Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 11, 2025

Purpose: To provide an assessment of indoor sports and leisure facilities, considering future opportunities and demand around this provision.

Content: The Cabinet received a report which recommended the adoption of a new strategy focused on facilities where people could be active and play sport: ‘Active Places and Spaces’. This would be the first strategy of its kind for the geography of the entire Buckinghamshire area.  The strategy supported the already adopted Physical Activity Strategy.   Buckinghamshire benefits from a wealth of places and spaces that enable people to be physically active. The Council was a significant provider of and investor in facilities for people to be active and play sport in Buckinghamshire, with many sites operated directly by Buckinghamshire Council, or contractors on the Council’s behalf. There were also many facilities owned or operated by town and parish councils, local clubs and associations, schools, charities, other partners and the private sector.   The strategy set out the vision for good quality, inclusive, enjoyable and sustainable sports and community facilities, for their many benefits for people’s health and happiness. It described shared priorities for the Council, together with partners, to maintain and build on the good provision already in place and would also support the development of the Local Plan for Buckinghamshire to ensure that future provision evolves in line with housing and population growth.   RESOLVED that the adoption of the Strategy focused on facilities for physical activity and sport across Buckinghamshire, called ‘Active Places and Spaces’ be AGREED.