AS KINGSTON looks to recover from the impact of the Covid pandemic, it has never been more important to develop the places and spaces that support everyone to be active.
That is why I am so delighted that the council has launched a new indoor leisure facilities strategy for the borough.
The strategy sets out a framework and the evidence for what leisure services are required, based on demand, so the borough has the facilities residents need in the years to come. It also includes recommendations to explore the options for providing a new swimming pool in the south of the borough.
We are already committed to providing a brand-new community and leisure facility on the site of the former Kingfisher leisure centre. I’m pleased to say that the council has approved the scheme for the new development and the planning application has now been submitted.
In addition to this new leisure complex in Kingston town centre, we are also proposing to create a new community leisure facility and swimming pool as part of the Cocks Crescent redevelopment in New Malden. Furthermore, our new leisure strategy makes clear that there is still more swimming provision required in the borough. That is why we are now exploring the potential of a new swimming pool in the south of the borough, possibly at Chessington Sport Centre.
With a growing population and the recent pandemic emphasizing the importance of physical exercise to our long-term health, it is important Kingston offers the right leisure provision for residents of all ages. This will allow them to be physically active, healthy and to develop their sporting ambitions.
Recent research by Sport England and Sheffield Hallam University found that investment in sport, physical activity and leisure “creates a return across health and social care; improves wellbeing; builds stronger communities and develops skills in the economy”. It also “plays an important role” in boosting the economy and provides an opportunity to address inequalities within communities.
As well as this indoor leisure strategy, which looks at everything from swimming pools and sports halls and courts to gym facilities, the council is also reviewing its plans for outdoor leisure and sports facilities such as football pitches. We will also look at what opportunities there are at Albany Outdoors adventure and water activity centre. The aim is to make sure Kingston offers local people the best possible provision of leisure, sport and physical exercise facilities.
It is also important that we make these new facilities flexible spaces that can offer a wide range of cultural and leisure opportunities for residents to enjoy. That is why we plan to connect the new community and leisure centre on the site of the Kingfisher much more effectively with the neighbouring library and museum. This will make it a fantastic culture and leisure destination which celebrates the borough’s unique history and heritage.
Just as important will be ensuring that any new facilities are more sustainable - helping us toward our target of being a carbon neutral council by 2038 - and disabled friendly, so every resident is able to enjoy and benefit from them.
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