health and leisure transformation 

Plans for Carlton Active, the council’s proposed new health, wellbeing and leisure hub for the borough, have taken a significant forward after the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee voted to dismiss a call-in of the Cabinet decision on 19 February 

The proposed development will create a state-of-the-art health and leisure centre, on the Richard Herrod site, replacing ageing facilities with modern spaces designed around community wellbeing and active lifestyles. 

The council say the project has been developed with a focus on improving long-term health outcomes and encouraging more residents to be physically active. 

So, what do the proposed plans for the new centre actually include?

Plans reveal the new centre would accommodate the following…

• An eight-lane main swimming pool 
• A dedicated teaching pool to support learn-to-swim programmes 
• A large gym 
• Dedicated exercise studios enabling group wellbeing activities A sauna and steam room 
• An assisted exercise suite designed for rehabilitation and active ageing 
• Adventure soft play facilities for younger visitors 
• Flexible community spaces for events, youth services and health and wellbeing activities 
• A new café and social hub providing social connection for residents 
• Modern changing facilities and accessible design throughout 

The council say they want the new centre to become more of a hub supporting everything from children’s swimming and play activities, fitness classes, accessible gym sessions as well as community events and social activities. 

Specialist equipment designed for active ageing and rehabilitation will also be installed to help residents recovering from illness or managing long-term health conditions to exercise safely in a supportive environment. 

The facility will also provide programmes offering support for people living with mobility issues, disabilities and long-term conditions, alongside targeted health referral initiatives such as cardiac rehabilitation support and physical activity programmes. 

During the development of the latest proposals, the council listened to feedback from a wide range of user groups, including those who currently use facilities such as the Richard Herrod Centre and Carlton Forum Leisure Centre, as well as those who don’t currently the facilities to help shape the plans.

The Authority said detailed feasibility work also carried out revealed that incorporating a bowls hall within the development would significantly increase construction costs and reduce space for the facilities that are most in demand by residents, including swimming and fitness. 

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The council now plan to continue talking with all user groups as the project progresses to ensure the centre reflects the needs of the community. 

Cllr Henry Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Lifestyles, Health and Wellbeing at Gedling Borough Council, said: “Carlton Active represents one of the most ambitious investments in health and wellbeing our borough has seen in decades. 

“This project is about much more than replacing an ageing building. It is about creating a modern, accessible space where people of all ages can improve their health, stay active and connect with their community. 

“From swimming and fitness to rehabilitation programmes and community activities, Carlton Active will provide facilities that support thousands of residents every year. 

“We know how important leisure facilities are to people’s daily lives and we are committed to delivering a centre that meets the needs of current and future generations.” 

The project will now continue through the next stages of design and planning and the council hope make a decision on when to start construction of the new centre later this year.