STOCKTON-ON-TEES BOROUGH COUNCIL
INDOOR, BUILT AND SPECIALIST FACILITIES ASSESSMENT REPORT
FINAL REPORT: MARCH 2016
Integrity, Innovation, Inspiration
1-2 Frecheville Court off Knowsley Street Bury BL9 0UF T 0161 764 7040 F 0161 764 7490 E [email protected] www.kkp.co.uk
Quality assurance Name Date Report origination Peter Millward & Matthew Walton 23.11.2015 Quality control John Eady 23.12.2015 Client comments Neil Russell 08.02.2016 KKP amends Peter Millward & John Eady 15.02.2016 Final approval Neil Russell 02.03.2016
STOCKTON-ON-TEES BOROUGH COUNCIL INDOOR, BUILT AND SPECIALIST FACILITIES ASSESSMENT
CONTENTS
Executive Summary ...... i
1. Introduction ...... 1
2 Strategic context: Nationally ...... 6
3. Stockton’s population ...... 9
4. Sports halls ...... 15
5 Swimming pools ...... 31
6. Health and fitness suites and dance/exercise studios ...... 46
7. Other specialist provision ...... 55
8. Key facts ...... 60
Appendices (separate documents) . 1. Stockton-on-Tees Borough profile. 2. Individual facility profiles. 3. Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation.
Addendum
Billingham Forum has recently (since completion of the original report) converted its four court sports hall into a two court hall plus a climbing facility. This will reduce the number of larger halls within the area (from 22 to 21) and also have a marginal impact on percentage measures in relation to the accessibility and quality of facilities, as shown in the assessment of sports halls. It will, in the development of an area strategy, place greater emphasis on the relationship with and access to school based sports facilities.
STOCKTON-ON-TEES BOROUGH COUNCIL INDOOR, BUILT AND SPECIALIST FACILITIES ASSESSMENT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Background and methodology
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC), as all local authorities, is looking to reduce the net subsidy cost of leisure services. Together with changes to welfare benefits, greater need for social care and a new duty to improve the public’s health, this will continue to exert pressure on already reduced budgets. The following assessment sets out a long term approach to the provision of indoor, built and specialist facilities in Stockton.
Sport England’s (SE) Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide (ANOG) for Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities (2013) has been adopted to ensure a robust assessment of quality, quantity, accessibility, availability, supply and demand for key facility types. SE’s Active Places database found 142 facilities across 93 sites, including sports halls, swimming pools, health and fitness suites, dance/aerobic studios, indoor bowls, indoor tennis, squash courts, an ice rink and water sports and high ropes at the Tees Barrage.
Strategic context
The backdrop to the study includes key national strategies and guidelines, as shown below.
Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation (2015) – central government’s strategy for sport extends beyond measures of participation. It recognises sport’s impacts on physical health, mental health, individual development, social and community development and economic development.
Sport England: A Sporting Habit for Life (2012 – 2017) - in 2017, five years after the Olympic Games, Sport England aspires to have transformed sport in England so that it is a habit for life for more people and a regular choice for the majority.
National Planning Policy Framework (2012) - the NPPF set out planning policies for England and detailed how these changes are expected to be applied to produce distinct local and neighbourhood plans which reflect the needs and priorities of local communities and offer an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable solutions.
Strategic Planning: Effective Cooperation for Planning Across Boundaries (2015) – the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) identified six key principles for strategic planning; to be focused, strategic, spatial, collaborative, showing leadership and accountability. It recommended locally designed and delivered approaches which emphasise collaboration and co-operation.
Public Health England (2014) – a plan to tackle low activity levels through:
Active society - making physical activity becomes a routine part of daily life. Moving professionals - using every contact to push the ‘active’ message. Active environments - available and accessible environments that encourage activity. Moving at scale - maximising existing assets that enable communities to be active.
Investment in school sport (up to 2015) – the Primary PE and Sport Premium fund of £150m per annum was invested in school sport, directly through head teachers.
Priority School Building Programme (2014 - 2017) - set up to address the needs of the schools most in need of urgent repair; 261 schools will be re-built between 2014 and 2017.
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Stockton’s population
The borough’s population (presently 194,119) is projected1 to rise to 206,753 by 2025 and to 215,858 by 2037. This is not, however, evenly distributed across all age groups and the largest increase (as with most local authority areas) will be in the numbers aged 65+ - this will rise by 21,434 (+68.3%) up to 2037 (from 31,395 in 2012 to 52,829).
This steady increase in the numbers of ‘active elderly’ will translate to a different portfolio of activity demand than would have been the case a decade ago. Similarly, population change will vary by areas within Stockton, consequently local knowledge should be utilised in relation to house building programmes, localised age structures and other demographic factors to predict where growth will be concentrated and what forms it will take.
The only adjoining district with a population of any appreciable scale which also runs up to the edge of Stockton’s boundary is Middlesbrough; it is thus the main area in which the RTPI’s strategic (cross boundary) guidelines are likely to prove relevant.
The borough has limited ethnic diversity; 94.6% of the population classifying themselves as white (national average; 85.4%). This can, however, result in its own challenges in ensuring social inclusion and identifying and meeting the needs of minority groups.
Unemployment is 1.3 times the national rate yet just below the regional average; while earnings are -2.1% below the national and +6.8% above the regional averages. The authority is characterised by an economically polarised population. Two times (19%) the national proportion (10%) of people fall within the country’s most deprived cohort2. Conversely, 29% are within the two least deprived groups (nationally; 20%).
Health deprivation is more widely spread throughout Stockton’s population:
53% are in the three most deprived (worst) health cohorts (England 30%). Adult obesity (29%) is above the national (24%) and regional (27%) averages. Child obesity (22%) is above national (19%) and regional (21%) rates. By Year 6 more than one third of children (35%) are either overweight or obese. Avoidable ill health costs to the NHS (due to physical inactivity) are estimated to be £2.86m; although significant this is below national regional averages (per 100,000).
Sports participation3 is above national and regional averages while sports club membership is below the national average. The most popular sports are gym, swimming, cycling, football and keep fit. A higher than average proportion of people attend the gym (Stockton 13.7%, England 10.9%) and lower numbers swim (Stockton 9.4%, England 11.5%).
General population segmentation shows just over half (53%) of Stockton’s population falling into only four ‘groups’ (national average 24%). They are termed ‘Family basics’, ‘Aspiring homemakers’, ‘Domestic success’ and ‘Senior security’. Sport specific segmentation classifies the borough’s main groups as ‘Retirement home singles, ‘Comfortable mid-life males’ and ‘Pub league team mates’.
The economic impact and value of sport in Stockton has been calculated by Sport England to be £54.7m p.a. (£42.0m participation, £12.7m non-participation related).
1 Source: Office for National Statistics. 2 Based on DCLGs Index of Deprivation. 3 Based on at least one times 30 minutes of moderate intensity sport per week.
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Sports halls
There are 51 sports halls in Stockton:
29 are small halls (activity halls, one or two badminton courts) 22 are larger halls (three, four and eight court halls – see addendum).
The main focus for service planning is on larger halls as they offer much greater flexibility and can accommodate a wider range of sports. Based upon Stockton’s larger halls:
Three quarters of the halls and two thirds of changing rooms are above average or good. One in four halls and one in three set of changing rooms are below average – all of these are in schools. Nine out of ten people live within 20 minutes walk of a sports hall and 96% within 30 minutes. Five further halls, in Middlesbrough, are within a mile of the Stockton boundary. Two sports halls are permanently accessible to the public; Billingham Forum and Thornaby Pavilion. They are both managed by Tees Active Leisure (TAL). 20 are school halls, one is at the university and one at a community centre; consequently most are not available during the day and are busy at peak times. 13 (of the 20) offer community use during the week, while nine offer weekend access.
Sport England’s (SE) Facilities Planning Model (FPM) states that:
There are 5.99 courts per 10,000 people in Stockton (England 4.35, North East 5.52). 93.5% of Stockton’s demand is met (England 89.7%, North East 90.7%). 81.4% of this (satisfied demand) is met by Stockton’s own facilities. 18.6% is exported to surrounding districts. 72.7% of users travel by car, 17.3% by foot and 10.1% by public transport. Unmet demand is spread thinly and could not be met by a new facility. Only 56.5% of capacity is used during peak times (England 72.3% North East 59.1%). Facilities are much less busy than might be expected and have spare capacity. This is a comfortable environment for participants but challenging for site managers.
National governing bodies of sport (NGBs) could utilise this ‘over capacity’, working with facility managers, to target customer groups and try new initiatives; for example:
Badminton England is reviewing informal badminton to better understand unaffiliated participants. Basketball England is looking to create and maintain a culture of frequent, consistent and continued participation – spare court time is central to this aim. England Netball – has a wide range of existing initiatives to attract, retain and recapture (former) players. Nevertheless, it has seen a fall of 7% in participation over two years. Table Tennis England has 13 priority areas throughout the country; however, none of these are in the North East. It could be argued there is a case to nominate an area (such as Stockton) within the region as a base to promote and develop the sport. Volleyball England wishes to be seen as a vibrant sport that is played, watched and talked about, embedded in schools and adopted by two or three population segments.
Stockton’s ‘spare capacity’ if managed carefully and working closely with NGBs could offer an opportunity to pilot initiatives.
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Swimming pools
There are 13 swimming pools across eight sites in Stockton; nine of these are small/learner pools. The four larger, community/county standard pools, at Billingham Forum, Splash and Thornaby, are all managed by TAL.
Three (of the four larger pools) are above average or good while one is below average. Two sets of changing rooms are good while two are below average. One in three people live within 20 minutes’ walk of a pool and 50% within 30 minutes. The borough does not have a 50m pool, those requiring such a facility must travel, for example, to the Sunderland Aquatics Centre or Leeds’ John Charles Centre for Sport. Three further pools, in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland, are within two miles of the Stockton boundary and are thus accessible by car.
Sport England’s FPM states that:
There is 11.16 sq m (of water) per 1,000 population (England 12.46, North East 12.51). 92.9% of Stockton’s demand is met (England 91.4%, North East 89.6%). ... this contradiction is attributed to pool location and car ownership. 78.1% of this (satisfied demand) is met by Stockton’s own facilities. 21.9% is exported to surrounding districts. 76.6% of users travel by car, 14.0% by foot and 9.5% by public transport. Unmet demand, c.900 visits per week, is in part due to pools being full at peak times, with Billingham (83%), Thornaby (100%) and Splash (100%) all over capacity.
The NGB (Amateur Swimming Association) and main clubs/schemes are generally satisfied with the manner in which swimming operates in Stockton. There is interest in the possibility of a new pool at Ingleby Barwick and the Borough of Stockton Swim Scheme is well placed to make use of such a venue. However, decanting of swimming from other public pools may result in programming gaps due to relocation as opposed to an expansion of activity.
Health and fitness suites and dance/exercise studios
There are 23 health and fitness suites containing 1,786 stations in Stockton. Current and future demand (to 2037) is more than adequately catered for relative to UK access4:
995 stations are concentrated in four private venues; 400 at Xercise4less Stockton North and 250 at Stockton South, 200 at Total Fitness and 145 at David Lloyd’s. 521 (29.2%) are at seven venues, including three Tees Active Leisure venues. 270 (15.1%) are at 12 smaller venues, including schools and a neighbourhood centre.
Sixteen venues containing c.86% of the stations were assessed5; of these:
Seven in eight are good or above average and as large sites contain 98% of stations. The three Tees Active Leisure facilities comprise 226 stations, as follows: Billingham Forum – 98 stations, good quality, 2,300 members, two good studios. Thornaby Pavilion – 58 stations, good quality, 800 members, studio below average. Splash – 70 stations, good quality, 1,200 members, good studio, air conditioning. 86% of people live within 20 minutes’ walk of a facility and 96% within 30 minutes. Sixteen venues offering pay and play contain 84% of stations. Eleven further sites (548 stations) are within a mile of the boundary.
4 Sport England does not produce a Facilities Planning Model for Health and Fitness 5 KKP was not allowed access to the other seven sites.
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Indoor bowls (flat green)
The one indoor bowls facility (Thornaby Pavilion) has been assessed as good quality. Membership has dipped in recent years; it is also available as pay and play. In line with the fall in use, it has reduced from eight to six lanes and the space that has been released is now used for health and fitness provision. People aged over 60 are (reportedly) more likely to frequent the gym than play bowls.
Indoor tennis
There is one indoor tennis facility, at the David Lloyd Centre. It has been assessed as excellent and comprises seven indoor and seven outdoor courts plus health and fitness and studio facilities.
Squash
There are 17 squash courts across seven venues. Four venues, containing nine courts, were assessed by KKP. Three of the nine were glass backed (at David Lloyd). All nine were either good or above average standard.
Indoor climbing
Billingham Forum has recently (since completion of the original report) converted a four court sports hall into a two court hall plus a climbing facility; the surrounding area also has a:
Climbing facility at Stockton Riverside College (SRC). ‘Clip n’ Climb’ (Portrack Business Park) described as climbing wall meets theme park. Further three facilities within 10 miles, at Rock Antics (Middlesborough), Summerhill (Hartlepool) and Rock Antics (Newton Aycliffe).
Water sports and high ropes: Tees Barrage
This TAL facility is one of an increasing (but limited) number of centres to utilise the environment to provide alternative sporting, experiential, fun and skills training activities. Its mix offers a highly flexible and potentially commercially lucrative proposition as it:
Provides high class facilities for water sports. Has appropriate storage, changing facilities, a café, shop and associated car parking. Recently (late 2015) added the country’s highest outdoor high ropes course (18m). Is an ideal base and ‘launch point’ for local and sub-regional cycle routes and walks. Generates its own electricity for the white water activities and feeds surplus into the national grid thereby generating income/reducing costs for the centre as a whole.
Ice rink
The ice rink at Billingham Forum (TAL):
Was built in 1966, refurbished in 2011 and incorporates a fast freeze facility. Has a ‘playing area’ of 1,456 sq m; although it is slightly undersized for national league ice hockey it is, nevertheless, home to three ice hockey teams. Has a seating gallery for c.600 and attracts a footfall of around 180,000 visits p.a.
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
This indoor, built and specialist facilities assessment and report sets out a long term approach to indoor facility provision in Stockton. It covers existing provision, population growth, increasing participation rates and the future need to produce a series of principles that can be used to inform how to meet existing and future demand, and the resources that will be needed to achieve these objectives. The key drivers are:
The need for an evidence base to aid related strategic decisions and prioritisation in respect of sport and leisure facilities for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC). The Council’s changing role in respect of the public health agenda and a requirement to deliver healthier lifestyles and achieve positive health outcomes. To ensure that planning for leisure facilities is supported by robust Local Plan compliant assessment and appropriate policy. The need to ensure that facilities are efficient and effective while remaining (or becoming) more competitive and commercially oriented, as might be expected in the prevailing economic, financial and political climate. To ensure value for money in the provision of sport and leisure services. To develop a context that can assist SBC, Tees Active Leisure (TAL) and other relevant organisations to secure external funding. To provide a financially realistic framework upon which to engage with local people around plans for future provision.
SBC, as all local authorities, is looking to reduce the net subsidy cost of leisure services and this, together with changes to welfare benefits, greater need for social care and a new duty to improve the public’s health is creating, and will continue to exert, pressure on already reduced budgets. This often applies within the context of an ageing infrastructure and facilities. The indoor, built and specialist sports facilities in Stockton must help the Council to promote participation in sport and physical activity and thereby to:
Address health inequalities / public health issues; Provide infrastructure that supports individual, family and community engagement; Stimulate positive behaviour at all life-stages; and Deliver the above while taking account of constraints on local government spending.
1.2 Methodology
The method adopted for the assessment is based on Sport England’s Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide (ANOG) for Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities (2013). This recommends a specific approach to ensuring robust assessment of need for indoor/outdoor sports facilities and was produced primarily to help local authorities meet the requirements of the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It states that:
‘Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities. Planning policies should be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the needs for open space, sports and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision. The assessments should identify specific needs and quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses of open space, sports and recreational facilities in the local area. Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sports and recreational provision is required.’ (NPPF, paragraph 73)
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The standard of provision is assessed in relation to its quality, quantity, accessibility and availability for the identified facility types (i.e., sports halls and swimming pools) with each facility being considered on a ‘like for like’ basis within the context of its own facility type.
Figure 1.1: Recommended Sport England approach to assessing need
The report considers the distribution of and interrelationship between all facility types in the study area to evaluate supply and demand. Catchment zone and demographic analyses give a clear indication of areas of high demand. The report then proceeds to identify those areas in which there is under/over-supply of current provision relative to this expressed demand. Figure 1.1 illustrates the approach recommended by Sport England (ANOG) and that has been adopted in this assessment of need.
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In order to deliver the above, it was agreed that KKP would:
Use Active Places (further informed by SBC input) as the start point, to consider the Council’s core facilities, those on education, private and voluntary sites and within neighbouring boroughs. (KKP has already assessed facilities on secondary school sites). Visit/assess the standard range of indoor (sports halls, swimming pools, health & fitness) facilities. (within reason) Visit/assess provision for lifestyle (cycling, running/outdoor fitness activity and walking), outdoor and adventure sports (e.g., Sky Trail, Tees Barrage International White Water Centre) in the Authority, to offer a view as to where and how they fit in.
The review has also sought to be cognisant of existing/planned developments such as:
The Green Lane Development which involves investing £500,000 in Conyers School. Although the specifics of this are also influenced by IBF findings and the aspirations of the School, the initial presumption was a likelihood that adding to the present level of health and fitness provision in Yarm would be of value. The Urlay Nook development in which £70,000 is to be invested in Egglescliffe School.
Other key issues to be considered were identified as:
The justification for development of a new pool and fitness facility in Ingleby Barwick – to be located at a site adjacent to the All Saints Academy. Options with regard to the future use of other current provision. Taking stock of building condition (and cost to sustain), political, social and overall water space factors.
The report’s presentation in a formal structure is intended to support its use as a strategic tool and to assist SBC in maximising the impact of Section 106 money, the Community Infrastructure Levy and existing developer contributions.
1.3 Scope of the project
The specific objectives of this audit and assessment are to:
Audit existing facility provision. Identify local needs and quantify levels of demand.
The specific tasks addressed as part of this assessment report process include:
Review of relevant Council strategies, plans, reports, corporate objectives. Review of the local, regional and national strategic context. Supply and demand analysis. Analysis of the demographics of the local population. Consideration of potential participation rates; modelling likely demand for facilities. Audit of indoor facilities provided by public, private, voluntary and education sectors. Analysis of the balance between supply of, and demand for, sports facilities and the identification of potential under and over provision. Identification of key issues to be addressed in the future provision of sports facilities across Stockton.
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The assessment incorporates sports halls, swimming pools, fitness suites and gyms, dance / aerobic studios, indoor bowls, indoor tennis, squash courts, an ice rink and water sports and high ropes at the Tees Barrage.
An initial trawl of Active Places has shown that there are c.142 facilities distributed across 93 sites, (some of these will include multiple facility types at a single site), as shown below.
Number of facilities listed in Active Places
Indoor Sports Facilities: Spread over 43 Sites Facility Sites Number Sports halls 33 50 Studio 18 23 Swimming Pool 9 14 Health & Fitness 24 24 Ice Rink 1 1 Squash courts 6 17 Indoor bowls 1 6 Indoor tennis 1 7 Total 93 142* * There is some double counting as the list includes multiple facility types at a single site.
Pitch sport requirements including artificial grass pitches (AGPs) are considered in the Council’s Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS) and the accompanying Assessment Report also produced by KKP for SBC in 2014 -15.
This document provides the detail as to what exists in the authority, its condition, location and overall quality. It considers the demand for facilities based on population distribution, planned growth and takes account of other socio-economic factors, such as health and economic deprivation. It also incorporates an analysis of supply and demand based on Sport England’s Facilities Planning Model (FPM).
In delivering the report KKP has:
Individually audited each of the identified swimming pools, sports halls (conventional i.e. 3+ court halls as per Sport England definition), health and fitness facilities (including, within reason, dance studios), squash courts and other specialist facilities in the Authority. Analysed the supply and demand of facilities (including specialist sports facilities) to identify gaps and opportunities for improved facility provision. Identified areas of good practice and opportunities for improved service in order to drive up participation levels.
It thus provides a robust audit based on quantitative and qualitative assessments of the need for sports halls, swimming pools, health and fitness, the other facilities listed above and specialist provision. It examines opportunities for new and/or rationalised provision and identifies specific deficiencies and surpluses.
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1.4 Report structure
The report divides into a further six sections, as follows:
2 Strategic context: Nationally. 3. A profile of Stockton’s population. 4. Sports halls. 5. Swimming pools. 6. Health and fitness suites and dance/exercise studios 7. Specialist provision (indoor bowls, indoor tennis, squash, ice, water (at the barrage) and high ropes).
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2 STRATEGIC CONTEXT: NATIONALLY
Sport England aims to ensure positive planning for sport which enables the right facilities to be provided in the right places, based on up to date assessment of need for all levels of sport and all sectors of the community. This assessment report has been produced using the principles and tools identified in the Sport England guide ‘Assessing Needs and Opportunities for Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities’ (ANOG).
As illustrated opposite, Sport England regards an assessment of need as core to the planning for sporting provision. This report reviews indoor and specialist needs in the Stockton area and provides a basis for future strategic planning. Figure 2.1: ANOG model
This framework is used to structure the recommendations for Stockton Council.
Sport England: A Sporting Habit for Life (2012 – 2017)
In 2017, five years after the Olympic Games, Sport England aspires to transform sport in England so that it is a habit for life for more people and a regular choice for the majority. The strategy’s key objectives are to:
See more people taking on and keeping a sporting habit for life; Create more opportunities for young people; Nurture and develop talent; Provide the right facilities in the right places; Support local authorities and unlock local funding; and Ensure real opportunities for communities.
The envisaged outcomes are for:
Every secondary school (4,000) to be offered a community sport club on site; Community sports partnerships to be given new resources to link schools and communities. Community access to secondary school facilities. 150 Further Education Colleges to benefit from College Sport Makers. Three quarters of University students to participate in sport. 1,000 of the most disadvantaged communities to get a Door Step Club. 2,000 young people to be supported by the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust. £100 million to be invested in facilities, in keeping with Places, People, Play. 30+ sports to have enhanced England Talent Pathways for young people and others to fulfil their potential.
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National Planning Policy Framework 2012
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out planning policies for England and details how these changes are expected to be applied (to the planning system). It provides a framework for local people and their councils to produce distinct local and neighbourhood plans, reflecting the needs and priorities of local communities. The NPPF states that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development within the three following key areas:
Economic. Social. Environmental.
Participation in sport and physical activity has been shown to:
Increase productivity and thereby economic sustainability; Improve health and well-being at an individual and societal level; Reduce health and social service costs; and Play a significant and cross cutting role in the context of sustainable communities.
As the NPPF recommends, local plans should meet objectively assessed needs it is consistent with such objectives that they should protect, enhance and provide sports facilities on the basis of robust, up-to-date assessments of provision and need. The quantitative and qualitative review which identifies deficiencies and surpluses in local areas should be used to determine what current and future provision is required.
Strategic Planning: Effective Cooperation for Planning Across Boundaries, RTPI, February 2015
This report, drawn from examples of best practice, identifies six general principles for strategic planning. The key words/prompts are focused, strategic, spatial, collaborative, leadership and accountability.
Have focus – being efficient in the use of resources and clear about its purpose; Be genuinely strategic – dealing only with matters which require resolution across boundaries; Be spatial – make strategic choices between places, not establish general criteria decision making; Be collaborative; Have strong leadership; and Be accountable to local electorates.
The premise is that top-down strategic planning tends to be less successful. Locally designed and enacted approaches that emphasise collaboration and co-operation between local authorities bring major benefits to all the local authorities in a given area.
Public Health England
In October 2014 Public Health England (PHE) produced its plan to tackle low activity levels across the country. Along with making the case for physical activity, the plan identifies four areas where measures need to be taken at a national and local level.
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These are:
Active society - creating a social movement. Shifting social norms so that physical activity becomes a routine part of daily life. Moving professionals - activating networks of expertise. Making every contact with the health sector count to push the ‘active’ message and to deliver the message through other sectors including education, sports and leisure, transport and planning. Active environments - creating the right spaces. Making available and accessible appropriate environments that encourage people to be active every day. Moving at scale - scaling up interventions that make us active. Maximising existing assets that enable communities to be active.
Investment in school sport
The Primary PE and Sport Premium fund of £150m per annum was invested in school sport over the two years up to 2015. Funds went directly into the hands of primary school head teachers and were to be spent on sport. The four objectives of the programme were to:
Improve the quality of existing PE teaching through continuing professional learning in PE for generalists, so that all primary pupils could improve their health, skills and physical literacy and have a broader exposure to a range of sports. Increase participation levels in competitive sports and healthy activity of pupils, maintaining these into adolescence Increase the quality of initial teacher training in PE and sport, and to promote PE specialisation in primary level workforce. Ensure that schools understand and value the benefits of high quality PE and sport, including its use as a tool for whole school improvement.
Priority School Building Programme (PSBP)
The PSBP is a centrally managed programme set up to address the needs of the schools most in need of urgent repair; 261 schools will be re-built between 2014 and 2017.
Sporting Future: A new strategy for an active nation
The Government has, this month (December 2015), published its strategy for sport. This extends beyond measures of participation and related activities. This strategy confirms the recognition and understanding that sport makes a positive difference through broader means and that it will help the sector to deliver five simple but fundamental outcomes: physical health, mental health, individual development, social and community development and economic development. In order to measure its success in producing outputs which accord with these aims it has also adopted a series of 23 performance indicators under nine key headings, as follows (see appendices for details):
More people taking part in sport and physical activity. More people volunteering in sport. More people experiencing live sport. Maximising international sporting success. Maximising domestic sporting success. Maximising domestic sporting success. A more productive sport sector. A more financially and organisationally sustainable sport sector. A more responsible sport sector.
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3. STOCKTON’S POPULATION
The following overview briefly summarises key facts about Stockton’s population; it is supported by a series of related maps (see appendices for a more detailed profile). The total population of the borough is 194,1196. As shown in Figure 3.1 the majority of the population live around a central core which runs in a north /south direction.
Figure 3.1: Population density (2014 MYE): Stockton and surrounding districts
Note: The apparent boundary through the middle of the above map is the River Tees.
Middlesbrough is the only adjoining district with an appreciable scale of population which also runs up to the Stockton boundary. The other surrounding districts (Hartlepool, County Durham, Darlington and Hambleton) all have little or no population in their areas alongside Stockton.
6 Source: ONS 2014 Mid Year Estimate
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It is anticipated that: Projected population change to 2025 – will see an increase of 11,088 (+5.7%): including +2,975 (+7.8%) 0-15 year olds; but with a fall of -1,451 (-6.6%) 16-24 year olds. Projected population change to 2037 – will see an increase of 23,452 (+12%) between 2012 and 2037, including a +68% rise in the numbers aged 65+ to become one in four of the population. Ethnic composition – an absence of diversity; 94.6% White, 3.5% Asian and 0.6% Black compared to 85.4%, 7.8% and 3.5% nationally.
Figure 3.2: Projected population change (2012 -2037)
Deprivation - there are significant pockets: 19.0% of the population falling within the most deprived 10% nationally. Conversely, however, 28.6% are within the two least deprived groups (nationally this is 20%). This points towards a population which is somewhat polarised in its economic capacities. Health problems - appear to be more widespread throughout Stockton’s communities, when compared to national averages. The IoD7 points towards higher health deprivation with 52.6% falling in the most deprived (three worst) cohorts based on health measures when a national equivalent would be 30%. Unlike the overall measure of deprivation, however, only 1.6% of the population is in the best two cohorts for health. The higher incidence of health deprivation is most easily seen by comparing the darker areas in figures 4 and 5.
7 Index of Deprivation 2010 (Department for Communities & Local Government) update due September 2015
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Figure 3.3: Index of multiple deprivation (2015)
Figure 3.4: Index of health deprivation (2015)
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Other health data indicates that: Figure 3.5: Adult and child obesity rates (2015)
Adult obesity (28.6%) is markedly above the national (24.0%) and regional (26.7%) average. Child obesity rates (21.5%) are also above national (19.1%) and regional (21.1%) rates. Child rates also increase significantly between reception and Year 6, by which time more than one third of children (35.1%) are either overweight or obese. Avoidable ill health cost to the NHS in Stockton (due to physical inactivity) is estimated to be £2.86m; although significant this is 18.4% below the national and 26.5% below regional averages (per 100,000). The economic value/benefit of sports participation (as opposed to the avoidable ill health cost of inactivity) has been calculated by SE to be £78.1m.
General socio economic characteristics
Segmentation data indicates that just over half (52.5%) of Stockton’s population fall into only four Experian ‘groups’, compared to 23.6% nationally (for the same groups):
The ‘Family basics’ group (16.3%) is 1.7 times the national rate (9.8%) – it is described as; families with children who have limited budgets and can struggle to make ends meet. Their homes are low cost and are often found in areas with fewer employment options. The other three are named as: . Aspiring homemakers (younger households, recently set up and working to their budgets) at 13.7% this is 3.2 times the national rate. . Domestic success (high earning families living affluent lifestyles with professional jobs and busy lifestyles that revolve around their children) at 12.7% this is 2.1 times the national rate. . Senior security (elderly singles and couples who are still living independently in comfortable homes that they own) at 9.8% this is 2.9 times the national rate.
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Figure 3.6: Mosaic segmentation – Stockton-on-Tees compared to England
Economic activity - levels are slightly below the national average; unemployment is 1.3 times the national rate yet is just below the regional average; earnings are -2.1% below the national and +6.8% above the regional averages. Total income - as an average across each of Stockton’s 24 MSOAs8, household income ranges from £392 to £1,042. Just under one in three (seven of 24) MSOAs are in the lowest income band nationally and only two are in the best two groups. Income after housing costs - the upper and lower figures fall to £279 and £542 respectively. Seven MSOAs remain in the group with the lowest incomes nationally; however, there are no longer any in the best two groups. Economic impact and value – sport plays a significant role in the economy both nationally and locally; whether it is via participation, purchasing of sportswear and sports equipment, gambling, volunteering or attending events. SE’s economic impact model shows an overall impact of £54.7m (£42.0m participation, £12.7m non- participation related).
8 Medium (sized) super output areas (there are 24 in Stockton)
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Figure 3.7: Economic impact of sport – Stockton (Source: Sport England 2015)
Sports participation - at least one times 30 minutes of moderate intensity sport per week, is above national and regional averages (Stockton 38.1%, North East 34.0%, England 36.1%); sports club membership is, however, below the national average. Sports segmentation - the main sports groups by type are termed and described by Sport England as… ‘Retirement home singles (Elsie and Arnold) – 66+ year olds, predominantly female, enjoying keep fit, swimming and bowls (Stockton 14,147 9.6% of adults, North East 10.6%, England 8.0%). ‘Comfortable mid-life males’ (Philip) – mid life professionals aged 46-55, with older children and time for themselves (Stockton 12,773 8.6% of adults, North East 7.8%, England 8.7%). ‘Pub league team mates’ (Kev) – 36-45 year olds who enjoy pub league games and watching live sport (Stockton 10,769 7.3%, North East 8.6%, England 5.9%). Most popular sports - gym, swimming, cycling, football and keep fit are the main activities and rates are generally close to the national average. They main variances are a higher proportion of people attending the gym (Stockton 13.7%, England 10.9%) and a lower proportion swimming (Stockton 9.4%, England 11.5%).
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4. SPORTS HALLS
4.1 Introduction
Sports halls are key facilities for community sport because they are multi-purpose and provide for a range of different activities. The standard approach to measuring them is via the number of badminton courts accommodated within the floor area. Sports hall are, thus, referred to as three, four, five, six, eight, nine and twelve court halls.
The standard recommended size of a 4 court sports hall was, until relatively recently, 18m x 33m x 7.5m. This has been extended in 2012 to 34.5m x 20m x 7.5m primarily to accommodate run off space for indoor netball. (Source: Design Guidance Note – Sports Hall Design & Layouts, Sports England, 2012).
Sports halls can be used for a wide range of activity: for example, archery, boxing, indoor athletics, badminton, basketball, bowls (short-mat), cricket (nets), dance/ exercise classes, dodgeball, fencing, fitness circuits, football, golf training, gymnastics, handball, hockey, martial arts, netball, roller hockey, table tennis, trampolining and volleyball.
4.2 Supply of sports halls
In general, the larger the hall the greater the flexibility and the more sports that can be accommodated concurrently, and/or the level of use that can be made of the venue for local and regional training, competitions and events. The following review of the supply of sports halls (3 courts or more in size) examines:
Quantity Quality Availability and Accessibility.
4.2.1 Quantity
KKP’s research identifies 51 sports halls in Stockton. Seven of these may be regarded as activity halls as they are below one badminton court in size. Of the remaining 44, there are two 8 courts halls, seventeen 4 court halls and three 3 court halls (see figure Number of sports halls -by- court size 4.1 – see also addendum). (excludes Activity halls)
In total these ‘larger’ (3+ court) halls 2 represent 50.0% of the sports halls (as 4% opposed to activity halls) but contain 1 court 19 78.8% of their space – based on 17 43% 2 badminton courts. 39% 3
The majority of halls and floor-space is 4 based in the borough’s 17 four court 8 courts halls. These represent 38.6% of the 3 3 borough’s sports halls and contain 7% 7% 57.6% of their floorspace.
Figure 4.1: Sports halls by number of badminton courts
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Table 4.1: Locations: three court + sports hall provision in Stockton
KKP Map ref Site Name Number of courts 2 All Saints Academy 4 8 Billingham Forum (see addendum on contents page) 4 13 Bishopsgarth School 4 18 Conyers School 4 28 Egglescliffe School 4 30 Elmtree Community Centre 3 34 Grangefield School 4 44 Ian Ramsey Church of England Academy 4 56 North Shore Academy 4 57 Northfield School (Hall 1) 4 57 Northfield School (Hall 2) 4 58 Northfield School - Sportsdrome 4 70 Queens Campus 8 72 Red House School 3 77 SRC Sports Centre 4 86 St. Michael’s Academy 4 88 Stockton Sixth Form College 4 90 Teesside High School 4 93 Thornaby Academy 4 96 Thornaby Pavilion 8 107 Yarm School 3 111 Ingleby Manor Free School 4
Two of the 22 venues are large permanently publicly accessible facilities managed by Tees Active Leisure (Billingham Forum and Thornaby Pavilion); 18 are at (or linked to) the borough’s 16 schools, one is connected to Durham University (Queens Campus) and the final 3+ court hall is at Elmtree Community Centre.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Notes: 1. The grid reference used by Sport England in Active Places data for All Saints CofE school at Ingleby Barwick appears to be wrong. Consequently, if unadjusted catchment zone analyses would incorrectly have shown a gap in coverage. 2. The listing of sports halls in Active Places includes both North Shore Academy and North Shore Health Academy. This is a case of double counting as North Shore Academy replaced the Health Academy in 2012. These factors presumably have the potential to affect FPM results (only SE and its contractors could confirm this point).
4.2.2 Quality
KKP visited as many sports halls as possible and completed non-technical visual inspections looking specifically at the physical condition of the building and how ‘fit for purpose’ they are (see Appendix 2 for detail of the visits and the assessment sheets used).
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Table 4.4: Sports hall (3+ courts) by condition
Ref Site Courts Non-technical assessment 2 All Saints Academy 4 8 Billingham Forum (TAL) 4 13 Bishopsgarth School 4 18 Conyers School 4 28 Egglescliffe School 4 30 Elmtree Community Centre 3 Not assessed 34 Grangefield School 4 44 Ian Ramsey Church of England Academy 4 56 North Shore Academy 4 57 Northfield School (Hall 1) 4 57 Northfield School (Hall 2) 4 58 Northfield Sportsdrome 4 70 Queens Campus 8 72 Red House School 3 77 SRC Sports Centre 4 86 St. Michael’s Academy 4 88 Stockton Sixth Form College 4 90 Teesside High School 4 93 Thornaby Academy 4 96 Thornaby Pavilion (TAL) 8 107 Yarm School 3 111 Ingleby Manor Free School 4
Poor Below average Above average Good Quality rating of assessed sports halls 0 halls 0 courts 5 halls 18 courts 8 halls 40 courts 6 halls 28 courts Quality rating of assessed sports halls – Changing rooms 0 halls 0 courts 6 halls 23 courts 6 halls 24 courts 7 halls 36 courts
Three quarters (75.0%) of Stockton’s (3+ court) sports halls, that were assessed, are considered to be either above average or good; they contained almost eight in ten (78.2%) of courts in the borough’s larger halls. Similarly, two thirds (68.4%) of the changing rooms in Stockton’s (3+ court) sports halls are considered to be either above average or good; they contained the changing facilities associated with just over seven in ten (72.3%) of the borough’s larger halls.
An alternative perspective is that the above figures correspond to one in four (25.0%) of the larger halls being below average, all of these are school halls, and that just under one in three (31.6%) of changing rooms are also below average standard; when considered in this light what might at first appear to be a positive message is suddenly of greater concern. There are no geographic concentrations of good or poor quality in any one area
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Figure 4.4: Sports Halls (3+ courts) by condition of – Halls
4.2.3 Accessibility – Stockton’s sports halls
Nine in ten (89.9%) of the borough’s population live within 20 minutes walk of a sports hall, based on a radial catchment of one mile, and 95.5% within 30 minutes. However, many sports halls are not available during the school day and are busy during peak times. Consequently, provision offered by schools and to a lesser extent surrounding authorities plays an important role in serving need/demand.
Figure 4.2 Sports halls (3+ courts) with 1 and 1.5 mile catchment zones. (Note - there are 22 halls but only 21 symbols as two halls are at Northfield School.
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Although a further five 3+ court halls, within a mile of the Stockton boundary, are located within Middlesbrough the level of provision within Stockton is such that they do not significantly increase overall accessibility (see figure 4.3). They may, however, impact on public access at varying times of day.
Table 4.2: Sports hall catchment populations (3+ courts) with 1 and 1.5 mile radii
Population % of Total Population Stockton -on-Tees 193,196 100.0% Within 1 Mile of a hall 173,641 89.9% Within 1.5 Miles of a hall 184,407 95.5%
4.2.4 Accessibility - Neighbouring authority facilities
Sports hall provision in neighbouring authorities is illustrated in figure 4.3. The main map illustrates supply within 1 mile of the Stockton boundary highlighting the fact that all five such sports halls are within Middlesbrough. The smaller inset plan shows a much larger number of sports halls in adjoining authorities; they are, however, located significantly more than one mile away from the Stockton border.
Figure 4.3: Sports Halls (3+ courts) with 1 mile catchments – including neighbouring LAs
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Table 4.3: Sports halls (3+ courts) within 1 mile in adjoining districts. Map Ref Site Name # of courts Local Authority M1 Macmillan Leisure Centre 7 Middlesbrough M2 Newport Settlement Youth & Community Centre 4 Middlesbrough M3 Middlesbrough College 6 Middlesbrough M4 Teesside University 9 Middlesbrough M5 The Acorn Centre 4 Middlesbrough
4.2.5 Availability
Eleven of Stockton’s 16 schools, colleges and academies with 3+ (badminton) court sports halls, offer community use throughout the week. The ‘norm’ is around four to five hours per weekday night, thereby totalling 287.5 hours across the authority. Weekend access is far more variable, it is only available at nine locations and ranges from 2 hours to 24 over the two days. The overall total including weekends is 400.5 hours per week.
Table 4.5: Hours of community use in Stockton schools, Colleges etc.
Community Use Total School / College Notes (Term Time) hours All Saints M-F 16.30 – 22.00 27.5 Above average facility Academy S 09.00 – 17.00 16 Bookings via Robertson FM Bishopsgarth Not available - - School M-F 18.00 -22.00 20 Above average facilities Conyers School S 10.00 – 17.00 7 Bookings via Go Sport S 11.00 – 16.00 5 c.2,000 visits per week Egglescliffe M-F 18.00 – 21.00 15 Below average facilities School S&S 09.00 – 17.00 16 Possible S106 funding opportunity New academy to go on site in 2016 Grangefield Not currently - Draft community use agreement with SE School available Part of Northern Education Trust New build in 2014 Ian Ramsey Not available - Currently no community use Academy Poss appointment of community use manager
27.5 Community use agreement North Shore M-F 16.30 – 22.00 Part of Northern Education Trust Academy S 10.00 – 12.00 2 New build in 2013 Northfield School M-F 16.00 – 21.00 25 Generally above average Hall 1 M-F 16.00 – 21.00 25 Located over two sites Hall 2 M-F 18.00-22.00 20 Fully booked at new site Sportsdrome S&S 08.30-18.00 19 Older halls available but no current demand Red House M-F 17.30-20.30 15 Theoretically available but no demand School S&S13.00-16.00 6 New site earmarked for school
St. Michael’s Not available - New build Sept 2016 Academy 22.5 SRC Sports M-F 17.50-22.00 Good quality facilities Centre S&S 10.00-22.00S 24 Stockton Sixth M-F 18.00-22.00 20 Above average facilities
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Community Use Total School / College Notes (Term Time) hours Form College S&S 18.00-20.00 2 Some general community use Some by Stockton Town FC Teesside High Generally good playing facilities but poor M-F 17.00-21.00 20 School changing rooms – fee paying school Thornaby M-F 16.00-22.00 30 Community use via TACC Academy S&S 09.00-17.00 16 Partial rebuild in 2013 Yarm School Not available - - Newly opened in 2014 Ingleby Manor M-F 17.00-22.00 20 Temporary build at present Free School New sports hall and Studio in Sept 2016
Two further venues have larger halls, these are Queens Campus (University of Durham) and Elmtree Community Centre. Between them they offer a further 135 weekday hours and 42 at weekends (177 in total).
Table 4.6: Hours of community use in other venues.
Community Use Total Venue Notes (Term Time) hours Good quality facilities M-F 07.00-22.00 75 Theoretically available for community use at Queens Campus S&S 09.00-18.00S 18 all times
Elmtree Shown in Active Places as pay & play 84 Community M-S 09.00 – 21.00 therefore deemed to be general public access Centre
Figure 4.5 Sports halls (3+ courts) by degree of public access.
Number of courts by public accessibility
8 16
4 16 52 Hall size Hall 3 3 6
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Total number of courts Private Comm'y use
In overall terms, this translates to 17 of the borough’s 3+ court halls and 74 courts (79.6%) being publicly accessible. This might be expected to increase by two or three further school sites becoming accessible as new facilities are developed at Grangefield, Ian Ramsey Academy and St Michael’s Academy – any or all of which could involve community use agreements.
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4.2.6 Tees Active Leisure facilities:
Only two of the 22 larger halls are managed by Tees Active Leisure (TAL); a brief description for each of these based as the primary points of unfettered public access is provided below. The majority of the remaining halls are linked to educational facilities, consequently they have varying degrees of public access (see table 4.7).
Table 4.7: Sports halls (3+ courts) managed by Tees Active Leisure
Leisure Provision Reported/identified issues Centre Billingham Four court sports hall Although the centre has good (or at the Forum Health & fitness suite least above average) sports facilities its (see Spin & general studios external appearance, in particular, is addendum) Activity and function rooms somewhat sterile with a largely flagged Squash courts (x 2) area. Consequently, it lacks any softer Sauna and steam facilities landscaping which could create a more welcoming environment. In addition to dry side sports the centre also has a/an: Six lane 25m swimming pool with movable floor Learner pool ‘Playbarn’ for children Ice rink Theatre seating c.650 and a Cafeteria (see appendices for details).
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Leisure Provision Reported/identified issues Centre Thornaby The Pavilion comprises a wide The Pavilion is somewhat subsumed within Pavilion range of sporting and leisure the surrounding shopping centre and has facilities including a: little or no immediate frontage Sports halls – an 8 court hall Although it had a £1.2m refurbishment of the that can be sub-divided to reception area in 2009, it remains up a flight create 2 x 4 court areas with of stairs which again adds to a perceived gallery seating; lack of accessibility. Health and fitness suite; Its car parking c.300 spaces has to compete Studio facility; with demand from users of the shopping Squash courts (2); centre and the two minute walk is potentially Indoor bowls; a deterrent especially during bad weather Childcare facilities As a positive counter to some of the above; Cafeteria the centre has a DDA compliant lift and its (see appendices for details) facilities are generally above average.
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4.3 Supply and demand - Facility Planning Model (FPM) analysis and findings
Note: As the FPM analysis utilises Active Places data it will have incorporated an incorrect address for the All Saints Academy and to have double counted North Shore Health Academy and North Shore Academy (see page 28). The various analyses contained in the FPM, and summarised below, are therefore likely to overstate supply of sports halls (by an additional four court hall) and to have incorrectly modelled accessibility. Sport England will be contacted to verify these points and (if this is correct) to address them before the next FPM assessment. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The FPM has processed data on 27 halls9 across 16 sites and estimates that there are 5.99 courts per 10,000 population in Stockton; this is above both the national (4.35) and regional (5.52) averages. Compared to its surrounding districts Stockton (at 5.99) is lower than the equivalents for Hartlepool (6.80), Middlesbrough (6.47) and Redcar & Cleveland (6.38) but above that of Darlington (4.73).
The FPM has measured:
Supply of 117.3 courts but only 74.17 when operational time factors are factored in. An ability to accommodate 20,248 visits per week in peak period (vpwpp). Demand at 13,211 vpwpp, requiring 60.49 courts – with a comfort factor -. hence supply exceeds demand by 13.68 courts.
These ‘global’ figures, however fail to make allowances for hall location, quality of facilities, accessibility10 and provision in surrounding authorities. Once these factors have been taken into account the model indicates that:
93.5% of Stockton’s demand is met (England 89.7%, North East 90.7%). 6.5% of demand is unmet (England 10.3%, North East 9.3%). 72.7% of users travel by car, 17.3% by foot and 10.1% by public transport. 81.4% of (satisfied) demand is met by Stockton’s own facilities. 18.6% is exported to surrounding districts – this is somewhat surprisingly above that of most of the surrounding districts and given proximities is assumed to be mainly to Middlesbrough.
The FPM notes that ‘unmet demand’ is spread extremely thinly across the borough and that while it could theoretically be met by the addition of a four court hall there is no single location which would serve this function. The model states that none of the theoretical unmet demand is due to a lack of capacity; rather it is a reflection of catchment zones.
Provision is such that only 56.5% of hall capacity is used during peak times compared to a national average of 72.3% (North East 59.1%). Consequently, facilities are much less busy than might be expected and already have spare capacity in operational terms.
The model presents a comfortable environment for participants but a challenging one for site managers and revenues as they compete for the same customers. Billingham Forum bucks this trend and has a reported annual throughput of 158,211 (73% of peak capacity).
9 The FPM, published August 2015, includes sports halls that are smaller than 3 badminton courts. 10 Car ownership in Stockton is higher than the national and regional averages and is also above those in its surrounding authorities.
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4.4 National governing bodies of sport: priorities and demands
As noted above, sports halls are used for a wide range of sports and activities. The earlier assessment (4.2.7), whereby capacity exceeds demand, can result in competition between venues for a limited customer base. However, it also has the scope for venues to counter this by promoting a less standard offer and working more closely with individual NGBs to promote individual sports. The priorities associated with several of the larger governing bodies (linked to indoor sports) are outlined below.
This is supplemented by Sport England segmentation data which highlights the groups most likely to take part in each of the sports and those (current non participants) who would like to take part in each sport. It should be noted, however, that while a group may be the most likely to take part/want to take part in a sport this is not a guarantee of large numbers, consequently any strategy that is to be based on a premise of targeting those groups most likely to be interested, while sound in principle, should be approached with care.
Badminton England (BE)
The National Facilities Strategy (2012-2016) vision is ‘that everyone in England should have access to a badminton court that enables them to play at the right level - for them’. Active People data indicates participation levels for badminton (1x30 minutes per week for ages16+) to have fallen nationally by c.10% to 490,200 over the past two years. Stockton is a Priority One area for Badminton England in its current National Facilities Strategy. BE works within a framework, to try and increase participation, which includes:
Play Badminton: Working with partner leisure operators to increase casual badminton participation, increase court usage and increase income. Supported by BE staff and national marketing and encompasses several ways to play using an audit process to identify appropriate sites and operators to work with across the regions. No Strings Badminton: Social pay and play weekly sessions relaxed, social game- play ideal for casual players of all abilities (ages 16+), led by a friendly, welcoming session co-ordinator. Essentials: Beginners coaching courses. Learn all the badminton basics at a relaxed pace with beginners coaching sessions over 6-8 weeks, led by BE qualified coaches. Battle Badminton: Casual Competition Leader boards; find new players (ages 18+) to play socially in matches where you pick the venue, set the rules and record your results online to earn points and rise up the ranks in local and national leader-boards. SmashUp! Badminton for young people. Court time for 12-16 year olds where they can get involved with fun, big hitting badminton challenges with music and mates.
The NGB is currently reviewing informal participation by people who are not affiliated to BE, with a view to better understanding the needs of what is clearly a substantial population.
Segmentation and targeting
Active People and SE segmentation data shows, the current picture of adult (16+) badminton participation in Stockton to be as follows:
3,126 current participants plus 2,870 people who would like to play. Bens and Tims are the groups most likely to play (see SE segmentation), however, not all groups are the same size; consequently, the groups with the most potential participants are Philips and Jackies.
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Philip is described as a comfortable mid-life male, aged 46-55, with children. His sporting activity level is above the national average. The main sports he takes part in are cycling, keep fit, swimming, football and golf; badminton currently lies in eighth position. It is also sixth in a list of sports that Philips would like to take part in. Jackie is described as a part-time skilled worker or stay at home mum, aged 36-45, with children. Her sporting activity level is above the national average but below the norm for others in her age group, her main sports are keep fit, swimming and cycling – badminton is currently the fifth most likely sport for her to take part in and lies in sixth position for those sports in which Jackie would like to take part.
Basketball England (BE)
Active People survey data indicates that basketball participation (1x30 minutes for ages16+) has fallen by just over 14% nationally to 131,100 in the last two years. Within this context of apparent decline, the NGB’s priorities have been defined as to:
Create and maintain a culture of frequent, consistent and continued participation. Provide a clearly defined talent development pathway from the grassroots through to world class performance.
Its proposal is to achieve these targets by:
Increasing participation as measured by Sport England's APS. Increasing basketball activity in the education sector (secondary and tertiary). Improving the transition from school to club through the creation of basketball satellite clubs in secondary schools together with an increase in the number, size and quality of Sport England - Basketball England Clubmark accredited clubs. Increasing the number of adults playing basketball consistently on an informal and formal basis. Increasing the number of specialist basketball facilities and continuing to work towards clubs and players obtaining affordable or free access to basketball facilities. Developing appropriate local delivery chains by commissioning relevant partners to deliver participation programmes. Offering an excellent customer experience through a workforce, both professional and voluntary appropriate in number, location and quality. Developing and enhancing an environment that recognises, retains and rewards volunteers aligned to affiliated organisations. Maintaining and improving the national competition structures for clubs and schools.
Segmentation and targeting
Active People and SE segmentation data shows, the current picture of adult (16+) basketball participation in Stockton to be as follows:
873 current participants plus 591 people who would like to play Bens and Jamies are the groups most likely to play (see SE segmentation). As groups vary in size this usually affects strategic targeting, however, in the case of basketball the groups with the most potential participants are also Bens and Jamies. Ben is described as a single male, aged 18-25, who is a graduate professional. He leads a very active lifestyle and is the most sporty of Sport England’s 19 segments. The main sports in which he takes part are football, keep fit, cycling, athletics and swimming. Basketball does not currently feature in his current top ten sports but is tenth in a list of the sports he would like to take part in.
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Jamie is described as a single male, usually a vocational student and is aged 18-25. He is very active and takes part in sport on a regular basis. His main sports are football, keep fit, athletics, cycling and swimming. Basketball is currently ninth in a list of his top ten sports and is eighth in terms of sports that Jamies would like to take part in.
England Netball (EN)
Active People survey data indicates that netball participation (1x30 minutes for ages16+) has fallen by just under 7% to 148,700 nationally in the last two years. Netball had, prior to this, shown growth, from APS7 to APS 8 of c.22,000.
England Netball has a wide ranging series of initiatives designed to promote the sport among existing participants and those returning to the sport: In addition to league and competition standard netball, the strategy aims to offer something for everyone who is or might be interested in netball, this includes initiatives such as:
Traditional 7-a-side netball, for which Sport England has estimated a participation rate of 156,000 women every week. High 5 – an entry level version of the game aimed at 9-11 year olds with five (from a team of nine) on court at any time. Nets – a new format of indoor netball for 5, 6 and 7 a side. Fast Net – a higher tempo version of the game to test fitness, technical ability and tactical awareness. Back to Netball – operating sine 2010 this attracts former netballers and new participants to ‘return’ to the sports, emphasising not only the sporting aspects of the game but also the social benefits. Netball now – not a coaching session, not a competition simply turn up and play. Netball youth camps – summer and half term initiatives aimed at girls aged 9-16.
Segmentation and targeting
Active People and SE segmentation data shows, the current picture of adult (16+) netball participation in Stockton to be as follows:
608 current participants plus 579 people who would like to play. Leannes and Chloes are the groups most likely to play (see SE segmentation). However, as groups vary in size those most likely to play are not always the groups with the largest numbers of potential participants; in the case of netball these are Leannes and Jackies. Leanne is described as a young busy mum, aged 18-25, who is a student or taking a part time vocational course. She is the least active segment within her age group. The main sports she takes part in are keep fit, swimming, athletics, cycling and football. Netball lies seventh in terms of the sports that Leannes currently take part in and is also seventh as a sport that she would like to do. Jackie is described as a part-time skilled worker or stay at home mum, aged 36-45, with children. Her sporting activity level is above the national average but below the norm for others in her age group, her main sports are keep fit, swimming and cycling – netball is in tenth position as a sport Jackies currently take part in and is in seventh position as a sport that she would like to do.
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Table Tennis England (TTE)
Mission 2025 is the table tennis strategy to develop the sport over the next 10 years. It has several key aims:
Participation: to increase participation among adults, disabled people, in schools, and our own membership. Places: to grow the network of clubs and facilities within competitive league table tennis and at a social level. People: to increase the number of qualified coaches; provide support for table tennis 'activators'; and grow the number of volunteers and officials and provide additional training and support Performance: to get elite athletes performing at a world class level; providing the support and competitive structure at domestic level for players to achieve their potential.
Its strategy is designed to ensure that facility investment (of £750k from Sport England) enables “a network of vibrant table tennis venues, meeting the needs of social and committed participants that cater for current participants and enable an increase to 200,000 regular participants”. The aim is to support existing clubs to secure additional tables, and to support recreational table tennis with projects such as outdoor table covers.
TTE has 13 priority areas throughout the country, however, none of these are in the North East. It could, therefore, be argued that there is a case to nominate an area within the region as a base to promote and develop the sport.
Segmentation and targeting
Active People and SE segmentation data shows, the current picture of adult (16+) participation in table tennis in Stockton to be as follows:
655 current participants plus 341 people who would like to play Bens and Philips are the groups most likely to play (see SE segmentation). However, as groups vary in size those most likely to play are not always the groups with the largest numbers of potential participants; in the case of table tennis these are Kevins and Elsie & Arnolds. Kevin is described as a possibly married or single male, aged 36-45; he will have a vocational job and could have children. He tends to have an average level of sports participation and the main sports he takes part in are keep fit, football, cycling, swimming and athletics. Table tennis does not currently feature in either his current top ten sports or those he would like to take part in. Elsie and Arnold are described as aged 66+, retired and single or widowed. They are less active than the general population as a whole but tend to be reflective of their own age group. Their main sports are keep fit, swimming, bowls, golf and cycling. Table tennis is the ninth most likely sport for them to take part in and tenth most likely of the sports that they would like to do.
Volleyball England (VE)
The ambition of Strategy 2024 is for volleyball to be seen as a vibrant sport that is played, watched and talked about, for it to become embedded in schools and to be a sport that is adopted by two or three population segments. Specific targets against which these ambitions may be tested include links to schools at Key Stages 1 and 2, further and higher education, participation in parks, a clubs strategy and a focus on disabled participants.
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Segmentation and targeting
Sport England data shows adult (16+) participation in volleyball in Stockton as follows:
622 current participants plus 171 people who would like to play Leannes and Jamies are the groups most likely to play. However, as groups vary in size those most likely to play are not always those with the largest numbers of potential participants; in the case of volleyball these are Paulas and Leannes. Paula is described as single, aged 26-45, seeking employment or in a part time low skilled position. She tends not to be very active although if she is the main sports will be keep fit, swimming, cycling and athletics. Volleyball does not currently feature in either her current top ten sports or those she would most like to take part in. Leanne is described as aged 18-25, likely to have children and a student or to be working in a part time vocational capacity. Leanne is the least active of her age group. Her main sports are keep fit, swimming, athletics and cycling. Volleyball is the tenth most likely sport for her to take part in and does not feature in a list of the ten sports she would most like to do (if not currently participating in it).
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4.5 Summary and conclusion
KKP identified 51 sports halls in Stockton; seven of these are below one badminton court in size, 22 are one or two court halls and 22 are three (badminton) courts or larger. The majority of sports require areas that are 3+ courts in size; these also offer much greater operational flexibility. Although the ‘larger’ (3+ court) halls represent 50% of the sports halls (as opposed to activity halls) they contain c.80% of the playing space. Nine in ten of the borough’s population live within 20 minutes walk of a sports hall and 95.5% within 30 minutes.
Three quarters of Stockton’s (3+ court) sports halls, that were assessed, are considered to be either above average or good, as are two thirds (68.4%) of the changing rooms for such halls.
Only two of the 22 larger halls are managed by Tees Active Leisure (TAL) and thus offer full public access. The majority (18) of the remaining halls are linked to educational facilities. The two others are at Durham University (Queens Campus) and Elmtree Community Centre. Consequently community agreements are particularly important in attempts to serve local need/demand.
The ‘norm’ for schools offering public access is around four to five hours per weekday night; weekends are far more variable and range from 0 to 24 hours over two days. The overall total community access is 400 hours per week. This may increase by two or three school sites in 2016 as new facilities are developed at Grangefield, Ian Ramsey and St Michael’s academies.
The FPM estimates provision (per 10,000 people) in Stockton to be above national and regional averages. It also notes that they are much less busy than might be expected and have spare capacity in operational terms. Any ‘unmet demand’ is considered not to be due to a lack of capacity but is a reflection of catchment zones. The model thus portrays a relatively comfortable environment for participants but one that can be a challenge for site managers which may find themselves competing for the same customers.
From an NGB viewpoint, hall sports are generally dependent on the availability of affordable, accessible and suitable indoor facilities to meet the demand for court-time to play and practice as a route to increase participation and improve performance. Access to indoor courts remains one of the biggest challenges facing such sports in their efforts to develop. Access to secondary school facilities can be particularly important in this context and NGBs may well look to take advantage of Sport England’s commitment to open up school sports facilities for local community use as a way forwards.
Given the relative over-provision of space outlined in the FPM and the fact that the largest participation sports are activities such as gym, swimming, cycling, football and fitness & conditioning it may be that a logical strategy is to work more closely with NGBs. Helping NGBs to pilot initiatives to achieve national targets may, at the same time, assist facility managers to meet their own revenue targets while also promoting participation. It would thus pilot community communication and engagement initiatives as a strategy that targets specific segments of the population (as per SE segmentation model). This could be put to SE as a cross cutting strategy in which an approach is tested for several NGBs at the same time and also improves its information on/understanding of segments.
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5 SWIMMING POOLS
5.1 Introduction
A swimming pool is defined as an “enclosed area of water, specifically maintained for all forms of water based sport and recreation”. It includes indoor and outdoor pools, freeform leisure pools and specific diving tanks used for general swimming, teaching, training and diving. Potentially a valuable teaching resource, they accommodate a range of water sports; swimming, sub aqua, synchronised swimming, kayaking, octopush and water polo plus diving (increasingly only available in specialist venues). Pools are extensively used for fitness swimming and fitness classes (aqua aerobics). Pools come in many shapes and sizes, the main forms are:
Main / competition pools; Community pools; Learner / learner training pools; Diving pools; and Leisure pools.
Many small pools are used solely for recreational swimming and do not necessarily need to strictly follow NGB guidelines. It is generally recommended that standard dimensions should be used to allow appropriate levels of competition and training as well as meeting safety standards. Nevertheless, relatively few pools need to be designed to full competition standards or include spectator facilities.
Single community pools should have a minimum shallow water depth of 0.9m (if there is no learner pool) and a deep end of 1.8m or 2.0m. Where a learner/teaching/training pool is provided, the shallow water depth of the main pool should be increased to 1.0m in order to better cope with tumble turns.
Training for competition, low-level synchronised swimming, and water polo can all take place in a 25m pool, and with modest spectator seating, such pools are able to accommodate competitive events in these activities. Diving from boards, advanced synchronised swimming and more advanced sub-aqua training require deeper water. These can all be accommodated in one pool tank, which ideally should be in addition to the main swimming pool. A dedicated tank for deep-water use may be an essential requirement for some activities at certain levels of competition.
The NGB responsible for administering diving, swimming, synchronised swimming and water polo is the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA).
The National Curriculum states that all children should be taught to swim. At this point our understanding is that swimming appears to be being taught in the majority of Stockton-on- Tees schools and extra-curricular swimming lessons are available at all Tees Active Leisure (TAL) pools. Such pools are also used for teaching practical elements of lifesaving training.
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Table 5.1: Pools - key design characteristics
Type Length Width Depth Key features 50m ASA national 50m Minimum 8 1.0m – 1.8 min White or pale blue finish competition pool lane 2.0m Lane markings 19 or 21m preference Timing system 25m county 25m Minimum 6 1.0m – 1.8 min White or pale blue finish standard pool lane 13m Lane markings Timing System 25m community 25m 4 or 5 lanes 1.0m – 2.0m White or pale blue finish pool 8.5 - 10.5m preference Lane markings 20m community 20m 4 lanes 0.8m – pool 1.00/1.5m Learner pool 13.0m min 7.0m 0.6m – 0.9m White or pale blue 20.0m pref Leisure pools Variable N/a Variable Free form shape Shallow water Wave machine Beaches Water rides/ Lazy river Spa pools/ geysers Cannons Slides/other play equipment Diving Pools Separate and purpose built Source: Design Guidance Note, Swimming Pools, Sport England, 2013
5.2 Supply of swimming pools
5.2.1 Quantity and availability
There are 13 swimming pools across eight sites within Stockton-on-Tees. Four of these pools may be regarded as community or county standard pools while the remainder would generally be classified as learner pools (see tables 4.1 & 4.2). In addition to the above, swimming pools located at Abbey Hill Academy and Northfield School (Marsh House Avenue Site) have closed.
Stockton-on-Tees does not have a 50m swimming pool. Swimmers/other aquatic users who require access to provision on this scale must travel to other local authority areas such as Sunderland (Aquatics Centre) or Leeds (the John Charles Centre for Sport).
Table 5.2: Swimming pool provision in Stockton-on-Tees (current and proposed)
Ref Site Sub-type Lanes Length (m) Ownership Public swimming pools 8 Billingham Forum Main/General 6 25 Local Authority 8 Billingham Forum Learner/Teaching 6 13 Local Authority 8 Billingham Forum Learner/Teaching 0 13 Local Authority 76 Splash Main/General 6 25 Local Authority
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Ref Site Sub-type Lanes Length (m) Ownership 76 Splash Learner/Teaching 0 12 Local Authority 97 Thornaby Pool Main/General 5 25 Local Authority Commercial and education swimming pools 5 Bannatyne’s Health Club Learner/Teaching 1 14 Private 22 David Lloyd Club (Teesside) Other (Leisure) 6 25 Private 22 David Lloyd Club (Teesside) Other (Lido) 4 20 Private 63 Our Lady & St. Bede School Main/General 4 21 Education 65 Parkmore Hotel & Leisure Club Learner/Teaching 0 14 Private 99 Total Fitness (Teesside) Other (Leisure) 3 25 Private 99 Total Fitness (Teesside) Learner/Teaching 0 12 Private Commercial and education swimming pools Private 92 The Wynyard Golf Club Other (Leisure) 0 0 (Planned) Note: Other/Leisure – often regarded by the venue to be the main pool but in size terms is relatively small – see table 5.1
Figure 5.1: Swimming Pool provision in Stockton-on-Tees
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5.2.2 Quality
As part of the assessment, KKP visited all main swimming pools and completed non- technical visual assessments. The stock of public pools in Stockton-on-Tees is mixed with quality ratings ranging from good to below average.
Table 5.3: Quality rating of swimming pools and changing facilities in Stockton-on-Tees
Ref Site Pool Changing Ownership Public swimming pools 8 Billingham Forum (6 x 25) Good Good Local Authority 8 Billingham Forum (6 x 13) Good Good Local Authority 8 Billingham Forum (learner) Good Good Local Authority 76 Splash (6 x 25) Above average Below average Local Authority 76 Splash (learner) Above average Below average Local Authority 97 Thornaby Pool Below average Below average Local Authority Commercial and education swimming pools 5 Bannatynes Health Club Not assessed* Not assessed* Private 22 David Lloyd Club (6 x 25) Not assessed* Not assessed* Private 22 David Lloyd Club (learner) Not assessed* Not assessed* Private 63 Our Lady & St. Bede School Below average Below average Education 65 Parkmore Hotel & Leisure Not assessed* Not assessed* Private 99 Total Fitness (3 x 25) Not assessed* Not assessed* Private 99 Total Fitness (learner) Not assessed* Not assessed* Private *Unable to gain access to assess quality due to commercial sensitivities.
50% of the public swimming pools (all at Billingham Forum) were assessed as being of good quality, as were the associated changing facilities. The pool at Thornaby was considered to be of ‘below average’ standard. Changing facilities at Splash and Thornaby are also felt to be ‘below average’.
Billingham Forum underwent an £18.5million redevelopment in 2011 (originally built in 1967) and is assessed as good quality. It is regarded as a flagship facility within Stockton- on-Tees and is centrally located within Billingham Town Centre.
Splash opened in 2001 when it was transformed from the old Stockton Swimming Pool. It is ideally located (in terms of accessibility) in central Stockton and has since been refurbished in 2009. That said, although the swimming pool is assessed as above average, changing facilities are deemed to be below average in quality.
Thornaby Pool, located in the heart of the local community, is the oldest public pool in Stockton-on-Tees having been built in 1938. Notwithstanding the refurbishment in 2006, the facility as a whole is assessed as below average in quality. Despite regular maintenance, the age of the facility is reflected in the ability of the pool to meet the demands of modern users.
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Table 5.4: TAL Swimming Pool Provision
Facility Provision Comments Billingham Main/General High quality provision. Forum Learner/Teaching £18.5million redevelopment in 2011. Learner/Teaching Main/general pool is 25m six lane with moveable floor (2.18m maximum depth). Main/General previously 33m but permanent boom installed in 2011 to create 25m pool and an additional Learner/Teaching pool. One of the main competition pools for the authority area. Viewing balcony (c.300 seats). Changing village (good) plus disabled changing provision and group changing. Free parking available for all users. OJ’s Cafe and Ice Bar on site. Billingham Amateur Swimming Club is based at and Borough of Stockton Swim Scheme (BOSSS) runs some sessions at, the site. Splash Main/General Good quality provision. Learner/Teaching Refurbished in 2009. Main/general pool is 25m six lane. One of the main competition pools for the authority area. Wave machine and two flumes. Viewing balcony (c.100 seats). Changing facilities are below average in quality but do include disabled changing provision. Pay and display car park although free for the first hour at Splash between 9am-5pm and 5pm on an evening. Oasis Cafe on site. Stockton Amateur Swimming Club is based at, and BOSSS runs then majority of its training sessions at, the site. (Stockton ASC also presently makes use of the pool at Our Lady and St Bede to runs some of its learn to swim activity) Thornaby Main/General Dated and tired facility. Pool Single pool limits programming. Extensive school swimming use Monday-Friday Refurbished in 2006. Main/general pool is 25m five lane. New roof following numerous leaks. Pool enclosed by barrier with approximately 40 seats either side of pool. Changing facilities are below average in quality with no specific disabled changing provision. Limited free parking available for users. No cafe on site (vending only). Thornaby Amateur Swimming Club operates at this venue and BOSSS runs sessions (plus a Saturday morning talent spotting/transition session at the site.
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Billingham Forum
Splash
Thornaby Pool
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5.2.3 Accessibility: Stockton’s swimming pools
Similar to the approach adopted in the Sport England’s Facilities Planning Model (FPM), this assessment is concerned with larger pools that are available for community use (i.e: those which have no restrictions to access as a result of membership criteria). As such, pools shorter than 20 metres in length and/or located at private member clubs offer limited value in relation to community use and delivery of outcomes related to health and deprivation and are excluded from the assessment.
It should be noted, however, that some commercial sector pools in health and fitness facilities do serve the needs of a specific demographic and different market segments and, thus, the needs of certain sections of the community. Nevertheless, within this context, they are considered to be unavailable to the whole population due to monthly membership cost.
The audit identified three community accessible facilities and, therefore, excludes all commercial (due to restrictive membership criteria) and educational facilities. Through the use of radial catchment areas, KKP has investigated the accessibility of public pools in Stockton-on-Tees. A pool is deemed accessible if it can be reached within a 20 minute walk, the equivalent of one mile. The following map and table denote 1 mile radii and also 1.5 mile (30 minutes walk times). On this basis it can be seen that only 32.4% of the population live within the target 1 mile catchment and even if extended to 1.5 miles this only rises to 53.9%.
Figure 5.2: Publicly accessible pools in Stockton (1 and 1.5 mile radial catchments)
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Table 5.5: Swimming pool catchments (larger public pools) with 1 and 1.5 mile radii. Population % of Total Population Stockton -on-Tees 193,196 100.0% Within 1 Mile 62,567 32.4% Within 1.5 Miles 104,203 53.9%
Catchment zone analysis helps to identify areas that are not currently serviced by existing provision. These less accessible areas often tend to have the lowest levels of population and can experience deprivation in the form of poor access to services due to their remoteness. However, in Stockton there are also some relatively high levels of population density towards the north-west of the Splash site which do not have ready access to a pool.
Table 5.6: IMD 2015 populations: Stockton-on-Tees accessible pools (20 minute walk)
Swimming pools with community use Stockton-on-Tees IMD 2015 1 mile catchment populations by IMD 10% Persons Persons Population Population Population bands Persons inside outside inside % outside (%) % catchment catchment 0 - 10 36,420 19.0% 20,046 10.5% 16,374 8.6% 10.1 - 20 16,462 8.6% 9,317 4.9% 7,145 3.7% 20.1 - 30 19,573 10.2% 12,719 6.6% 6,854 3.6% 30.1 - 40 13,237 6.9% 6,265 3.3% 6,972 3.6% 40.1 - 50 12,039 6.3% 3,594 1.9% 8,445 4.4% 50.1 - 60 13,805 7.2% 4,746 2.5% 9,059 4.7% 60.1 - 70 11,035 5.8% 550 0.3% 10,485 5.5% 70.1 - 80 14,152 7.4% 408 0.2% 13,744 7.2% 80.1 - 90 42,658 22.3% 4,219 2.2% 38,439 20.1% 90.1 - 100 12,075 6.3% 0 0.0% 12,075 6.3% Total 191,456 100.0% 61,864 32.3% 129,592 67.7%
Figure 5.2 (above) shows the location of the three community accessible facilities with a one mile radial (20 minute walk time) catchment in relation to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (2015). This makes it possible to contextualise the nature of communities within (and outside) the catchment of a community accessible swimming pool in relation to their likely economic and travel capacity to access facilities that lie further afield.
Table 5.6 indicates that just under one third (32%) of the population in Stockton-on-Tees resides within the one mile radial catchment of a community accessible swimming pool. Therefore, two thirds of the population (68%) is required to travel in excess of one mile.
In addition, the table also indicates that, 15.4% of the population within one mile radial catchment of a community accessible swimming pool live in the most deprived communities (using the bottom 20% percentile). More importantly, however, as 27.6% of the borough’s population fall within the two most deprived cohorts nationally, this means that one in eight (12.3%) of Stockton’s population are within the most deprived groups and live more than one mile from a pool.
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Figure 5.3: Accessible pools (public access) in Stockton (1 mile radial catchment)
5.2.4 Proposed Ingleby Barwick Development
The proposed development at All Saints School (Ingleby Barwick) incorporate:
Swimming pool – 5 or 6 lanes 25m plus associated spaces. Large teaching pool, Fitness suite – 60 stations. Dry changing. Library. Café, reception, office and circulation space.
The proposed development of a swimming pool at The All Saints School site (Ingleby Barwick) has the scope to significantly increase access within 1 mile from its current position of 32.4% (62,567) to 43.5% (83,378). However, this will not have a significant impact on access for those living in the Borough’s most deprived area.
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Figure 5.4: Accessible pools in Stockton - (1 mile radial catchment) including proposed Ingleby Barwick development - with parish boundary highlighted
5.2.5 Accessibility: Neighbouring authority swimming pools
As indicated in Figure 5.5, there are three community accessible swimming pools (located within neighbouring authorities) within two miles of the local authority boundary. They are, as a consequence, deemed to be accessible by car to residents of Stockton-on-Tees. However, their location does not address issues associated with the poorer public access for communities in the north west of the borough.
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Figure 5.5: Swimming pools within two miles of Stockton-on-Tees administrative boundary
Table 5.7: Swimming pool provision within two miles of Stockton. Site Sub-type Lanes Length (m) Local Authority Eston Leisure Centre Main/General 6 25 Redcar & Cleveland Eston Leisure Centre Learner/Teaching 0 12.5 Redcar & Cleveland Eston Leisure Centre Learner/Teaching 0 13 Redcar & Cleveland Neptune Centre Main/General 8 25 Middlesbrough Neptune Centre Main/General 2 20 Middlesbrough Rainbow Leisure Centre Main/General 6 25 Middlesbrough Rainbow Leisure Centre Learner/Teaching 0 7 Middlesbrough
5.3 Supply and demand – Facility Planning Model (FPM) analysis and findings
Consultation with facility managers and TAL identifies a shortfall in water space to accommodate the wide range of pool users groups; swimming lessons, competition squads, fitness swimmers, aqua-fit, synchronised swimming and other water based games such as water polo. Consequently, pool capacity is a particular issue at peak-times.
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Sport England FPM findings
The FPM for Stockton was undertaken using the 2015 National Facilities Audit Data. The analysis provides useful information in identifying the issues and challenges for swimming provision in Stockton.
The FPM processed data on 11 pools across seven sites and estimated there to be 11.16 sq m per 1,000 population in Stockton; this is below both the national (12.46) and regional (12.51) averages. It is also lower than the level of provision in all of its surrounding districts, markedly so for Darlington (16.76), Hartlepool (14.08), Middlesbrough (11.48) and Redcar & Cleveland (13.98).
The FPM found:
Supply of 2,183 sq m water space but only 1,884 at peak times. An ability to accommodate 16,337 visits per week in peak period (vpwpp). Demand at 12,465 vpwpp, requiring 2,068 sq m – with a comfort factor…hence demand exceeds supply by c.150 sq m (with comfort factor).
These ‘global’ figures, however fail to make allowances for pool location, quality of facilities, accessibility11 and provision in surrounding authorities. Once these factors have been taken into account the model indicates that:
92.9% of Stockton’s demand is met (England 91.4%, North East 89.6%). 7.1% of demand is unmet (England 8.6%, North East 10.4%). 76.6% of users travel by car, 14.0% by foot and 9.5% by public transport. 78.1% of (satisfied) demand is met by Stockton’s own facilities. 21.9% is exported to surrounding districts – this is markedly above that for Darlington (4.7%), Hartlepool (4.6%) and Redcar & Cleveland (13.3%); but below Middlesbrough (30.3%).
The FPM notes that this runs contrary to the per capita provision and supply/demand capacity analysis. It suggests that this may be due to the actual distribution of pools across Stockton and/or higher levels of personal mobility – placing the majority of the explanation on levels of car ownership.
It is estimated (by the FPM) that c.900 visits per week from Stockton residents are not being met and that this is, at least in part, due to pools being ‘full’. It determines that, at peak times and with a comfort factor, the three local authority facilities are over capacity (Billingham 83%, Thornaby 100%, Splash 100%) and that unmet demand reflects this. In contrast, however, and as might be expected the David Lloyd club is at 22% of capacity.
5.4 NGB and clubs’ perspective
Consultation was undertaken with four swimming clubs/schemes in the Authority plus Sarah Small (North East Regional Development Officer) for the ASA. It was agreed that 50m pool and competition diving needs in Stockton-on-Tees are met via existing provision in other areas. The ASA is generally positive about the clubs and BOSSS and would, particularly in the context of the upcoming development at Ingleby Barwick, welcome closer engagement with TAL and Stockton Borough Council.
11 Car ownership in Stockton is higher than the national and regional averages and is also above those in its surrounding authorities.
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In general, consultation with the ASA confirmed the perspectives, status and relative positions of the Stockton clubs and BOSSS and the general level of satisfaction with the way in which swimming functions in the Authority. All are signed up to the regional hub although Stockton, Thornaby and BOSSS appear to be more actively involved than Billingham.
Club Consultation detail Billingham Billingham ASC runs entirely out of Billingham Forum. It is a Swim 21 club with c. ASC 140 members (including volunteers) which runs its own learn to swim (LTS) and coaching programme plus a masters section. It reportedly draws the majority of its membership from Billingham and the immediate surrounding area. Its LTS co-exists with the TAL programme at the venue; generally taking place in the early evening as opposed to the after-school period. It has pool time (which varies in the context of session length and number of lanes) on every evening of the week – solely at Billingham. It runs three main galas per annum plus a non-competitive ‘ability gala’. A lifesaving club also operates at Billingham Forum It does not take part in, or send swimmers to, the Borough of Stockton Swim Scheme (BOSSS) suggesting that its best swimmers opt to stay with it. It thus has little to do with the other clubs in the borough or with BOSSS. It appears to be content with the volume and costs of water time available to it and with its current size, level of volunteer input and general stability Thornaby ASC Thornaby is predominantly a teaching club and has c. 200 members (including nearly 50 helpers and volunteers). It has a waiting list for its LTS. It has pool time (which varies in the context of session length and number of lanes) on each evening of the week except Wednesdays – all at Thornaby Pool. It is also involved in running the BOSS session which takes place early on a Saturday morning at Thornaby Pool and via this, has a relationship both with BOSS and with Stockton ASC. Its teaching work co-exists with TAL with, again, the majority of TAL lessons taking place earlier on any given evening. BOSSS also makes substantial use of Thornaby Pool. Thornaby Pool also hosts a disability swim session: this is the only such provision of which we were made aware in the borough. With the exception noted, it appears to be content with the volume and costs of water time available to it and its current size, volunteer input and general stability Stockton ASC Stockton is a Swim 21 club with c. 400 members including its volunteers and helpers. It runs sessions of varying lengths and times and with, at Splash, different proportions of the pool on each weekday evening apart from Tuesdays. Like the other clubs, its pool times fit in around the TAL lesson programme, generally taking place in the early evening. It has pool time on Sunday evenings, runs masters swimming alongside work with juniors on a Monday evening and uses the pool at Our Lady & St Bede School for LTS work on Tuesday/Thursday evenings although there is some uncertainty about the School’s future intentions in respect of community use of its site. In respect of its use of Splash, the Club is reasonably content with the volume of water time it has access to although, because at times it pays for the whole pool complex, its costs are higher than those being met by the other clubs. It reportedly functions well at its current size and with the present level of (all voluntary) member and helper input. Stockton is the primary local feeder of swimmers into BOSSS with which it is an enthusiastic partner.
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Club Consultation detail Borough of BOSSS, which has been established for c.20 years, is a talent development Stockton Swim programme. It has a membership of c.70 swimmers (mainly local but it is open, at Scheme the top end, to non-residents) who, across five squads are coached by a small team of professional coaches (a full time head coach, a part time assistant coach plus an apprentice) supplemented by some voluntary coach input. It draws talented swimmers mainly from Stockton ASC with a small number from Thornaby (Billingham ASC is not part of the programme). It runs training sessions at all three public swimming pools in the borough at varying times and on different days of the week plus land training. With Thornaby ASC it jointly runs the ‘talent spotting’ session on a Saturday morning at Thornaby Pool. Swimmers compete for it and for their ‘club of origin’ It also has some links to the Lifesaving Club which operates, predominantly, from Billingham Forum. Funding for pool hire and to pay coaches is reportedly drawn mainly from squad member subscription plus other fundraising. Although it does have a good level of water time it is interested both in making use of any new facility developed in the borough and/or should it become an option at some point in the future, in being more directly involved in the management and operation of a venue such as Thornaby.
Swimming clubs and BOSS are all generally comfortable with the volume of water time they have available to them although the incremental charge made for recently added water time at Thornaby Pool is an issue of concern for Thornaby ASC.
Although not a direct facility issues, all clubs expressed concerns with regard to the standard of teaching of the TAL learn to swim programme and, although this is not an uncommon criticism in many comparable environments, there would appear to be room for some overall quality moderation of standards across all providers of swimming teaching in the borough including the clubs themselves. (This was something that the ASA was also in favour of).
BOSSS is, with the exception of the small number of swimmers that Thornaby ASC reports channelling through to it, essentially the talent and elite end of the Stockton ASC programme albeit in an independently constituted and governed format. One or two concerns were also expressed about the open-ness and transparency of the governance of the BOSSS scheme although the quality of swimming coaching was not questioned.
There is an interest in the potential of Ingleby Barwick but not a clamour to gain access to it. BOSSS is probably best placed to make use of the new venue given the relative flexibility and commitment of the swimmers for which it caters. However, decanting of swimming from any of the Borough’s other public pools would need to be fully cognisant of programming gaps that may be created as a result of the relocation as opposed to expansion of swimming coaching activity.
5.5 Summary and conclusion
KKP identified 13 swimming pools in Stockton, nine of which would be considered to be learner or leisure pools due to their size (being less than 20m in length). Three of the four remaining pools (Billingham Forum, Splash and Thornaby Pool) are open to the public while the fourth (Our Lady and St Bede’s) is a school pool. The main pools at Billingham Form and Splash are also supplemented by learner pools.
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Stockton-on-Tees does not have a 50m swimming pool. Swimmers and other aquatic users (water polo teams and synchronised swimmers) who require access to provision on this scale must travel to other local authority areas notably and most obviously Sunderland.
Only one in three (32.4%) of the borough’s population resides within 20 minutes walk of a public swimming pool. It is possible, however, that this will increase to c.43.5% with the proposed development of a publicly accessible five/six lane 25m pool at All Saints School (Ingleby Barwick).
Eight in ten of Stockton’s (25+m) publicly accessible swimming pools are considered to be either above average or good, however, half of the associated changing facilities are considered to be below average (the facilities at Billingham Forum are felt to be good).
All three of the public access pools are managed by Tees Active Leisure (TAL) and are therefore able to offer full public access. However, the proposed development at Ingleby Barwick would inevitably require careful programming/management of time and space for its proposed pool and fitness facilities.
The FPM estimates provision (per 1,000 people) in Stockton to be below national and regional averages and that (with a comfort factor) demand exceeds supply. It nevertheless finds that c.93% of demand is met and that this exceeds England and NGB rates. The FPM notes that this degree of met need runs contrary to per capita provision and it places the explanation mainly around relatively high levels of car ownership. For those residents that are less mobile, the situation is less positive. Pools at Thornaby and Splash are modelled to full throughout peak hours, whilst those at Billingham are extremely busy. This is borne out by the locations of the highest levels of unmet demand across the borough.
It is also possible that a new development at Ingleby Barwick may, at some point in the future, lead to further consideration being given to the long-term viability of Thornaby Pool. At present, however, Thornaby Pool is in a relatively ‘good for its age’ condition and offers some potential, at least in the short to medium term, to become a clubs/community managed asset.
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6. HEALTH AND FITNESS SUITES AND DANCE/EXERCISE STUDIOS
6.1 Introduction
For the past three decades attending health and fitness facilities in which to ‘work out’ has become a very popular way of keeping fit. Accompanying the growth in the number of increasingly sedentary jobs ‘going to the gym’ has, for many people, become a regular lifestyle activity. Static training equipment and dance/exercise studios make up the ‘core’ facilities and often sit alongside a swimming pool. They are also, at times, supplemented by facilities such as sauna & steam and squash courts to add value. Dependent on the type of club and the market it is aimed at this may extend to other facilities such as indoor tennis.
In addition to the health benefits, the expansion of health and fitness facilities has benefitted leisure operators as the ‘fitness product’ is accessed by high volumes of users and can be profitable. In the case of trusts and local government providers, health and fitness may be used to help subsidise less profitable operational areas, for example, swimming pools and sports halls.
6.2 Health and fitness – supply in Stockton
Quantity
In total there are health and fitness facilities at 23 locations throughout the borough, they contain 1,786 stations and there are two further facilities proposed (table 6.1).
The popularity and profitability of health and fitness has attracted a range of different suppliers to a market that is highly segmented. Stockton is no exception to this rule and in addition to TAL facilities in leisure centres, a number of private sector providers target different market segments, as illustrated below.
Table 6.1: Health and fitness provision in Stockton by the number of stations
Map Ref Site Name Number of stations 3 Atom Health & Fitness 21 5 Bannatynes Health Club (Ingleby Barwick) 90 8 Billingham Forum 98 13 Bishopsgarth School 20 22 David Lloyd Club (Teesside) 145 23 Denys World Gym 50 28 Egglescliffe School 12 41 HMP Kirklevington Grange 9 56 North Shore Academy 34 58 Northfield Sportsdrome 27 64 Oxygym Health and Fitness Club (Billingham) 95 65 Parkmore Hotel & Leisure Club 32 70 Queens Campus 27 71 Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre 18 76 Splash 70 77 SRC Sports Centre 25
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Map Ref Site Name Number of stations 90 Teesside High School 15 96 Thornaby Pavilion 58 99 Total Fitness (Teesside) 200 100 Trugym Stockton 60 103 Xercise4less (Stockton North) 400 104 Xercise4less (Stockton South) 250 107 Yarm School 30 Proposed new facilities Ingleby Barwick (All Saints School) 60 (or more) 92 The Wynyard Golf Club -
As shown in figure 6.1, over half (995 - 55.7%) of the stations are concentrated in only four venues, all of which are private operators. The next 521 (29.2%) stations are at seven venues. These include the TAL facilities at Billingham Forum, Splash and Thornaby Pavilion which account for 226 stations (12.7%). The remaining 15.1% of stations are spread across 12 smaller venues which include schools, smaller operators and HMP Kirklevington.
Figure 6.1: Health and fitness provision– ranked ordered by the number of stations
Health and fitness facilities by number of stations
HMP Kirklevington Grange Egglescliffe School Teesside High School Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre Bishopsgarth School Atom Health & Fitness Src Sports Centre Queens Campus Northfield Sportsdrome Yarm School Parkmore Hotel & Leisure Club North Shore Academy Denys World Gym Thornaby Pavilion Trugym Stockton Splash Bannatynes Health Club (Ingleby Barwick) Oxygym Health And Fitness Club (Billingham) Billingham Forum David Lloyd Club (Teesside) Total Fitness (Teesside) Xercise4Less (Stockton South) Xercise4Less (Stockton North) 0 100 200 300 400
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Quality
Sixteen venues containing c.86% of the stations were assessed. The seven not included (or to which we were not allowed access) cut across the range of membership types (see access) and contained 255 stations (c.14%).
Nine in 10 of the venues assessed were considered to be either good (75.0%) or above average (12.5%). However, as they tended to include the Borough’s larger venues they contained 97.9% of stations (Good 92.2%, above average 5.7%).
It should also be noted that the proposed facilities at Ingleby Barwick (All Saints School) and Wynyard Golf Club will inevitably be classified as good, thereby increasing the standard of accessible high quality stock.
Figure 6.2: Overview of quality rating for assessed fitness suites in Stockton.
Condition of health and fitness facilities by venue and number of stations
Stations 2.1% 5.7% 92.2%
Facilities 12.5% 12.5% 75.0%
0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 80.0% 90.0% 100.0% Poor Below average Above average Good
Table 6.2: Health and fitness provision in Stockton by condition Map Ref Site Name Condition of facilities 3 Atom Health & Fitness Not assessed 5 Bannatynes Health Club (Ingleby Barwick) Good 8 Billingham Forum Good 13 Bishopsgarth School Below average 22 David Lloyd Club (Teesside) Good 23 Denys World Gym Not assessed 28 Egglescliffe School Below average 41 HMP Kirklevington Grange Not assessed 56 North Shore Academy Good 58 Northfield Sportsdrome Above average 64 Oxygym Health and Fitness Club (Billingham) Not assessed 65 Parkmore Hotel & Leisure Club Not assessed 70 Queens Campus Good 71 Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre Not assessed 76 Splash Good
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Map Ref Site Name Condition of facilities 77 SRC Sports Centre Good 90 Teesside High School Good 96 Thornaby Pavilion Good 99 Total Fitness (Teesside) Good 100 Trugym Stockton Above average 103 Xercise4less (Stockton North) Good 104 Xercise4less (Stockton South) Good 107 Yarm School Not allowed in
A brief description covering various aspects appertaining to the standard of individual facilities is provided below; it is supplemented by brief site specific descriptions in the accompanying appendices.
School facilities Egglescliffe School – classroom size, 11 cardio vascular (second hand) plus free weights – not available for community use. Northfield Sportsdrome – 27 stations, above average, no air conditioning, well used, for members only, no school use, changing facilities below standard, dance studio above average 15 x 15m Northshore Academy – 21 cardio vascular and 13 resistance plus free weights, good standard with air conditioning, Lifestyles own and maintain the equipment, studio – good Stockton 6th Form College – multi gym in classroom and studio in separate (Stockton Town FC) building – good quality Teesside High School – fitness suite; good standard, equipment by parental donation, available for community use
Tees Active Leisure facilities Billingham Forum – 98 stations, good quality, Technogym and pure strength equipment, 2,300 members, Spin studio and general studio – both good Thornaby Pavilion – 58 stations plus free weights, good quality, Technogym equipment, 800 members, quiet during the day, Studio below average (20 x 20) Splash – 70 stations, good quality, Technogym equipment, 1,200 members, studio, good quality, air conditioning
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Private facilities Bannatynes (Ingleby Barwick) – good quality, fully refurbished in October 2015, Technogym equipment, air conditioning, two studios – each above average and with air conditioning. David Lloyd – excellent overall venue – good quality fitness suite and studios (2) all with air conditioning. Exercise4Less (Stockton North) – good fitness suite and studio both with air conditioning, new fitness equipment, located within large Tesco superstore. Exercise4Less (Stockton South) – good fitness suite and studio both with air conditioning, new fitness equipment, in effect it is a large warehouse. Queens Campus (Durham University) – good quality fitness suite, 44 stations, new equipment, air conditioning. Total Fitness – good fitness suite, with air conditioning, new equipment (November 2015), good studios (3) all with air conditioning. Tru Gym – in general starting to look a little tired, above average fitness suite
Accessibility: Stockton’s health and fitness facilities
86% of the borough’s population resides within 20 minutes’ walk of a health and fitness facility, based on a radial catchment of one mile, and 96.4% live within 30 minutes.
Table 6.3: Health and fitness catchment populations with 1 and 1.5 mile radii
Population % of total population Stockton -on-Tees 193,196 100.0% Within 1 Mile 166,054 86.0% Within 1.5 Miles 186,298 96.4%
Public and private access can take more than one form at a single site. However, the predominant form at each site is outlined below. Sixteen venues offer pay and play, these contain 84% (1,500) of stations and include a range of operators. Four clubs were classed as either community associations or registered members, they accounted for 212 (11.9%) of stations. The remaining three are for private use only, they account for only 4.3% (76) stations and comprise three schools and HMP Kirklevington.
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Figure 6.3: Health and fitness suites with 1 and 1.5 mile catchments.
Accessibility: Neighbouring facilities
As shown by figure 6.2, there are numerous health and fitness facilities in surrounding authorities. As with the other built facilities and due to the regional pattern of development the majority (10) within a mile of Stockton’s boundary are located in Middlesbrough with one additional site in Redcar and Cleveland.
In total the 11 venues contain 548 stations with the scale ranging from 6 stations to 139. Two venues in particular contain almost half (47.3%) of the additional stations, these are:
DW Sport Fitness – Middlesbrough (139 stations) and Lifestyle fitness – Middlesbrough (120 stations).
As with swimming, it may be anticipated that there will be some cross-border flow. However, this is more likely to reflect convenience due to travel to work and other such patterns of movement rather than a need to travel to simply have access to a facility.
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Figure 6.4: Health and fitness suites in surrounding authorities – includes a 1 mile buffer.
Table 6.4: Health and fitness facilities within a mile of the Stockton border Site name Local Authority Number of stations Steel City Gymnasium Middlesbrough 50 DW Sports Fitness (Middlesbrough) Middlesbrough 139 Hemlington Lake & Recreation Centre Middlesbrough 20 Macmillan Leisure Centre Middlesbrough 14 Otium Leisure Club (Middlesbrough) Middlesbrough 21 Middlesbrough College Middlesbrough 40 The Escape Zone (Middlesbrough) Middlesbrough 70 Lifestyle Fitness (Middlesbrough) Middlesbrough 120 Teesside University Middlesbrough 35 Acklam Park Middlesbrough 6 Mas Body Gym Redcar & Cleveland 33
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6.3 Demand
In order to assess the adequacy of the quantity of provision we have developed a demand calculation based on an assumption that UK penetration rates will increase slightly in the future from a current position of 13.7%.
Table 6.5: Analysis of demand for health and fitness provision (adult population)
2012 2024 2037 Stockton adult population (aged 16+) 155,085 164,750 175,644 UK average penetration rate 12% 13% 14% Number of potential members 18,610 21,418 24,590 Number of visits per week (1.5 per member) 27,915 32,126 36,885 65% of visits in peak time 18,145 20,882 23,975 Stations required (no/30 peak hours)* 605 696 799 *The above excludes any comfort factor for fitness suites at the peak time which can account for the requirement of an additional 50%+ provision.
As noted earlier, Stockton currently has an estimated total of 1,786 fitness stations across all sites. Based upon the average national UK penetration rate, both at present and in the future (2024 & 2037) demand for the membership of facilities appears to be more than fully catered for while at the same time allowing for more casual pay and play use at venues.
6.4 The cost of health and fitness facilities
The associated costs of health and fitness membership vary markedly as shown in the following examples.
Table 6.6: Comparative Health and fitness costs
Venue Administration costs Individual monthly costs David Lloyd centre £40 £80 Total Fitness £25 (on offer at £12) £40 (on offer £35) Bannatynes Included in monthly fees £33 Billingham Forum £25 £22 Northshore Academy - £15 Exercise 4 Less £30 £10
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6.5 Summary and conclusion
In total there are health and fitness facilities at 23 locations throughout the borough, they contain 1,786 stations and there are two further facilities proposed.
Demand is usually assessed for venues with 20+ stations, based on such criteria the borough has 1,732 stations across 19 venues. The average national UK penetration rate indicates that c.13.7% of the adult population are members of a health and fitness facility. Based on these criteria the capacity within Stockton, both at present and in the future (2024 & 2037), appears to be more than capable of accommodating projected membership and usage while at the same time allowing for more casual pay and play.
56% of the stations are concentrated at just four venues, all of which are private operators. Over one quarter are at the next seven; these include the TAL facilities at Billingham Forum, Splash and Thornaby Pavilion. The remaining 15% are in 12 smaller venues including schools, smaller operators and HMP Kirklevington.
Nine in ten venues were classified as good or above average, however, as they include larger venues they contain 98% of stations (good 92%, above average 6%).
86% of Stockton’s population resides within 20 minutes’ walk of a health and fitness facility, based on a radial catchment of one mile, and 96% within 30 minutes.
Based on the predominant form of public access at each site, sixteen venues offer pay and play, they contain 84% (1,500) of stations and cut across a range of operators.
The majority of facilities (10) within one mile of Stockton’s boundary are in Middlesbrough, with one additional site in Redcar & Cleveland. In total they contain 548 stations and range in size from 6 stations to 139. Two venues in particular contain almost half of these additional stations; DW Sport Fitness and Lifestyle fitness (both in Middlesbrough).
In short, many of the venues have high quality, new / often the same equipment supplier and air conditioning. Consequently, if based purely on the equipment, its age and standard requirements to train there is little to differentiate several of these centres.
Nevertheless, as might be anticipated from the brand names and market targeting the range of costs can vary markedly. They reflect the packages on offer, which are not always directly comparable and can differ in relation to factors such as length of membership, age of participants, type of activities/lessons etc. They also, however, reflect more nebulous concepts such as reputation, image and target market segmentation. The bottom line is that there is a wide range of provision for all parts of the market.
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7. OTHER SPECIALIST PROVISION
In this section we look at various other forms of specialist provision:
7.1 Indoor bowls (flat green) provision
National governing body
The English Indoor Bowls Association is the NGB for bowls; its stated objectives are:
A growth in participation across the adult population in local communities. Targeted work to increase female participation. A growth in participation in the 14-25 age range, plus working with primary schools (Year 3 & 4 – age 7 to 9). The provision of an excellent sporting experience for new and existing participants. A growth in indoor bowls participation by people who have disabilities.
Segmentation and targeting
Sport England data shows adult (16+) participation in bowls in Stockton to be as follows:
1,498 current participants plus 344 people who would like to play Franks, Ralphs and Phyllis’ are the groups most likely to play. However, as these vary in size those most likely to play are not always the groups with the largest numbers of potential participants; in the case of bowls these are Franks and Elsies & Arnolds. Frank is described as possibly married or single, aged 66+ and retired. He tends not to be very active although if he is, the main sports he takes part in are golf, keep fit, bowls, swimming and cycling. Bowls is the fifth most likely Elsie & Arnold are described as aged 66+, to be widowed and retired. Their activity levels are consistent with those in this age range although they are likely to do progressively less as they get older. Their main sports are keep fit, swimming and bowls. Bowls is the fifth most likely sport for them to say they would like to take part in (if not currently already doing so).
Provision
Stockton has one indoor bowls facility located at Thornaby Pavilion. It was assessed as a good quality facility but has been reduced in size over recent years from eight to six lanes – to make way for additional health and fitness provision. Although a thriving club for a long period, Thornaby Bowls Club, membership appears to have dipped in recent years.
The facility includes a bar area (managed by TAL) plus seating. It also has changing facilities for bowlers. It is available for public use via casual pay and play but there is little demand for the sport in this form. The other two lanes (see above) were reassigned to expand the fitness room. As if to reflect wider societal change reportedly more (recent) over 60s now frequent the gym than play bowls.
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7.2 Indoor tennis
National governing body
The LTA has a stated objective to grow the sport and ensure that more people are able to play tennis more often at first class facilities, with high quality coaching programmes and well organised competition.
Its overall aim for 2011-2016 has been to ensure that, as far as practicably possible, people have access to and are aware of such opportunities in their local area, including:
Access for everyone to well maintained high quality tennis facilities that are either free or pay as you play. A Clubmark accredited place to play within a 10 minute drive of their home. Indoor tennis courts within a 20 minute drive time of their home. A mini tennis (10 and under) performance programme within a 20 minute drive of their home (Performance Centres). A performance programme for 11-15 year olds within a 45 minute drive time of their home (High Performance Centre). A limited number of internationally orientated programmes strategically spread for players 16+ with an international programme (International High Performance Centres). Note: These targets are guidelines and subject to demand, population density and existing provision.
Segmentation and targeting
Sport England data shows adult (16+) participation in tennis in Stockton to be as follows:
2,889 current participants plus 3,396 people who would like to play. Bens and Tims are the groups most likely to play. However, as groups vary those most likely to play are not always the ones with the largest numbers of potential participants; in the case of tennis these are Tims and Alisons. Tim is described as possibly married or single, aged 26-45, employed in a professional capacity and may have children. He tends to be quite active and to take part in sport on a regular basis. The main sports in which he takes part are cycling, keep fit, swimming, football and athletics. Tennis is the eighth most likely activity for him to do and the sixth in the order of those he would like to take part in (if not currently involved). Alison is described as aged 36-45, to be a married, stay at home mum with children. She is fairly active and her main sports are keep fit, swimming, cycling and athletics. Tennis is the sixth most likely sport for her to do and the fifth u=in which she says she would like to take part (if not currently involved).
Provision
Stockton has one indoor tennis facility at the David Lloyd centre which sits adjacent to the Tees Barrage (see later). As might be anticipated it has been assessed as being in an excellent facility and comprises: Indoor tennis Outdoor tennis Two acrylic courts Three artificial grass courts – not floodlit Five textile courts Four artificial grass courts – floodlit
In addition, the venue also includes health and fitness and studio facilities (see earlier).
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7.3 Squash
National governing body
The NGB’s 2008 – 2013 vision was to ensure that squash and racketball increased in popularity and profile, continued and increased success at international level and ran according to the highest standards of governance, management and ethics. A new strategy is currently understood to be in production). England Squash key aims, drawn from the 2008-2013 strategy, are centred around:
Participation, accessibility & membership and Stability, independence & governance.
They are underpinned by commitments to competition, coaching, refereeing, facilities and marketing.
Segmentation and targeting
Sport England data shows adult (16+) participation in squash in Stockton to be as follows:
1,608 current participants plus 1,084 people who would like to play Bens and Tims are the groups most likely to play. However, as groups vary those most likely to play are not always the one with the largest numbers of potential participants; in the case of squash these are Tims and Philips. Tim is described as possibly married or single, aged 26-45, employed in a professional capacity and may have children. He tends to be quite active and to take part in sport on a regular basis. The main sports in which he takes part are cycling, keep fit, swimming, football and athletics. Tennis is the eighth most likely activity for him to do and the sixth to say he would like to take part in (if not currently involved). Philip is described as a comfortable mid-life male, aged 46-55, with children. His sporting activity level is above the national average. The main sports in which he takes part are cycling, keep fit, swimming, football and golf. Squash currently lies in tenth position and is ninth in the list of those in which he would like to take part.
Provision
Stockton has 17 squash courts across seven venues (according to Active Places). As part of KKP’s assessment process four venues, containing nine courts, were visited (Billingham Forum, David Lloyd Club, Thornaby Pavilion and Total Fitness - Teesside). Three of the nine courts were glass backed (at David Lloyd) and all were either good or above average standard (see venue profiles in appendices for further details).
One of the courts at Thornaby Pavilion
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7.4 Water sports and high ropes: Tees Barrage.
This Tees Active Leisure facility is positioned alongside the River Tees and the A66. It lies to the east of Queen’s Campus (Durham University) and shares an access road with the David Lloyd Tennis Centre (see earlier).
It provides an excellent base with high class facilities for water sports and has an appropriate level of storage and changing facilities, a café, shop and associated car parking. It has recently (in late 2015) added what is thought to be the country’s highest outdoor high ropes course (18m) and has the potential to provide an ideal base and ‘launch point’ for local and sub-regional cycle routes and walks.
It is one of an increasing (but limited) number of centres to utilise the environment to provide alternative sporting and experiential activities. This cross-over makes for a highly flexible and potentially commercially lucrative proposition. It possible at the same venue to develop sporting skills in certain activities such as kayaking but also to train accident and rescue teams, to generate income from stag and hen parties, teambuilding events and children’s parties (see appendices for further details). The turbines, linked to the white water activities, generate their own electricity for the course and feed surplus into national grid thereby generating income/reducing costs for the centre as a whole.
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7.5 Ice rink.
The borough is home to an ice rink at Billingham Forum (TAL). Originally built in 1966 using ICI funds, the rink was refurbished in 2011. Its ‘playing area’ covers 1,456 sq m. It is slightly undersized for national league ice hockey but is, nevertheless, home to three ice hockey teams and the rink incorporates a fast freeze facility.
It has a seating gallery for c.600 and attracts a footfall of around 180,000 visits per annum
7.6 Indoor climbing
Billingham Forum has recently (since completion of the original report) converted a four court sports hall into a two court hall plus a climbing facility; the surrounding area also has a:
Climbing facility at Stockton Riverside College (SRC). ‘Clip n’ Climb’ (Portrack Business Park) described as climbing wall meets theme park. Further three facilities within 10 miles, at Rock Antics (Middlesborough), Summerhill (Hartlepool) and Rock Antics (Newton Aycliffe).
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8. KEY FACTS
Population 194,119 (2014) - projected to rise to 206,753 by 2025 and to 215,858 by 2037. Largest increase (+68.3%) in the numbers aged 65+ reaching 52,829 by 2037. Active elderly demands will translate to a different activity portfolio than previously for age group. Need also to plan for population change by area to reflect house building programmes etc. Little ethnic diversity – need to ensure social inclusion and identify the needs of minority groups. Economically polarised population - two times national proportion in country’s most deprived cohort and 1.5 times as many in the two least deprived groups. Health deprivation - adult and child obesity above national and regional rates. Ill health costs to the NHS (due to physical inactivity in Stockton) estimated as £2.86m p.a. Sports participation above, but sports club membership below, national and regional averages. Most popular sports are gym, swimming, cycling, football and keep fit. Higher than average proportion attend the gym, lower numbers swim. Sports halls 29 small sports halls (activity halls, one or two badminton courts). 22 larger halls (three, four and eight courts). Three quarters of larger halls and two thirds of their changing rooms are above average or good. Alternately, one in four halls and one in three changing rooms are below average (all in schools). Nine in ten people live within 20 minutes walk of a sports hall and 96% within 30 minutes. Five further halls, in Middlesbrough, are within a mile of the Stockton boundary. Two are permanently accessible to the public; Billingham Forum and Thornaby Pavilion. 20 are school halls etc. - most are not available during the day and are busy at peak times. 13 (of the 20) offer community use of an evening during the week, nine offer weekend access.
Sport England’s Facilities Planning Model (FPM) estimates: 5.99 courts per 10,000 population in Stockton (England 4.35, North East 5.52). 93.5% of Stockton’s demand is met (England 89.7%, North East 90.7%). 81.4% of this (satisfied demand) is met by Stockton’s own facilities. 18.6% is exported to surrounding districts. 72.7% of users travel by car, 17.3% by foot and 10.1% by public transport. Unmet demand is spread thinly and could not be met by a new facility. Only 56.5% of capacity is used during peak times (England 72.3% North East 59.1%). Facilities are much less busy than might be expected and have spare capacity. A comfortable environment for participants but a challenging one for site managers. Swimming pools 13 swimming pools across eight sites in Stockton: Nine are small/learner pools, four are larger, community/county standard pools – at Billingham Forum, Splash and Thornaby Pool; all managed by TAL. The borough does not have a 50m pool. Three (of the four larger) pools are above average or good while one is below average. Two sets of changing rooms are good while two are below average. One in three people live within 20 minutes walk of a pool and just over half within 30 minutes. Three further pools, in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland, are within two miles of the boundary and thus accessible by car.
Sport England’s FPM estimates: 11.16 sq m (of water) per 1,000 population (England 12.46, North East 12.51). 92.9% of Stockton’s demand is met (England 91.4%, North East 89.6%). ... this contradiction is attributed to pool location and car ownership. 78.1% of satisfied demand is met by Stockton’s own facilities. 21.9% is exported to surrounding districts. 76.6% of users travel by car, 14.0% by foot and 9.5% by public transport. Unmet demand, c.900 visits per week, is in part due to pools being full at peak times, with Billingham (83%), Thornaby (100%) and Splash (100%) all over capacity.
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Health and fitness suites and dance/exercise studios 23 health and fitness suites containing 1,786 stations. 995 stations concentrated in four private venues; 400 at Xercise4less Stockton North and 250 at Stockton South, 200 at Total Fitness and 145 at David Lloyd’s. 521 (29.2%) at seven venues, including three managed by Tees Active Leisure 270 (15.1%) at 12 smaller venues, including schools and a neighbourhood centre.
Facilities containing 86% of stations were assessed: Seven in eight are good or above average and as large sites contain 98% of stations. The three Tees Active Leisure facilities comprise 226 stations, and are generally of good quality (the exception being a studio at Thornaby Pavilion) 86% of people live within 20 minutes’ walk of a facility and 96% within 30 minutes. Sixteen venues offer pay and play and contain 84% of stations. Eleven further sites (548 stations) are within a mile of the boundary. Current and future demand (2024 and 2037) is more than adequately catered for, based on the current supply of stations relative to UK rates of access to H&F facilities. Indoor bowls (flat green) One indoor bowls facility (Thornaby Pavilion) - assessed as good quality. Membership has dipped in recent years; it is also available as pay and play. Reduced from eight to six lanes, space released is now used for health and fitness provision. Recent over 60s are (reportedly) more likely to frequent the gym than play bowls. Indoor tennis One indoor tennis facility (David Lloyd centre) - assessed as excellent Comprises seven indoor and seven outdoor courts plus health and fitness and studio facilities. Squash 17 squash courts across seven venues. Four venues, containing nine courts, assessed - all nine either good or above average standard Three of the nine are glass backed (at David Lloyd).. Water sports and high ropes: Tees Barrage One of an increasing (but limited) number of centres to utilise the environment to provide alternative sporting, experiential, fun and skills training activities. Its mix offers a highly flexible and potentially commercially lucrative proposition and is managed by TAL; it: Provides high quality facilities for water sports. Has appropriate storage, changing facilities, a café, shop and associated car parking. Recently (late 2015) added the country’s highest outdoor high ropes course (18m). Is an ideal base and ‘launch point’ for local and sub-regional cycle routes and walks. Generates its own electricity; feeds surplus into the national grid and thus generates income. Ice rink One rink (Billingham Forum) – built in 1966 and refurbished in 2011 Incorporates a fast freeze facility. Has a ‘playing area’ of 1,456 sq m; slightly undersized for national league ice hockey Nevertheless, it is home to three ice hockey teams. Has a seating gallery for c.600 and attracts a footfall of around 180,000 visits p.a. Indoor climbing Billingham Forum has recently (since completion of the original report) converted a four court sports hall into a two court hall plus a climbing facility; the surrounding area also has a: Climbing facility at Stockton Riverside College (SRC). ‘Clip n’ Climb’ (Portrack Business Park) described as climbing wall meets theme park. Further three facilities within 10 miles, at Rock Antics (Middlesborough), Summerhill (Hartlepool) and Rock Antics (Newton Aycliffe).
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