DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE 16 February 2017

AGENDA ITEM 10

Subject OPEN SPACE, SPORTS AND RECREATION STUDY 2016

Report by DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Enquiries contact: Laura Percy, [email protected], (01245) 606486

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to present the final elements of the Open Space, Sports and Recreation Study 2016 to the Committee and to seek approval for the study to be published as part of Chelmsford City Council’s Local Plan evidence base.

Recommendations

1 That the Committee notes this report.

2 That the Committee approves the Open Space, Sports and Recreation Study 2016 to be published as part of the Chelmsford City Council Local Plan evidence base.

Corporate Implications

Legal: The study will support the implementation of current adopted policies and underpin the Council’s future Local Plan, by providing a robust and credible evidence base document. Financial: None. Budgetary provision has been made for the study costs. Personnel: None. Risk Management: Risk of evidence base not being endorsed, which could delay the timetable for preparing the new Local Plan. Equalities and Diversity: The study will help inform decisions on future open space and sports facility (indoor and outdoor) related development across the City Council area. This will have an impact upon equality/diversity. The study itself is an evidence base document which is not subject to an equalities impact assessment. Health and Safety: None. IT: None. Other: None.

Consultees CCC – Sustainable Communities Directorate, Parks Services, Leisure Services Neighbouring Local Planning Authorities Local interest groups Sport England National Governing Bodies and Sports Clubs and Organisations

Policies and Strategies

The report takes into account the following policies and strategies of the City Council:  Core Strategy and Development Control Policies Development Plan Document, February 2008  Focused Review of Core Strategy and Development Control Policies Development Plan Document, December 2013  Chelmsford Town Centre Area Action Plan, August 2008  North Chelmsford Area Action Plan, July 2011  Site Allocations Development Plan Document, February 2012  Local Development Scheme, 2016-2019  Supplementary Planning Documents  Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule, February 2014  Duty to Co-operate Strategy, March 2015  Statement of Community Involvement, March 2016

The Chelmsford Local Development Framework takes into account relevant strategies of the City Council.

Corporate Plan Priorities

The report relates to the following priorities in the Corporate Plan.

Attracting investment and delivering infrastructure  Facilitating suitable housing for local needs Providing high quality public spaces  Promoting a more sustainable environment  Promoting healthier and more active lives  Enhancing participation in cultural activities

1. Introduction

1.1 The purpose of this report is twofold:

1. To update the Committee on the Open Space part of the wider Open Space, Sports and Recreation Study 2016 2. To set out the findings of the Indoor/Built Sports Facilities part of the wider Open Space, Sports and Recreation Study 2016

1.2 All reports have been prepared for the City Council by consultants Ethos Environmental Planning. This work has been commissioned in partnership with the City Council’s Leisure and Heritage and Parks Services.

1.3 The purpose of the overall study is to assess the current levels of open space and sports provision across the Chelmsford area to enable the Council to set standards for new provision and improvements to existing provision. It is to be used to assist the Council in considering what provision or improvements can be made to open spaces, sports and recreation facilities. As such, while it has some key overall findings it is a tool to be used in a more site specific way for assisting in the determination of new planning applications or allocating sites for future development.

1.4 To do this there are three key elements to the study which assess the provision and quality of each of the following:  Open Space  Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sports Facilities  Indoor and Built Sports and Recreation Facilities

1.5 For each of these elements there is an assessment of the current assets across the Chelmsford area, followed by recommendations of what may be needed or where there may be room for improvement to such facilities in the future through the strategies and action plans listed in paragraph 1.7 below.

1.6 The study has surveyed hundreds of sites and facilities as well as carrying out significant consultation with various sporting bodies and users of all spaces and facilities. Importantly it has followed and satisfied Sport England’s guidance on how to produce such a study and what it should include.

1.7 It should be noted that the diagrams and maps included within the study documents are for reference to aid in the presentation of the findings within the reports but these are held on an electronic mapping database which the City Council will use and update. The scale they are reproduced at for the purposes of the reports is limited due to the number of maps and the areas they cover.

1.8 The overall study will replace the City Council’s 2005 PPG17 Assessment. It comprises six reports which cover open space, indoor and outdoor sports and recreation. The reports are:

1. Community and Stakeholder Consultation Report (Local Needs Assessment) 2. Open Space Study (comprising of a main report and six area profiles) 3. Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Needs Assessment 4. Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy and Action Plan 5. Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 6. Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan

1.9 Reports 1 – 4 listed above were reported to the Development Policy Committee on 29 September 2016. Full details of which can be found under Item 8 at http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/development-policy-committee-29-sep-2016-700pm. This covering report deals with reports 5 and 6 and provides an update on outstanding issues raised in respect of the other reports considered by the Development Policy Committee in September 2016.

2 Context

2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires local planning authorities to set out policies to help enable communities to access high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation. These policies need to be based on a thorough understanding of local needs for such facilities and opportunities available for new provision. To supplement the NPPF, Sport England provide further, detailed guidance on how such a study should be carried out. It is essential that, as a key stakeholder, Sport England are satisfied that the guidance has been followed and is met.

2.2 In view of the above, Chelmsford City Council appointed Ethos Environmental Planning to produce a new needs assessment and strategy to inform the planning decision making process to inform the new Local Plan for the period up to 2036. This new assessment will replace the existing PPG17 Assessment published by the Council in 2005.

2.3 The overall aims of the study are:  To provide an audit of existing indoor and outdoor leisure facilities and public open space within the City’s administrative area and immediate boundaries.  To provide an assessment of these facilities in terms of quantity, quality and accessibility.  To provide a community and stakeholder needs assessment.  To identify gaps in provision, over provision and priority guidelines for future investment.  To develop and provide a strategy determining the actions and resources required to guide the City Council’s decision making up until 2036.

2.4 The overall outcome of the study draws upon an evidence base comprised of:  Consultation and engagement with all relevant key stakeholders, agencies and organisations as well as the wider community and general public.  A detailed audit of all facilities within the scope of the study.  Analysis and assessment of the adequacy of current and future facility provision based on recommended methodologies such as Sport England's "Assessing Needs and Opportunities" national planning guidance.

3 The Community and Stakeholder Consultation Report (Local Needs Assessment)

3.1 This part of the study has been considered by the Development Policy Committee on 29 September 2016 (Appendix 2 of Item 8) http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/development-policy-committee-29-sep-2016-700pm. It examines local needs for a wide range of different kinds of open space, sport, and recreation facilities. It has drawn upon a range of survey and analytical techniques including a review of consultation findings from relevant play, sports, leisure and open space studies. It outlines the community consultation and research process that has been undertaken as part of the study as well as the main findings.

3.2 It is important to note that the results of this consultation report, and other analyses, help to inform the content of the recommended local standards in the Indoor/Built Sports Facilities.

4 Update on the Open Space Study (comprising a main report and six area profiles)

4.1 Again this part of the study was considered by the Development Policy Committee on 29 September 2016, Appendices 3 and 4 of Item 8 which can be found at http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/development-policy-committee-29-sep-2016-700pm

4.2 During discussion on this report a number of inaccuracies and omissions relating to provision in South Woodham Ferrers were pointed out and the Committee were advised that the reports would be amended. These amendments have now been made to the reports and the electronic mapping updated accordingly. It should be noted that these changes do not alter the overall recommended standards as set out to the Committee on 29 September 2016.

4.3 The next steps for this part of the study will be for the electronic mapping to be handed over to the City Council. Once all reports (open space and built facilities) are agreed this will be done to enable the City Council to continue to monitor and update sites.

5 Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment and Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan

5.1 The Indoor/Built Sports Facilities Study is the final part of the overall study to be completed. This now completes the suite of documents which make up the Open Space, Sports and Recreation Study 2016.This part of the study comprises two reports, a needs assessment of facilities and a Strategy and Action Plan.

5.2 Overall, the main objectives of this part of the study are to:  Identify all key indoor sports facilities currently available to the community  Identify the demand for these facilities by local people  Evaluate what local people think about the quality of facility provision  Identify existing and predicted deficiencies/surpluses (including potential demand for indoor extreme sports)  Identify recommendations for future areas of investment and delivering improvements.

5.3 The study is informed by the findings in the Consultation Report which was considered by the Development Policy Committee on 29 September 2016 and can be found at Appendix 2 of Item 8 at http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/development-policy- committee-29-sep-2016-700pm

The Needs Assessment

5.4 The Indoor/Built Sport Facility Needs Assessment report is attached at Appendix 1 and is made up of the following main sections:  Section 2 provides context for the study in respect of planned change within the local authority, and an analysis of the characteristics of the population that have a relevance to planning for sport and recreation. Key policies of other stakeholders are also noted.  Sections 3 to 11 provide an assessment of provision for different facilities/activities, based on a consideration of their quantity, quality and accessibility, and availability for ‘community use’. The term ‘Community’ Use is central to this study and is defined below. At the end of each section there is a short summary in respect of key findings, alongside issues and options.  Section 12 considers the impact of future planned population change on those facilities/activities considered in the Sections 3 to 11. As appropriate it outlines some potential standards of provision for key facilities, and other appropriate strategic recommendations to help meet both existing and future demand for facilities.

5.5 Key findings of the assessment are summarised below for each sport/facility considered under the key considerations of the study: Quantity, Quality and Accessibility.

Indoor Swimming Pools

5.6 Quantity – Future demand arising from population growth will increase the demand for additional pool space, to around the equivalent of one 25m, 4 lane pool. Quality – The improvements to the pool at Riverside Ice and Leisure will address issues raised through the consultation. Accessibility – There are some rural parts of Chelmsford which are not within easy reach of a community use pool.

Sports Halls

5.7 Quantity – There is a small unmet need for sports halls but future population growth will generate a demand for 1.6 x 4 court sports halls to meet increased demands. Quality – Although overall supply is acceptable there is an aging stock of facilities. Accessibility – There are some rural parts of Chelmsford which are not within easy reach of sports halls with community use.

Health and Fitness Suites

5.8 Quantity – There is a varied stock of provision locally but the cost of using some of those outside of the City Council’s control can prohibit some users. There is scope to make better use of school facilities but generally there is sufficient supply. Future population growth will increase demand for these facilities. Quality – Good or very good quality of stock. Accessibility – Much of the existing provision is within the urban areas which allows for easy walking access for all to these facilities.

Indoor Bowls

5.9 Quantity – Currently sufficient provision from the single facility available. Any future provision or improvements should be focused on the existing venue at Falcon Bowls Club. Quality – The existing facility is considered to be in good condition. Accessibility – Although much of Chelmsford residents are outside of a reasonable drive time to the existing facility, given the levels of demand it is not considered that this situation could or needs to be improved.

Indoor Tennis

5.10 Quality – Currently no indoor tennis facility within Chelmsford despite the fact demand exists for such a facility. Future population growth will accentuate this need for such a facility. Quality – No facility to access. Accessibility – If such a facility were to be provided a 15-20 minute drive time would cover the urban areas and their fringes.

Athletics

5.11 Quantity – There is a very good level of provision with indoor and outdoor facilities. Future population growth would not justify a second such venue, although improvements to the existing track would be warranted and the use of the track at New Hall School as a satellite venue could be encouraged, with the school’s support. Quality – Improvements to the changing and gym facilities at Chelmsford Athletics Club clubhouse would be beneficial. Accessibility – The current catchment area is acceptable.

Studios

5.12 Quantity – The use of studios is very popular and future population growth will accentuate the need for such flexible facilities. Quality – Such facilities are generally of good quality and there is a good level of provision. Accessibility – There is potential for the enhancement of village halls and other smaller community venues to provide for activities in locations beyond a 10-15 minute travel time of the urban areas.

Squash

5.13 Quantity – The supply of venues largely meets demand. There may be some additional demand with future population growth. Quality – The current facilities are generally suitable. Accessibility – Future demand could be directed to expanding existing venues.

Village and Community Halls

5.14 Quantity – There is good geographic and quantitate spread of facilities which serve an important function which more centrally-placed leisure centres and facilities are difficult to reach. Such facilities will be required in areas of future growth. Quality – Generally in a good level of repair and maintenance, although varying ages of facilities means some upgrading could be done to meet community needs where access to more centrally locations is difficult. Accessibility – Given the good level of local provision there is good access to such facilities.

Future Provision, Standards and Recommendations

5.15 Section 12 of the Needs Assessment sets out recommended standards in full. It should be noted that it is not appropriate to apply standards to all types of facility. The reasons for this are set out in table 15 in section 12 of the report at Appendix 1. It should be noted that these do not take into account the existing provision secured in existing growth planned for in the North Chelmsford Area Action Plan as this has not been built at the point of this study. Once completed such facilities can be netted off the recommended standards. In line with guidance these standards should be reviewed every five years to account for population growth and on-going changes to facilities. A summary of the standards is provided in the table below:

Facility Standard (if Calculation to be appropriate) applied to projected population growth to 2036 Indoor Swimming Pools 10.66sqm water 251sqm water space space/1000 persons (equivalent of a 25m x 4 lane pool) Sports Halls 0.28 courts/1000 persons 1.6 x 4 court sports halls (6.6 courts) Health and Fitness Suites 1 suite/1000 persons 23-24 stations spread over one or more centre Indoor Bowls N/A Any additional capacity should be met through the expansion of existing facilities Indoor Tennis N/A At least a 3-4 court facility. Athletics N/A N/A Studios N/A Integral to all new major sports hall provision. Squash Courts N/A In association on with new or improved leisure centres Village Hall/Community 1 Hall/5,500 persons 4.5 additional small hall Buildings venues or equivalent.

5.16 It is important to note that these recommended standards can be met in a variety of ways. For example, some may be met through new provision and some may be able to be met through utilising spare capacity at existing facilities.

6 Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan

6.1 This report is attached at Appendix 2 and covers a strategy for the facilities set out in the table above. The strategy and action plan will be used to:

 Inform the preparation of planning policy and planning documents  Assist in applying the CIL and developing S106 agreements  Inform other investment decisions in the development of bids for external funding

6.2 The report covers the following sections:

 A summary of the context for preparing this strategy;  A summary of the main issues that have been identified as affecting each type of facility, now and in the coming years;  The strategic vision, aims and recommendations to guide the actions and decisions of the City Council and its partners over the coming years (The Strategy);  A facility specific schedule of recommendations (The Action Plan); and,  How the Strategy should be kept up-to-date, and its implementation resourced.

6.3 Section 3 of the Strategy and Action Plan at Appendix 2 sets out different options which could be available to meet the needs identified in the Needs Assessment at Appendix 1 and section 4 goes on to set out aims and recommendations to guide, but not dictate to, the City Council in the future. It should be noted that although CCC is a major partner / provider the Council is not obligated to fund or deliver all the Site and Sports Specific Actions but will work in partnership with other organisations and providers.

6.4 The vision and key aims for the strategy are to create an environment for local sport and physical activity which helps in:

 Improving the overall physical and mental health and wellbeing of residents  Encourages individual, social and community development  Promotes participation amongst children, to help develop habits for life in respect of participation  Promotes participation amongst those groups within the community that do not traditionally have good levels of participation

6.5 There are five Strategic recommendations set out within section 4 in full which seek to achieve the vision and aims of the strategy. These include reasoning and a justification and help to shape the action plan. The Strategic Recommendations are as follows:

 SR1 - Conserve and improve the existing stock of indoor and built sports facilities of existing and potential value for sport  SR2 - Provide new and improved opportunities and facilities that stand the best chance of encouraging participation amongst those groups that do not traditionally take part in sport and active recreation in high numbers  SR3 - Provide new and improved opportunities for children with the aim of helping develop a ‘habit for life’ in sport and active recreation  SR4 - Provide new and improved opportunities that help retain and allow for progression of participants  SR5 - Develop and maintain a range of facilities and opportunities essential to the achievement of SR4

6.6 The Action Plan can be found in Appendix 2 and has two parts:

 Part A – provides general actions  Part B – provides facility specific actions

6.7 The Strategy and Action Plan has been prepared in consultation with Sport England and relevant Governing Bodies of Sport. These and other key stakeholders must therefore cooperate in achieving the strategic and site specific actions proposed. The facility-specific actions contained in Action Plan B have been graded as to their priority.

7 Next Steps

7.1 Section 5 of Appendix 2 explains how the Strategy and Action Plan will be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. It is recommended that a steering group should be set up to do this as new issues and opportunities emerge over the course of time, and the Strategy and Action Plan is therefore not intended to be inflexibly prescriptive. The practical involvement and leadership in achieving the implementation of actions must be agreed between members of the on-going steering group.

7.2 In addition the City Council’s Leisure and Heritage Services Team is in the process of preparing a new strategy of its own as a successor to ‘Be Moved 2012-16’ which will cover the City Council’s own priorities in more detail and be presented to Cabinet later this year.

8 How will these documents be used?

8.1 The purpose of these documents will be to inform the future provision of local requirements through the new Local Plan and also through planning applications. Together the documents set out future needs and improvements which can be made.

8.2 The documents set recommended standards and suggested strategy for improvements based on the evidence gathered. It will be for the new Local Plan and planning applications to direct what and where such improvements can be made and also for the Local Plan to adopt the recommended space standards set out within the studies which can then be applied to future planning applications.

9 Conclusion

9.1 There is a requirement for the Council to assess its Open Space and Sports Facility requirements in order to plan for its future requirements through the new Local Plan. Officers consider that the reports comprising the study represent robust and credible assessments and recommendations and should form part of the Council’s evidence base to inform the emerging Local Plan.

List of Appendices

Appendix 1 – Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment Appendix 2 – Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan

Background Papers

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Sport England’s ‘Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance’ and ‘Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guidance’

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan

2016 – 2036

Report produced on behalf of Chelmsford City Council by Leisure and the Environment in association with Ethos Environmental Planning

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 2

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan

Contents 1 Introduction 2 - 3

2 Context 4 - 6

3 Key issues 7 - 16

4 The Strategy and Action Plan 17- 33

5 Implementation, Review, and 34 - 37 Resources

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 1

Glossary of Terms

Term Meaning

ANOG Assessment of Needs and Opportunities Guide APP Active People Power APS Active People Survey FPM Facility Planning Model H&FS Health & Fitness Suites NCAAP North Chelmsford Action Area Plan SFC Sports Facility Calculator

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 2

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

1.1.1 This is one six reports provided within the overall Chelmsford Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Study. The six reports are:

 Chelmsford Community and Stakeholder Consultation Report (Local Needs Assessment);  Chelmsford Open Space Study (comprising a main report and six area profiles);  Chelmsford Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Needs Assessment (Part A, B and C);  Chelmsford Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy and Action Plan - Part D of the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Needs Assessment);  Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Sport Needs Assessment; and the  Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan (this report).

1.1.2 This document is based on a substantial needs assessment (The Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Sports Needs Assessment) and associated Community and Stakeholder Consultation Report undertaken for the City Council, and following recognised national guidance.

1.1.3 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires local planning authorities to set out policies to help enable communities to access high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation. These policies need to be based on a thorough understanding of local needs for such facilities and opportunities available for new provision. The Government's public health initiatives have seen local authorities assume more responsibility for improving levels of public health. Studies show that living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing chronic disease, improves quality of life and increases life expectancy. The Council is one of several key stakeholders with responsibilities that influence mental and physical wellbeing. The Council is therefore now aiming to support its residents and encourage health improvements by implementing the new Public Health Strategy alongside the Council's other policies and strategies.

1.1.4 Other national policy and strategies also point to the critical role of local authorities in both providing and facilitating new and improved sports provision to provide not just sports but also wider recreation and health benefits.

1.2 Remit

1.2.1 The remit of this strategy covers: Indoor Swimming Pools; Sports Halls; Health & Fitness Suites; Indoor Bowls; Indoor Tennis; Athletics; Studios; Squash; Village and Community Halls. Specific sports are also dealt with where they require one or more of the above facilities. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 3

1.3 Application, method and governance

1.3.1 The Strategy and Action Plan will be used to inform the preparation of statutory planning policy, and supplementary planning documents. It can be used in the applying the Community Infrastructure Levy and developing Section 106 agreements. The detailed information can also be used to inform other investment decisions on the part of both the Council, and its partners; and, developing bids for external funding.

1.3.2 The Strategy and Action Plan, as well as the underpinning Needs Assessment follows national guidance produced by Sport England, and consultation with the community and sports clubs and organisations has been integral to the project.

1.3.3 The report is made up of the following sections:

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 4

2.0 CONTEXT

2.1 General

2.1.1 An understanding of the population, local strategic context and sports participation trends is essential in order to ensure that facility provision is tailored to the characteristics, profile and aspirations for the local area.

2.1.2 The information provided in sections 2.2 and 2.3 below has been taken from the context section (section 2) of the Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Sports Needs Assessment Chelmsford Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Needs Assessment, which should be referred to for more detail.

2.2 Population

2.2.1 As at 2015 Chelmsford City Council area was estimated to have a population of 172,370. This figure is based upon population projections commissioned by the City Council. The same projections calculate that by the year 2036 the population will have increased 195,880. This figure is itself only based upon previous trends, and does not necessarily take into account the impact of planned new residential growth yet to be determined. This growth will affect the local demography in different ways. The following diagram shows the impact it is likely to have on key age groups.

2.3 Issues

2.3.1 The new government strategy ‘Sporting Future – A new strategy for an active nation’, identifies the importance of addressing flat-lining levels of participation in sports, and it has redefined ways of measuring success for sport in respect of physical and mental health and well-being, individual development, social and community development, economic development. Public investment in sport will reach children as young as five years. Funding will also be targeted at groups who have low participation rates to encourage those who do not take part in sport and physical activity to get involved. This includes supporting women, disabled people, those in lower socio-economic groups and older people.

2.3.2 In response to the government’s strategy, Sport England’s new strategy vision is that that everyone in England, regardless of age, background or ability, feels able to take part in sport or activity. Sport England’s new vision and its supporting aims will therefore contribute to achieving the government's strategy.

2.3.3 In terms of participation in sport and active recreation, the local authority has many things in its favour. The general affluence of the population facilitates relatively high levels of participation within the local population. The needs assessment also identified a higher than average healthy and affluent population with a high propensity for exercise. However, there are geographical pockets within the urban area that exhibit quite high levels of economic and social deprivation, and where levels of participation in sport and active Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 5

recreation are depressed as a consequence. Improving prospects for participating should be a priority for the local authority and its partners in these areas, with the consequent health and economic benefits.

2.3.4 The above should be major determinants in influencing local planning for sport and active recreation. In addition to the above, the following will influence demand into the foreseeable future:

 A growing population, which may be further accentuated by planned new residential growth that has not yet been allocated.  The strong representation within the local population of adult age groups with characteristics that make them more likely to take part in sport and active recreation;  High existing levels of regular participation compared with the national averages, which suggest that any further growth in participation levels will develop an already strong base.  The character of the local authority’s population continues to change and this has a profound effect on the types of sport, play and leisure activity appealing to local people  The Council is working in a financially challenging environment- this brings problems, but it also presents a clear opportunity for reviewing and transforming the Council’s leisure service and facilities it operates. Similarly, many agencies, groups and organisations have shared aspirations in respect of the ‘health agenda’ and great potential exists for collaboration between public and voluntary sectors, as well as social and commercial enterprises to realise these aspirations.  The importance of the wider agenda on physical activity/ prevention/ health and wellbeing, and the need for the City Council and its partners to embrace this in respect to the actions in this strategy.

2.4 A remit that is based on meeting Community Needs, and providing Community Use

2.4.1 Fundamentally, this strategy seeks to create a facility base that meets community needs: facilities best placed to meets such needs have to provide certain conditions to allow community use to flourish. At its simplest ‘community use’ is a term that is used to describe the extent to which a given sport or recreation facility is available for use by members of the general community- either on a pay-as-you go informal basis, or as part of an organised club or group.

2.4.2 In practice, the above definition of community use will include a wide range of management regimes whose admission policies will span informal ‘pay-as-you-go’ access, by the general community; and, through to use by organised clubs and groups by booking or longer-term agreements etc. Whether individual facilities are considered to be available for significant community use depends of several factors, including:

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 6

 Type of facility (and whether its size and design might be of use to the community at large, or at least significant groups within the community);  The cost of using facilities, and whether these might generally be considered to be affordable;  The times and days of availability (times of most demand for the general community are likely to be in the evenings and at the weekends, as well as during mid-week lunchtime (a popular for people at work); and,  The extent to which such use by the community is ‘assured’ over the longer- term.

2.4.3 In terms of utility for the general community facilities will differ because of their varying scale, location, and management/pricing policies. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 7

3.0 KEY ISSUES

3.1 General

3.1.1 The following is a summary of the key issues taken from the technical report ‘Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Sports Needs Assessment’. The report was prepared to inform the preparation of this strategy and action plan. There are both general and facility-specific issues in this respect.

3.1.2 There are some general points that impact upon all the facilities covered by this document, and the principal ones are:  Potential rapid population change within the local authority, that will be fuelled largely by additional planned housing growth.  The need to anticipate and meet the needs of this growing and changing population, which will greatly depend on providing and improving provision where geographically relevant to the locations of this planned new growth.  The existing high levels of participation in many sports, relative to other parts of the country, and the challenge in continuing to sustain these levels, whilst also catering for new demands.  Getting more children into sport, as well as those groups within society who traditionally have been less physically active than other sections of the population. This is the challenge now set by national policy.

3.2 Key issues and options for indoor swimming pools

3.2.1 Paragraph 12.3 and Table 15 of the Needs Assessment suggest a local standard for the provision of indoor swimming pools. If the quantitative component of the outline standard was applied to the projected population growth between now and 2036 it suggests that the additional demand generated would lead to a need for an extra 251 sq.m. of water space- around the equivalent of a 25m x 4 lane pool.

3.2.2 The size and location of population growth up to 2036 is still not clearly known (other than the NCAAP up to 2026, for which sports infrastructure has already been committed). This lack of current certainty over the location of longer-term growth allocations impacts upon the extent to which the recommendations of this report can be geographically specific. It is important for the future coordination of population growth and facility infrastructure that the above scale of additional demand be recognized in the planning of improved indoor swimming pool provision. However, the way in which it might be reflected in new and/or improved provision could vary markedly.

3.2.3 For example:  If, say, additional major new housing provision is likely to be allocated on the northern urban edge of Chelmsford, a new swimming pool in that location would not only serve the needs of new residents, but also expand the catchment coverage of Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 8

pools in secured community use, so that more of the rural part of the local authority is covered by this catchment.  Alternatively, if residents generally lying in the outlying parts of the local authority have a good level of access to pool space in neighbouring authorities, a strong case can be made for expanding/improving provision at an existing venue within or close to the Chelmsford urban area (such as the Riverside facility), as this would have the biggest impact to satisfy demand. This would also be consistent with the growing national trend to operate one major central pool facility in an area rather than have several satellite community pools.  Alternatively, existing provision at education sites might be improved and, or expanded, and an appropriate level of assured community use be established.

3.2.4 In the longer term, the precise location of new development is not known. However, if there is an option for neighbouring local authorities to ‘share’ their growth allocations in developments that fringe local authority boundaries then there is the opportunity for local authorities to cooperate in the planning of new major sports facilities that are likely to serve the needs of residents in more than one local authority area.

3.2.5 The proposed new pool complex at Riverside is likely to incorporate a 25m x 10-lane pool (with a flexible movable floor), a learner pool and splash area. This will offer considerable benefits and will increase the capacity at Riverside. This is important given the unsecured community use of school pools and the likely future population growth to 2036.

3.2.6 With regard to the redesign of the existing Riverside main pool as part of the refurbishment, it will be important to take into account the resident swimming club’s needs given that it has sections covering a wide variety of activities, including water polo and synchronised swimming. These are activities that can be accommodated relatively inexpensively in a modern pool of conventional dimensions. The Club do not have a diving section.

3.2.7 A separate diving club exists at Riverside (approx. 20 members) and the 1m, 3, and 5m boards are used for diving lessons (approx. 50 people) and for casual users at the pool (estimated at 12,800 visits per annum). Despite representations by the diving club (and support by the sub-aqua club) the Council has decided to not proceed with a replacement diving facility on the grounds of capital/revenue cost verses the relatively small number of diving users and given the proximity of existing strategic provision.

3.2.8 Other than the proposed overhaul of facilities at the Riverside complex, there is no evidence of other planned improvements to local sports provision that will include new and/or improved swimming facilities. Within the education sector there are plans for indoor sports facilities at certain education campuses, but these currently do not seem to include provision for new or improved swimming facilities. Additional population growth in Chelmsford may therefore lead to additional demand by schools to acquire time at local authority venues in order to fulfil their curriculum requirements.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 9

3.2.9 There is a degree of drive-time access to several key venues in neighbouring local authorities. However, what is not clear is the extent to which these venues have the capacity to absorb such use. Sport England data suggest that there may be aggregated spare capacity at pools across the local authority. More effective targeting of unexploited space could help meet the need for extra water space generated by the forecast population change.

3.3 Key Issues and Options for Sports Halls

3.3.1 All the evidence suggests that there is no outright shortage of sports halls to meet the resident populations needs, but that the distribution of these facilities may leave some outlying parts of the local authority with less easy access to larger such facilities.

3.3.2 The collective benefit of the sports halls stock is somewhat dissipated because of separate ownership, management and access arrangements for community use across the sports hall sites. Better co-ordination of programming across venues could result in reducing the capacity used at peak times. There could therefore be a more coordinated approach to management, type of use and programming of the existing sports halls across all providers - so as to get more effective use out of the existing stock.

3.3.3 The evidence of the Needs Assessment shows that the use of sports halls can be very diverse and will change over time. This complicates decisions on what the supply and type of provision should be in the future. Decisions should be based on these changing trends and their longevity. Also how the provision and programming of sports halls can meet wider Council health-related objectives. Future provision could be for a flexible space that can accommodate a range of dance and fitness/exercise classes and not actual traditional sports halls.

3.3.4 In the absence of easy access to conventional sports halls, venues such as village and community halls can have great local value in hosting a range of local activities. The planning of future sports facilities should not therefore be in isolation from consideration of the location and utility of these smaller venues.

3.3.5 The following indicates future potential changes in the stock, which will be spread over different sectoral providers.

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Table 1: Education sector – plans for indoor sports facilities Location Facility plans and aspirations Planning expansion of indoor facilities to include viewing area to sports Anglia Ruskin hall, bigger gym (250sqm) and additional dance studio space. At early University stages. The University would like to install outdoor space on or near the campus – 3G or multi-use space big enough for teams to train on. Chelmsford Planning permission has been sought for a new sports complex. County High Funding is currently being raised to support the plans. School for Girls King Edwards The School is applying for grant for sports hall which then could be VI Grammar used for community use. School Greater A proposed 4 court sports hall is to be constructed within a new Beaulieu Park academy school to be opened around 2019 with secured community School access to meet the demand from new housing development.

3.3.6 Paragraph 12.3 and Table 15 of the Needs Assessment suggest a local standard for the provision of sports halls. If the quantitative component of the outline standard is applied to the projected population growth between now and 2036 it suggests that the additional demand generated would lead to a need for an extra 1.6 x 4-court sports halls (6.6 courts). It is noted that the NCAAP plan makes provision for a ‘dry’ sports centre, and this can be offset against the above figure.

3.3.7 The size and location of population growth up to 2036 is still not clearly known (other than the NCAAP up to 2026, for which sports infrastructure has already been committed). This lack of current certainty over the location of longer-term growth allocations impacts upon the extent to which the recommendations of this report can be geographically specific. It is important for the future coordination of population growth and facility infrastructure that the scale of potential additional demand be recognised. However, the way in which it might be reflected in new and/or improved provision could vary markedly.

3.3.8 For example:

 Alternatively, if residents living in the outlying parts of the local authority have a good level of access to sports halls in neighbouring authorities, a case might be made for expanding/improving provision at an existing venue within or close to the Chelmsford urban area, or else a school venue subject to appropriate assurances about secured community use of the venue. In the longer term, the precise location Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 11

of new development is not known. However, if there is an option for neighbouring local authorities to ‘share’ their growth allocations in developments that fringe local authority boundaries then there is the opportunity for local authorities to cooperate in the planning of new major sports facilities that are likely to serve the needs of residents in more than one local authority area.

3.3.9 In the above regard, there is clearly theoretically a degree of drive-time access to several key venues in neighbouring local authorities. However, what is not clear is the extent to which these venues have the capacity to absorb such use.

3.3.10 Quite apart from the modelling of additional strategic need for sports hall facilities, there is also the need to consider how certain sports depending on sports hall space could be better served. The Needs Assessment highlighted the general need for adequate storage space to be included in new or improved sports hall provision, to meet the needs of residents clubs to stow away their equipment. It has also shown that attention to simple design features can help in making a venue better, such as in the case of fixture points being installed for volleyball nets. In other cases, it might be impossible for new or improved provision to reconcile the ideal specifications for different sports. A case in point would be the desire for badminton clubs to have sprung wooden floors, which may not be so desirable for other sports. However, technology is providing surfaces that are accepted for many sports such as badminton, netball, and volleyball.

3.3.11 In terms of planned new provision or facility overhaul, there are potential sports- specific projects that might be embraced at the planning and design stage, especially:

 Building on the success of local volleyball clubs by providing a high quality local facility for the sport, and which would require spectator (retractable) spectator accommodation and flooring.  The need of netball interests to have an assured local netball centre with both outdoor and indoor facilities.  Indoor extreme sports provision, although the ideal would be to offer dedicated space for such activities.  Given appropriate design, such facilities could be shared with several other sports.

3.4 Key Issues for Health and Fitness Suites (H&FS)

3.4.1 H&FS are clearly very popular facilities, given the local demographic profile; data that exists show that local participation rates in activities using these facilities is high. Furthermore, such facilities appeal strongly to both genders.

3.4.2 The sector is dominated by commercial/membership provision: although this is good from the standpoint of consumer choice and taking pressure off council resources and facilities, they can be expensive and therefore cost-prohibitive for some potential users. Given the attractiveness of such facilities local authority provision should ensure that its own facilities are designed and managed with options to make them available to those who would like to access, but experience barriers to such facilities. The local authority fitness Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 12

facilities attract a wider spectrum of the population and their pay and play options are more inclusive. Schemes such as the GP referral programme are available in three of the Council’s facilities but not provided elsewhere.

3.4.3 It is estimated that predicted population change between 2015 and 2036 will increase the number of adults taking part in this activity by 3,600. Paragraph 12.3 and Table 15 suggest a local standard for the provision of health and fitness stations. The Council might consider providing for an additional 23 - 24 health and fitness stations spread over one or more of it centres. It is noted that the NCAAP plan makes provision for health and fitness provision. If this is of an appropriate kind, it can be offset against the above figure. This will also be the case for any of the projects listed in 3.4.5 dependent on whether they are considered to qualify as community facilities.

3.4.4 Given the popularity of health and fitness suites and associated activities within the local authority, it will be important for sufficient provision to be made to accommodate an increase in demand from a growing population.

3.4.5 The following indicates future potential changes in the stock, which will be spread over different sectoral providers:

 Chelmsford Athletic Club, as part of their facility improvement plan, is proposing to upgrade its gym facilities within the clubhouse.  Anglia Ruskin University, as part of proposals to expand its indoor sports provision, are looking to develop a bigger gym (250 sq.m).  Improvements to health and fitness provision will be considered in the context of the refurbishment of the Riverside Centre, as well as other local authority centres requiring upgrading eventually (particularly the Dovedale Centre).

3.4.6 The commercial sector will also continue to upgrade its own facilities, although specific plans in this regard are unknown.

3.5 Key Issues for Indoor Bowls

3.5.1 There is one existing indoor bowls facility within the local authority, and the area’s provision appears adequate to meet existing levels of demand, and no respondents to the consultation have indicated to the contrary.

3.5.2 Whilst the catchment of the existing and only indoor bowls facility within the local authority does not cover the full extent of the administrative area, those parts of the authority outside the catchment are relatively sparsely populated, and may not in themselves justify the provision of a new facility to meet any potential demand within this area.

3.5.3 It is estimated that predicted population change between 2015 and 2036 will increase the number of adults taking part in this activity by 232.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 13

3.5.4 Planned and natural population change within the local authority will therefore increase the demand for access to indoor bowls facilities, although it may be possible to meet these needs through expansion of an existing facility at an appropriate time (such as at the Falcon Bowls Club).

3.6 Key Issues for Indoor Tennis

3.6.1 The Chelmsford local authority is notable for the absence of any bespoke indoor tennis facilities, and it compares badly with neighbouring local authority areas this regard.

3.6.2 The demographic profile of the population suggests that there could be a viable market.

3.6.3 Local evidence and views obtained from this study suggests that there is a potential demand for such a facility. It is likely that this demand will be increased by future natural and planned population growth.

3.6.4 The Lawn Tennis Association, Active Essex and responding local clubs confirm a view that there is a need for an indoor tennis facility within the local authority, to help the sport grow further.

3.6.5 It is estimated that predicted population change between 2015 and 2036 will increase the number of adults taking part in this activity by 167.

3.6.6 Unless sufficient space exists at an existing leisure centre, it is likely that any new provision for indoor tennis facility within the local authority will be ‘new build’ as opposed to an extension of an existing facility, unless existing courts are covered. Provision for a facility of at least three courts would be warranted.

3.7 Key issues for Athletics

3.7.1 The only plan currently known for the improvement of athletics provision in the local authority is that of the Chelmsford Athletics Club in respect of its changing and gym facilities.

3.7.2 The evidence provided in this section does not suggest a need for additional bespoke athletics tracks within the local authority. However, an increased population will accentuate demand for access to bespoke facilities, as well as safe off-track running opportunities.

3.7.3 It is estimated that predicted population change between 2015 and 2036 will increase the number of adults taking part in this activity by 783.

3.7.4 It is not appropriate to offer a standard for inclusion in the statutory development plan to guide athletics provision in future years. However, it is appropriate to suggest how Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 14

improvements to provision can be made to help meet increased demand over the future years.

3.7.5 First of all, it will be important that the needs of the existing and successful Chelmsford Athletics Club can be met through the desired improvements to both changing and gym facilities at their base.

3.7.6 Secondly, the success of the club in attracting new members in conjunction with planned population change will increase pressures and wear and tear on the existing track. Measures should be put in place so that funding can be made available for the maintenance and eventual overhaul of the track and ancillary facilities.

3.7.7 Certainly, pressure could be taken off the track by providing alternative ‘satellite’ training venues at other locations, and most notably in conjunction with those schools that have already a close relationship with the Athletics Club. It might also be possible to develop a better relationship with New Hall School in respect of the School’s 4-lane synthetic track.

3.7.8 This track is provided primarily for curricular use, but there may be scope outside the time of school use for the facility to be available for a certain amount of training by local clubs.

3.7.9 Off-track there are already ‘Park Run’ schemes running in Chelmsford for runners keen to improve their times, without being committed to a club, or necessarily competing. However, there may be scope for providing some way-marked routes based on the Run England 3-2-1 scheme.

3.8 Key issues and options for Studios

3.8.1 Activity studios are proving to be important facilities within larger complexes such as leisure centres and commercial health and fitness venues.

3.8.2 Such studios offer very flexible space, which means that the larger facilities, such as sports halls, can be released for other activities requiring extensive space. They should be integral to the design of new and improved leisure centre provision.

3.8.3 It is not considered appropriate to recommend a standard for the provision of additional studio spaces to be incorporated in development plan documents. However, future natural and planned population change within the local authority will increase demand for such venues.

3.8.4 It is estimated that predicted population change between 2015 and 2036 will increase the number of adults taking part in this activity by 3,600.

3.8.5 As part of the new Riverside development it is proposed to provide 3 dedicated studios. The current facilities are inadequate in size to meet demand for exercise classes Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 15

(except spinning). At the new Greater Beaulieu Park School, to be opened around 2019, studio space with secured community access is proposed to meet the demand from new housing development.

3.8.6 The design of Studios as ‘flexible space’ is integral to their success. The health and fitness industry moves quickly into and out of activities according to changing demand and trends. Although the needs assessment report did not undertake an examination of activity patterns and scheduling within schedules it is very clear that uses are highly diverse, and the key to future design will be to ensure that an overall specification is obtained that can host changing demands and uses over time.

3.8.7 In the absence of easy access to conventional sports halls venues such as village and community halls can have great local value in hosting a range of local activities. The planning of future sports facilities should not therefor be in isolation from consideration of the location and utility of these smaller venues.

3.9 Key issues and options for Squash

3.9.1 The Essex Squash and Racketball Association suggests that the existing facilities are very well used, and that the impact of a new strategy for squash being developed in Essex may have the effect of increasing participation.

3.9.2 Natural and planned population change within the local authority may increase the demand for access to squash courts.

3.9.3 It is estimated that predicted population change between 2015 and 2036 will increase the number of adults taking part in this activity by 102. This perhaps is probably only sufficient to justify 1 additional court.

3.9.4 The nature of squash courts is such that no specific guidance needs to be included within the statutory development plan in terms of, for example, recommended standards of provision. However, it will be important to continue to review the level of provision.

3.9.5 New squash provision, if required, should be encouraged in association with existing improved complexes, and not as new standalone facilities. It is considered that this is consistent with national governing body views, given that it focuses on facilities that will have the expertise to club infrastructure to support them

3.10 Key issues and options for village and community halls

3.10.1 The local authority has a good range and spread of village and community halls. However, in some locations natural and planned population change within the local authority may increase the demand for access to such venues.

3.10.2 It will be important to continue to review the level of provision, especially in areas of rapid population change. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 16

3.10.3 Village and community halls are important local venues for active recreation. They are important basic community facilities and need to be planned for, as with other facilities uncertainty about future growth requires flexibility, and therefore the need for standards.

3.10.4 Paragraph 12.3 and Table 15 of the Needs Assessment suggest a local standard for the provision of sports halls. If the quantitative component of the outline standard is applied to the planned population growth between now and 2036 it suggests that the additional demand generated would lead to a need for an extra 4.5 small hall venues (or equivalent). It is noted that the NCAAP plan makes provision for a ‘community centre’ and this, as appropriate, can be offset against the above figure.

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4.0 THE STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN

4.1 General

4.1.1 The Strategy provides the strategic vision, aims and recommendations to guide the actions and decisions of the City Council and its partners over the coming years (The Strategy). The Action Plan identifies strategic level priorities, and the City Council will take these forward through its Local Plan and future leisure strategies.

4.1.2 The new government strategy ‘Sporting Future – A new strategy for an active nation’, identifies the importance of addressing flat-lining levels of participation in sports, and it has redefined ways of measuring success for sport in respect of physical and mental health and well-being, individual development, social and community development, economic development. Public investment in sport will reach children as young as five years. Funding will also be targeted at groups who have low participation rates to encourage those who do not take part in sport and physical activity to get involved. This includes supporting women, disabled people, those in lower socio-economic groups and older people.

4.1.3 In response to the government’s strategy, Sport England’s new strategy vision is that that everyone in England, regardless of age, background or ability, feels able to take part in sport or activity. Sport England’s new vision and its supporting aims will therefore contribute to achieving the government's strategy.

4.1.4 The 2012 Corporate plan for the City has aims that are consistent with the Government’s new aims, and in particular:

 reduce health inequalities by promoting healthier behaviours, more physically active lifestyles and addressing the causes of poor health and well-being  modernise, refurbish and maintain Council owned sports and leisure facilities to ensure that they continue to be of a high standard for users  extend and improve the sports and recreation facilities at Melbourne Park, including its dedication as the Queen Elizabeth II Park, as part of the 'Fields in Trust' Diamond Jubilee programme  tackle obesity levels throughout the city by enhancing exercise and fitness opportunities  maximise the benefits of Leisure Plus to encourage greater participation in sport and the arts  from the 2012 Olympics & Paralympics build a legacy amongst local people

4.2 Vision and aims

4.2.1 The vision and key aims for this strategy are therefore identified to be: To create an environment for local sport and physical activity which helps in:

 Improving the overall physical and mental health and wellbeing of residents Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 18

 Encourages individual, social and community development  Promotes participation amongst children, to help develop habits for life in respect of participation  Promotes participation amongst those groups within the community that do not traditionally have good levels of participation

4.2.2 Five strategic recommendations are proposed in the following section, in order to achieve the above vision and aims. Each strategic recommendation is stated, along with a justification. Together with the Vision and Aims, these strategic recommendations help to shape the tone and direction of the Action Plan.

4.3 Strategic recommendations

SR1: Conserve and improve the existing stock of indoor and built sports facilities of existing and potential value for sport

4.3.1 Reasoning: It is fundamental to the achievement of the vision and aims of the strategy, that the local authority’s stock of built and indoor sports facilities is conserved and enhanced. This will mean the outright protection and improvement of many facilities sites, but it may also mean potentially the redeployment of some sites that currently host facilities. In terms of the latter, ‘redeployment’ may mean simply making a decision not to invest in maintaining sports facilities, but also that the site is still suited to other recreation activity. In other far more limited circumstances it might be appropriate to release sites for alternative built development. The emphasis is therefore on overall conservation of the stock of local facilities, given the need for facilities to change to best meet current needs as reflected in the Vision and Aims.

4.3.2 What to look for in the Action Plan: Apart from the above it is an aspiration to improve the quality of the overall stock of facilities, to make them more attractive to use by more people. A typology of facilities has been identified to help achieve this and other strategic recommendation. Taking into account the findings of the Needs Assessment, it is clear that facilities can be classified generally into one of six groupings by type, depending on the role that they serve. No one group is considered to be more important than any other, as each group represents facilities with contrasting but nevertheless vital functions in terms of providing opportunities.

4.3.3 The groups are as follows:  Major multi sports built and indoor facilities (such as wet and dry leisure centres);  Large specialist venues (such as athletics tracks, indoor bowls and indoor tennis venues);  Single sports hall and pool facilities (i.e. wet or dry leisure centres);  Smaller single or multi-sport ‘club-based’ venues; and,  Village and small community halls.  Un(der)used facilities with strategic potential

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 19

4.3.4 The above groups are more fully described in Table 3 below.

4.3.5 There are facilities that are little used for community sports, and which have a primary function in meeting the needs of their client groups. The introduction of community use to these facilities may be an aspiration, and especially in seeking a more efficient, coordinated and cost effective use of the overall stock of facilities. A large number of sporting facilities are on education sites and making these available to sports clubs can offer significant benefits to both the school/college and the local clubs. The Council and other key partners must work with schools and colleges to develop an understanding of the issues that restrict or affect community access. Support should be provided, where appropriate, to address underlying problems.

4.3.6 Given that the location of planned new improvements will depend on the as yet unknown location of planned new population growth in the longer term, the Council feels that the provision of some interim ‘standards’ of provision for certain key facilities will help inform the development process 1 . Finally, there are recommendations for including appropriate policies and other statements to be included in statutory and supplementary planning documents. (See Action Plan A).

SR2: Provide new and improved opportunities and facilities that stand the best chances of encouraging participation amongst those groups that don’t traditionally take part in sport and active recreation in high numbers

4.3.7 Reasoning: Sport and active recreation has much to offer in improving an individual’s health, as well as encouraging social and community development. However, it needs to embrace the changing nature of society and accept that the terms of engagement with potential participants are changing, and new forms of provision and facility management may be required to encourage the identified target groups into sport and active recreation.

4.3.8 What to look for in the Action Plan: There are some parts of the local authority that have comparatively low levels of participation in sport, and these tend to coincide with areas of relatively high levels of social and economic deprivation when measured by government indicators. Some existing and potential provision has been highlighted for this reason, and initiatives for these sites should be aimed at improving participation in the surrounding areas. SR3: Provide new and improved opportunities for children with the aim of helping develop a ‘habit for life’ in sport and active recreation

4.3.9 Reasoning: A number of sports have seen the introduction of variations and initiatives that have enjoyed considerable success in encouraging children and young people into sport. Such opportunities and age-appropriate facilities should be the bedrock of any serious attempt to encourage even higher levels of participation amongst children and young people.

1 The standards have been developed and justified based of the reasoning provided in Section 12.3 of the needs assessment report. Where appropriate they have been ‘sense-checked’ against Sport England modelling tools such as the ‘Facility Calculator’ and are considered to be robust. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 20

4.3.10 What to look for in the Action Plan: Facilities that are suited to hosting child- friendly versions of sports are encouraged at various locations. In particular, there are schools that do not appear to currently offer much community use, which are located in or close to areas of relatively high social and economic deprivation, and which might offer the potential for getting children from relatively deprived backgrounds into sport.

SR4: Provide new and improved opportunities that help retain and allow for progression of participants

4.3.11 Reasoning: Successfully encouraging new participants is just one challenge to be faced in growing participation in sport and active recreation: retaining new and long- standing participants is the other challenge. To achieve this will require the opportunities for those who wish to stay and progress in a given sport with the facilities and pathways to enable them so to do. Enthusiasm should not be thwarted by a lack of facilities of right type and appropriate quality.

4.3.12 What to look for in the Action Plan: This Strategy and Action Plan provides for facilities suited to the needs of the general community. However, specialist facilities like athletics tracks, indoor bowls and tennis centres can meet the needs of both entry level and higher standard participants, as can general facilities such as swimming pools and sports halls where they meet certain design specifications and management policies provide sufficient access time for serious training and competition activity. Such provision is therefore very important, and reflected in its priority ranking in the Action Plan.

SR5: Develop and maintain a range of facilities and opportunities essential to the achievement of SR4

4.3.13 Reasoning: Part of the solution required to address the requirements of SR4 is the development of a range of facilities, so that those that want to can move up (and down) the level of performance.

4.3.14 What to look for in the Action Plan: These Strategic recommendations have been linked to specific action points in the following Action Plan. The Plan identifies a range of site types.

4.4 The Action Plan

4.4.1 The Action Plan has two parts:

 Part A (table 2) - which provides general actions; and  Part B (table 5) - which has facility -specific Actions.

4.4.2 The Strategy and Action Plan has been prepared and agreed by the City Council, in consultation with Sport England and relevant Governing Bodies of Sport. These and other key stakeholders must therefore cooperate in achieving the strategic and site specific Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 21

actions proposed. The land-use planning system will be a principal vehicle for addressing many of the actions. The facility-specific actions contained in Action Plan B have been graded as to their agreed priority and practical involvement and leadership in achieving the implementation of actions must be agreed between members of the on-going steering group.

4.4.3 Section 5 of this document explains how the Strategy and Action Plan will be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. It is recommended however that the steering group should be vigilant to new issues and opportunities that may emerge over the course of time, and the Strategy and Action Plan is therefore not intended to be inflexibly prescriptive. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 22

4.5 Action Plan A: General actions Key: Time-frame (Short=0-2 years; Medium=2-4 years; Long=5 years +) Table 2: Action Plan Part A (General Actions) Strategic Action (actions are numbered sequentially Time-frame Recommendation throughout the Action Plans A and B) SR1 1. Planning and other policies: Develop planning Short and related policies for conservation and improvement of the stock of indoor and built sports facilities as identified by SR1. Include policies and proposals in the Development Plan which are consistent with paragraphs 73 and 74 of the National Planning Policy Framework guidance and, in particular, include reference to the recommendations contained in this Strategy and Action Plan. Many of many of the potential projects identified in Action Plan B as being of High Priority can also be identified and addressed through the emerging Local Plan (and associated leisure strategies that may be produced by the Council). Include facility and location specific proposals that cover the relevant recommendations included in this Action Plan, and especially in Part B. In circumstances where proposals for development and use of a site are contrary to those contained in the recommendations of this Strategy and Action Plan, they should only be approved where: • an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the existing facility or land to be surplus to requirements; or • the loss resulting from the proposed facility would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or • the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.’ Include statements in all relevant supplementary planning documents relating to the policy and actions in this Strategy. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 23

Strategic Action (actions are numbered sequentially Time-frame Recommendation throughout the Action Plans A and B) 2. SPD and CIL: Include reference to relevant recommendations contained in this Strategy and Action Plan in CIL Regulation 123 List, and any other supplementary planning documents of relevance, that are to be prepared by the Council. 3. Site typology: Develop and maintain a typology of facilities to guide planning and investment in line with table 3 (below). A typology such as this will provide a better appreciation of the discrete roles that individual (types of facility) play in meeting local and wider needs. This typology is applied as appropriate in table 5 (Action Plan Part B). 4. Interim standards of provision: Adopt a series of standards of provision to guide sports provision in respect of major new planned development, and in respect of other planning -related documents and contributions. See table 4 below. These interim standards are reproduced from the Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment.

SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, 5. Implementation through steering group: Short SR5 Achieve implementation of the policies and recommendations in this strategy and action plan through the establishment of a steering group. Implementation is also covered in Section 5 of this document. An immediate priority of the steering group will be to establish a ‘Year 1’ series of projects to be pursued in accordance with the priority ratings and time-frames indicated in the Action Plan. Year 1 project initiatives may not only include active pursuit of the high priority projects, but also could include projects that are easy to implement and achieve in the short-term.

SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, 6. Establish a steering group for monitoring and Short SR5 implementation of the strategy and action plan. This is to be achieved in accordance with Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 24

Strategic Action (actions are numbered sequentially Time-frame Recommendation throughout the Action Plans A and B) Section 5 of this strategy. SR1, SR2 7. Maximise community use of indoor and built On-going sports facilities where there is a need so to do. A working group, led by a partner from the education sector but supported by a range of other sectors including sport and leisure is established to implement the strategic direction in relation to the increased/better use of school facilities. Broadly speaking, its role should be:  To secure a better understanding of current community use;  To ensure any existing community use agreements are upheld;  To ensure that funding to improve the quality of the facilities is identified and secured, but subject to appropriate levels of community use being secured;  As part of any new or revised community use agreement secure a management arrangement, which does not rely on existing school staff structures; Once this has been achieved provision could contribute to overcoming deficiencies in the area.

Table 3: Typology of sites Groups/Typologies Major multi sports built and indoor facilities (such as wet and dry leisure centres): These will be the principal leisure centres within the local authority that include a range of provisions including a main sports hall and indoor swimming pool as a minimum.

Major specialist venues (such as athletics tracks, indoor bowls and indoor tennis venues): These are major built and indoor provisions, with a strategic importance for individual sports, but are by definition bespoke to those sports. Other examples might include indoor cricket centres and ‘extreme sports venues.’ Supporting single sports hall and/or pool facilities: These types of facilities will usually be of the type that are often found on school campuses. Their design and management for community use may be rudimentary, but they can offer significant opportunities for local clubs and organisations. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 25

Groups/Typologies Smaller single or multi-sport ‘club-based’ venues: These might be facilities such as squash clubs, health and fitness clubs, boxing gyms etc, which meet specific local club and sports’ needs. Village and small community halls: These are smaller multi-purpose venues embracing a flexible main space hall that can be used for a variety of social and recreational activities. In areas that do not have access to a bone fide leisure centre they can offer a valuable local space for indoor sports and recreation, and especially so if built or improved to certain specifications. Un(der)used facilities with strategic potential: These are facilities that are currently unused or underused for community sport generally but have facilities offering potential to make a strategically significant contribution to the local stock of built and indoor sports provision. These facilities can include those on (disused) education campuses.

Table 4: Standards of provision (Note: The guidance is based on identified needs, and its application is not intended to cover commitments that have not yet been completed, although reference is made to the NCAAP proposals.) Standard (if appropriate- see Section 12 of the Chelmsford Indoor/Built Calculation as applied to Potential capital cost Facility Sports Facility Sports additional population (based on sources Needs Assessment for increase by 20362 indicated)3 justification)

c.3,740,000. Indoor 10.66 sq.m water If the quantitative n.b. a wet and dry space/1000 persons. component of the above swimming pools leisure centre outline standard was Ideally, no more than 15 including 4-lane pool, applied to the projected minutes’ drive or walk 4-court hall, and 50- population growth time (the latter in urban unit health and between now and 2036 it areas); and, a quality fitness plus studio suggests that the additional component (perhaps would cost demand generated would referring to an lead to a need for an extra c. £7,165,000 expectation on the 251 sq.m. of water space- extent and character of around the equivalent of a secured community use, 25m x 4 lane pool. and the design of new or improved facilities, such as shape, dimensions,

depth variation etc.). Sports halls 0.28 courts/1000 If the quantitative £3,987,000. (See also

2 The sources of demographic data used for this strategy and action plan are explained in The Built/Indoor Needs Assessment. 3 Sport England Facility Costs (2nd Quarter 2016). These were the most up-to-date figures available from Sport England at the time of the study. The current Sport England cost data should be used at all times, and is available from https://www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning/tools-guidance/design-and-cost- guidance/cost-guidance/ Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 26

Standard (if appropriate- see Section 12 of the Chelmsford Indoor/Built Calculation as applied to Potential capital cost Facility Sports Facility Sports additional population (based on sources Needs Assessment for increase by 20362 indicated)3 justification)

persons. component of the above note under costings outline standard was for indoor swimming Ideally, no more than 15 applied to the projected pools) minutes’ drive or walk population growth time (the latter in urban between now and 2036 it areas); and, a quality suggests that the additional component (perhaps demand generated would referring to an lead to a need for an extra expectation on the 1.6 x 4-court sports halls extent and character of (6.6 courts). secured community use, and the design of new or improved facilities, such It is noted that the NCAAP as shape, dimensions, plan makes provision for a etc.). ‘dry’ sports centre, and this can be offset against the above figure. Health & 1 health & fitness The Council might consider (see note under Fitness Suites station/ 1000 person providing for an additional costings for indoor 23 - 24 health and fitness swimming pools) Ideally, no more than 10- stations spread over one 15 minutes’ drive or walk or more of it centres. It time (the latter in urban would be sensible for this areas); and, a quality provision to be made in component (perhaps association with new or referring to an improved provision for expectation on the sports halls, in line with the extent and character of recommendations within secured community use, the appropriate section of and the design of new or this report. It is noted that improved facilities, such the NCAAP plan makes as shape, dimensions, provision for health and etc.). fitness provision. If this is of an appropriate kind, it can be offset against the above figure.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 27

Village 1 hall per 5,500 people. If the quantitative £3,750,000 (based on hall/community component of the above an assumed unit cost buildings outline standard was of £750,000) A quality component applied to the projected

would be essential. To population growth retain the diversity and between now and 2036 it character of facilities (in suggests that the additional the tradition of village demand generated would halls), provision should lead to a need for an extra include facilities such as 4.5 small hall venues (or a main hall suited to a equivalent) range of passive and

active recreation activities, a supporting It is noted that the NCAAP kitchen, ancillary space, plan makes provision for a and parking. ‘community centre’ and this, as appropriate, can be

offset against the above In areas where new figure. growth requires a large venue, single, scaled-up provision could be provided instead of more than one smaller venue.

An accessibility standard could be based on a 10- minute drive/walk time, which is evidenced by the Leisure Plus Household survey

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 28

4.6 Action Plan B: Site and sports-specific actions Key: Time-frame (Short=0-2 years; Medium=2-4 years; Long=5 years +)

Colour coding of sites No specific site yet determined Specific sports and facilities Sites largely controlled by local authorities (City Council or town/parish councils) available for community use. Other sites generally available for community use. Sites considered to have strategic potential. Table 5: Action Plan Part B (Site and sports-specific actions)

No specific sites N.A. N.A. N.A. SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5 8. Sports Halls and Indoor Swimming Provision: In accordance with Yes Medium projected population growth provide:  the equivalent of 1.6 x 4-court badminton courts. This can be discounted against the 4-court hall planned and committed to a new community school to be built at the Beaulieu Park allocation as part of the North Chelmsford Action Area Plan. This would leave the net requirement of about 2.4 courts to provide. This itself does not require a new full-size sports hall, and capacity might instead be realised by improving and or expanding provision at existing locations.  The fixtures, fittings, floor markings and overall specifications within sports halls should aim be planned to potentially accommodate a wide range of activities, and sufficiently flexible to host future innovations in activity. Examples are futsal and extreme sports, albeit that these need to be part of a balanced overall programme of activity, with optimal appeal to the community.  the equivalent of 251 square metres of indoor pool space. The proposed Riverside redevelopment will provide a significant proportion of this. Expansion and or making better use of existing provision and therefore new provision at an appropriate new location to be considered for the shortfall. An alternative would be to try and seek to exploit spare capacity at existing venues.  The above estimates are based upon the projected increase in population to 2036 as opposed to the growth allocated in a future local plan up to that time horizon. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 29

No specific site N.A. N.A. N.A. SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5 9. Potential indoor extreme sport and indoor cricket venues: These Yes (for Medium are facilities that have been considered in the Needs Assessment. extreme The provision of specific facilities for extreme sports cannot easily sport) met within existing sports halls because of equipment needs and programming limitations. There are examples of bespoke facilities being developed for these activities in other parts of the country. However, the best fix in the shorter-term might be to identify and secure a warehouse type facility in an accessible location, which would allow for a dedicated space to be provided. There is also some potential to meet the indoor needs of cricket and futsal in this way.

Vicinity of N.A. N.A. N.A. SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5 10. All Sports: Ensure that the provisions of this strategy, and the Yes Short Beaulieu Park information contained in the Needs Assessment are used in the development detailed planning of this major new allocation in respect of sports provision.

Athletics 11. Improve changing and gym facilities at Chelmsford Sports and Yes Medium/Long Athletics Centre. 12. Maintain and eventual overhaul of existing track at Chelmsford Sports and Athletic Centre. 13. Consider options for a ‘satellite’ training venues at a location away from the Chelmsford Sports and Athletic Centre. 14. Consider introduction of 3-2-1 way-marked routes based on the Run England 3-2-1 scheme.

Health & Fitness 15. Developer contributions in relation to health and fitness suites Medium/Long should be focussed on new or improved provision at local authority controlled facilities in community use which attract a wider spectrum of the population.

Indoor Bowls 16. Developer contributions in respect of indoor bowls facilities Medium/Long should be focused on the improvement of the existing venues (i.e. the Falcon Club) with the local authority, rather than new provision.

Indoor Tennis 17. Provide a new indoor tennis facility within the local authority- the Medium/Long most cost effective option in this regard would be to cover courts at an existing facility (such as at the Marconi Athletic and Sports Club), and a minimum a 3-court facility should be provided.

Netball 18. Identify an appropriate site for the creation of a central venue for Yes Short/Medium netball (incorporating indoor and outdoor provision). The Council and Netball League are exploring suitable options for this. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 30

Studios 19. New provision of studio space associated with planned new Medium/Long development should be focussed on new or improved provision at local authority controlled facilities in community use which attract a wider spectrum of the population.

Squash 20. If any squash provision is to be included with new or improved Medium/Long leisure centre venues it should be designed to be as multi- functional as possible to enable use by other activities when not in use for the sport.

Village and 21. New and improved village hall and community provision should, Medium/Long Community wherever appropriate embrace basic dimensions and Halls specifications to enable a range of managed recreation activities to take place, such as short mat bowls, table tennis, martial arts, dance and aerobics etc. In areas where new planned growth requires a large venue, single, scaled-up provision could be provided instead of more than one smaller venue, in accordance with the standard advocated.

Volleyball 22. Volleyball provision in respect of dimensions, fixture and fittings, Medium/Long and suitable flooring should be incorporated into at least one new or improved sports hall, within the greater Chelmsford urban area.

Chelmsford Chelmsford St. Andrews 400 metre synthetic SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5 23. This is the primary centre for athletics in Chelmsford, and any Yes Medium Sport & City Council athletics track; field facility improvements to track and field provision should focus Athletics Centre event facilities; primary on this site (see under athletics above). The facility lies Major multi ancillary facilities; close to areas of relative social and economic deprivation, and sports built and sports hall; health low participation. Activity and improvements at the venue should indoor facility. and fitness facilities therefore have an objective of improving local participation Major specialist within the immediate area. venue

Dovedale Sports Chelmsford Moulsham 5-court sports hall, SR1, SR4, SR5 24. Although this venue is controlled by the Chelmsford College it has Yes Medium Centre City and Central squash courts, significant Community Use through a joint-use agreement with Supporting Council/Chel health and fitness the local authority. The facility is well-maintained but ageing. The single sports msford facility is well used for certain club-based activity and lends itself hall and/or pool College to this purpose. It role could be to serve as a counterpoint to the facility redeveloped Riverside Centre and allowing certain sports to secure more hall-space and alleviating pressure on other venues. However, refurbishment of this venue should be considered alongside means of securing greater user club-responsibility. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 31

Riverside Ice Chelmsford Moulsham Wet and dry leisure SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5 25. Finalisation and implementation of agreed plans for the overhaul Yes Medium and Leisure City Council and Central centre incorporating and redevelopment of this venue will be the major priority for the Centre ice rink, health and Council in respect of actions in this plan.

Major multi fitness facilities, 26. Demand for swimming to be re-assessed following 2years sports built and sports hall, operational of the new Riverside Leisure Centre. indoor facility. swimming pool complex. Subject to advanced plans for overhaul and redevelopment

South Chelmsford South Wet and dry leisure SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5 27. Although this venue is controlled by the School it has significant Woodham City Council Woodham- centre incorporating Community use through a joint-use agreement with the LA for Ferrers Leisure elmwood sports hall, health dryside facilities. The pool is operated by the local authority with Centre/William And and fitness facilities, a good level of education use. The facility has been regularly de Ferrers Woodville swimming pool added to in phases since 1983 and does not currently require School complex, and other major change or addition. Major multi outside facilities. sports built and indoor facility.

Falcon Bowls Club Broomfield Bowls (indoor and SR1, SR4, SR5 28. If additional indoor bowls provision is required within the local Long Club and The outdoor) authority, it is recommended that this established venue be Major specialist Walthams considered as favoured venue. venue

Marconi Club Great Currently primarily SR1, SR3, SR4, SR5 29. If indoor tennis provision is required within the local authority, it Yes Medium Athletic and Baddow outdoor sports is recommended that this established venue be considered as Sports Club East facilities, but a small favoured venue Major specialist hall and squash venue provision exist.

The following education facilities are considered to offer potential for additional use and development. Depending on the location of planned new development they have varying potential to provide improved capacity to meet additional needs emanating from areas of growth. Some of these schools are also located in areas of relatively high deprivation and low participation- the inclusion of such sites in innovative participation schemes might help to increase participation within these parts of the urban area.

Anglia Ruskin Education Marconi Sports Hall and SR1, SR4, SR5 30. This venue is important for activities such as badminton, Medium/Long University Health and Fitness basketball, and volleyball. Its role for these sports is partly due to Sports Centre facilities its sprung floor. The University has proposals for the expansion of (Rivermead its leisure centre facilities. The sprung floor should be Campus) safeguarded and maintained. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 32

Boswells School Education The Lawns Swimming pool, SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5 31. The venue is important for curriculum swimming, but has some Supporting sports hall club use. The sports hall is important for Volleyball and single sports Gymnastics. hall and/or pool facility

Chelmer Valley Education Broomfield Sports hall, health SR1, SR2, SR4, SR5 32. This facility does not currently have a high profile for community High School and The and fitness facilities. use, although the sports hall is booked for indoor football Supporting Walthams single sports hall or pool facility

Essex Police Essex Police Trinity Small hall, health SR1 33. The sports utility of this site is more in respect of its potential for College and fitness facilities outdoor sports use by the community

Great Baddow Education Great Swimming pool, SR1, SR3 34. There is community use of this venue, and it is noted for club High School Baddow sports hall basketball activity. The main facilities are relatively old. Supporting West single sports hall and/or pool facility

Hylands School Education Writtle Sports Hall SR1, SR3 35. There is community use of this venue. The main facilities are Support single relatively old. sports hall and/or pool facility

Moulsham High Education Moulsham Swimming pool, SR1, SR3, SR4, SR5 36. The pool is used both for curriculum and club swimming. The hall School Lodge sports hall. (There is also used by clubs. Supporting are also significant single sports outdoor facilities) hall and/or pool facility

St John Payne Education Patching Sports hall SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5 37. The large main hall is very popular both for badminton and Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 33

Topic/Name Ownership Ward Key facilities on site Strategic Recommendations Action/comments (actions/comments are numbered sequentially High Time-frame met through this Action throughout the Action Plans A and B) Priority? (justification for action) Catholic School Hall volleyball as club activities. The school also has coaching links with Supporting the Chelmsford Athletics Club. The facility lies close to areas of single sports relative social and economic deprivation, and low participation. hall and/or pool Activity and improvements at the venue should therefore have an facility objective of improving local participation within the immediate area.

The Sandon Education Little Sports hall. (There SR1, SR3, SR4, SR5 38. This facility does not currently have a high profile for community School Baddow, are also significant use, although the sports hall is booked for indoor football Supporting Danbury outdoor facilities) single sports and Sandon hall and/or pool facility

St Peter's Education St. Andrews Sports hall (There is SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5 39. The potential for community use should be recognised in local Yes Short College also a school playing plan policy, and discussions should be initiated between the Un(der)used field) Steering Group and the Education Authority in this regard. facility with strategic potential

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 34

5.0 IMPLEMENTATION, REVIEW AND RESOURCES

5.1 Delivery, Monitoring and Updating

5.1.1 This strategy seeks to provide guidance for maintenance/management decisions and investment made across Chelmsford local authority. By addressing the issues identified in the Assessment Report and using the strategic framework presented in this strategy, the current and future sporting and recreational needs of the local authority can be satisfied. The strategy and action plan identify where there is a deficiency in provision and identifies approaches on how to resolve these in the future.

5.1.2 It is important that this document is used in a practical manner, is engaged with partners and encourages partnerships to be developed, to ensure that built and indoor sports facilities are regarded as a vital aspect of community life and which contribute to the achievement of Council priorities.

5.1.3 The production of this strategy should be regarded as the beginning of the planning process. The success of the strategy and the benefits that are gained are dependent upon regular engagement between all partners involved and the adoption of a strategic approach.

5.1.4 A steering group should be formed to take the lead to ensure the strategy is used and applied appropriately within members’ areas of work and influence. The Steering Group may comprise of the Local Authority Leisure and Planning, Local Sports Partnership, Sport England, National / Regional Governing Bodies and a wide range of additional community partners. The detailed composition of the steering group should be agreed as soon as possible after the strategy and action plan is adopted.

5.1.5 To help ensure the strategy is well used it should be regarded as the key document within the local authority for the conservation and improvement of the local stock of built and indoor sports facilities. It needs to be the document people regularly turn to for information on the how the current demand is met and what actions are required to improve the situation and meet future demand. In order for this to be achieved the steering group need to have a clear understanding of how the strategy can be applied and therefore delivered.

5.1.6 The process of developing and implementing the strategy will hopefully have already resulted in a number of benefits that will help with its application and delivery. These may include enhanced partnership working across different agendas and organisations, pooling of resources along with strengthening relationships and understanding between different stakeholders, and between members of the steering group and the sporting community.

5.1.7 An immediate priority of the steering group will be to establish a ‘Year 1’ series of projects to be pursued in accordance with the priority ratings and time-frames indicated in the Action Plan.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 35

5.1.8 Year 1 project initiatives may not only include active pursuit of the high priority projects, but also could include projects that are easy to implement and achieve in the short-term.

5.1.9 Monitoring and review of this strategy should be undertaken as follows:  Ongoing monitoring of changes to the accompanying facilities database. This is usually regarded as an onerous and tedious task. However, for most facility types included in the strategy Sport England does update its Active Places Power (APP) database regularly and this is available on line to the local authority. In effect therefore it is not about reviewing and updating data but much more about ensuring that an officer in the Council is: aware of the APP database, has access to it (which is organised through Sport England and set out in the APP section of their web site).

 Assessing the impact of demographic changes and new population estimates. The needs assessment and strategy is based on the 2015 population and its distribution across the local authority. It then looks forward to 2036 on the projected population growth. Should the population projections change significantly – a very unlikely occurrence - then the assumptions about demand changes from assumptions about the active population would need to be reviewed

 Reviewing participation/frequency of participation rates. The needs assessment is based on Sport England and National Governing Bodies of Sport participation and frequency of participation rates. The assumption in the strategy is that these participation/frequency rates do not change. It is possible to monitor participation trends for specific sports and for specific facility types for each local authority area through the Sport England Active People Survey. It is also possible to monitor changes by age and gender across all sports for 14 +, also at each local authority area level. So changes in participation can be reviewed and can be compared in trend terms to participation rates since October 2006. It is acknowledged and as reported in the strategy that participation data at the Chelmsford level is only available for certain activities. Overall it is possible to put annual change into a longer time perspective. The findings in the strategy on facility needs are valid within a certain percentage tolerance. It will still be important however to monitor the changes in the rates and frequencies of participation as there can be specific changes caused by the popularity of particular activities. This can create pressure for more access and facility time at venues. These changes can usually be absorbed by programming changes and not require additional provision of facilities

 Monitoring the delivery of the recommendations and identifying any changes that are required to the priority afforded to each action. This is the most important part of monitoring and, in effect, it is monitoring the delivery of the strategy. It is assumed that the City Council will take the responsibility for doing this. It should be an annual review, set against the generic and facility specific Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 36

recommendations. The time horizon of the strategy is to 2036 and the projects reflect that timescale.

 Assessing and including any new opportunities that present themselves during the lifetime of the Strategy.

5.2 Funding and Finance

5.2.1 The delivery of the provision requirements will, to a large extent, be dependent on the ability to first secure capital funding, whilst acknowledging delivery is much wider than just about capital funding. The capital funding picture for public leisure facilities is always changing. Local authority finances are under even more pressure and previous major national funding programmes, which supported indoor sports facilities, are no longer available.

5.2.2 Leisure centres (including sports halls and swimming pools) are the biggest cost of the provision recommendations. The Council is a major but not the only provider of such facilities. All providers of such facilities must take into account not just the up-front capital costs of such provision, but also longer-term maintenance and running costs.

5.2.3 All parts of need, core business case and long term viability have to be achievable. The main funding sources for delivering the strategy are:

 Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL): The City Council has adopted a CIL levy which, other than specific exceptions, will be applied to all new development with a floorspace of 100m2 or more. Regulation 123 of the CIL Regulations provides for a CIL charging authority (i.e. the City Council) to publish a list of infrastructure that will be, or may be, wholly or partly funded by CIL.

 Section 106 developer contributions: CIL largely replaces the current system of securing contributions from developers via Section 106 agreements. However, Section 106 agreements are likely to continue being used to secure local site- related infrastructure such as open space, access and habitat protection, and affordable housing. CIL will therefore operate in tandem with a scaled-back system of Section 106 agreements.

 Capital Grant funding from local and national agencies such as Sport England, including its major programmes of capital grant aid for provision and modernisation of sports facilities. The development of an evidence base, which is NPPF and Sport England ANOG compliant, certainly ensures there is a robust assessment in place to support grant aid investment. Experience has shown that an evidence base that is ANOG compliant and applies the Sport England strategic planning tools – along with extensive local consultation in the strategy - does secure capital investment. The Sport England capital funding programmes are reviewed regularly in terms of funding levels, criteria and possibly themed rounds/criteria for investment. Without a doubt investment from Sport England Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan 37

will require matched capital funding from other organisations and demonstrate a long term viable business case.

 Commercial sector funding in return for a long-term leisure management contract of existing and new facilities. This appears to be the most realistic and major way of financing the new sports facility requirements identified in the strategy. It is however subject to detailed feasibility to determine the core business case for long term capital investment and meeting the whole life costs at any new or re-provided project.

 Education and Further Education sector: while the previous sources of funding (including BSF and Primary Schools Programme) have changed and the scale of the education capital programmes have been reduced, the provision of sports facilities as new or improved projects on school sites is still a possible key funding stream. The Department of Education does have a Schools Improvement Programme. This funding programme is heavily subscribed to. Future funding rounds may be themed. Provision for science and languages have been past themes and it maybe that sports provision is a future theme. This could provide substantial capital funding.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment

2016 – 2036

Report produced on behalf of Chelmsford City Council by Leisure and the Environment in association with Ethos Environmental Planning

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 1

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment

Contents

1.0 Introduction 3 - 6

2.0 Context 7 - 21

3.0 Indoor Swimming Pools 22 - 46

4.0 Sports Halls 47 - 77

5.0 Health & Fitness Suites 78 - 87

6.0 Indoor Bowls 88 - 96

7.0 Indoor Tennis 97- 102

8.0 Athletics 103 – 112

9.0 Studios 113 – 121

10.0 Squash 122– 128

11.0 Village and Community Halls 129 – 134

12.0 Future Provision, Standards and other Recommendations 135 – 144

End notes Appendix 1: Explanation of Sport England Active People and Market Segmentation analyses

Appendix 2: Sport England Facility Planning Model report for Sports Halls and Swimming Pools in Chelmsford (separate document)

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 2

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Term Meaning

AGP Artificial grass pitches ANOG Assessment of Needs and Opportunities Guide APP Active People Power APS Active People Survey ASA Amateur Swimming Association CBN County Badminton Network CIL Community Infrastructure Levy ECBA Essex County Badminton Association FPM Facility Planning Model H&FS Health & Fitness Suites IMD Index of Multiple Deprivation LTA Lawn Tennis Association MS Market Segmentation NCAAP North Chelmsford Area Action Plan NGB National Governing Body NPPF National Planning Policy SFC Sports Facility Calculator

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 3

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Description of report

1.1.1 This is one of six reports provided within the overall Chelmsford Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Study. It considers the provision of indoor and built sports and active recreation facilities for the community. The six reports are:

1. Chelmsford Community and Stakeholder Consultation Report (Local Needs Assessment); 2. Chelmsford Open Space Study (comprising a main report and six area profiles); 3. Chelmsford Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Needs Assessment (Part A, B and C); 4. Chelmsford Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy and Action Plan (Part D of the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Needs Assessment); 5. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment (this report); and, 6. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan.

1.2 Study Overview

1.2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires local planning authorities to set out policies to help enable communities to access high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation. These policies need to be based on a thorough understanding of local needs for such facilities and opportunities available for new provision.

1.2.2 In view of the above, in 2014 Chelmsford City Council Appointed Ethos Environmental Planning to produce a new open space, indoor and outdoor sports and recreational facilities audit and assessment- a needs assessment and strategy to inform the decision making process up to 2036 to replace that published by the Council in 2005.

1.2.3 Overall aims of the study are:  To provide an audit of existing indoor and outdoor leisure facilities within the City’s administrative area and immediate boundaries.  To provide an assessment of these facilities in terms of quantity, quality and accessibility.  To provide a community and stakeholder needs assessment.  To identify gaps in provision, over provision and priority guidelines for future investment.  To develop and provide a strategy determining the actions and resources required to guide the City Council’s decision making up until 2036.

1.2.4 There are three key elements to the study:

 An Open Space Assessment Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 4

 A Playing Pitch Strategy and Outdoor Sports Assessment  An Indoor and Built Sports and Recreation Facilities Assessment (This report)

1.2.5 As such the overall outcome of the study will comprise of three main reports drawing upon an evidence base comprised of:

 Consultation and engagement with all relevant key stakeholders, agencies and organisations as well as the wider community and general public.  An audit of all facilities within the scope of the study.  Analysis and assessment of the adequacy of current and future facility provision based on recommended methodologies such as Sport England's "Assessing Needs and Opportunities" national planning guidance.

1.3 Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities Assessment

1.3.1 In addition to the overall requirements set out for the project (above) the Indoor Sports and Built Recreation Facilities Assessment should:

 Identify all key indoor sports facilities currently available to the community  Identify the demand for these facilities by local people  Evaluate what local people think about the quality of facility provision  Identify existing and predicted deficiencies/surpluses (including potential demand for indoor extreme sports)  Identify recommendations for future areas of investment and delivering improvements.

1.4 Methodology

1.4.1 As set out the indoor sport and leisure provision assessment has adopted the Sport England ‘Assessment of Needs and Opportunities Guide’ (ANOG) methodology, which advocates a broad approach to be undertaken looking at supply and demand and considering need in terms of:

 Quantity - what facilities there are in the area, how many you have?  Quality – how good are they in terms of condition and being ‘fit for purpose’?  Accessibility - where they are located?  Availability - how available are they? (The degree of ‘availability’ is analogous to the level of ‘Community Use’ (see references and the text box, below).

1.4.2 ANOG states that it is only by understanding all these elements together and their inter-relationship that you can form a rounded view of the supply and demand for facilities in an area. As also advocated by ANOG extensive consultation has been undertaken to inform the analysis. Questionnaire surveys were undertaken as below: Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 5

 A sample ‘Leisure Plus’ (household survey)- referred to as the ‘household survey’ subsequently in this report.  Survey of national governing bodies of sport and local clubs.  A survey of parish councils.  A Local groups and organisations survey  Discussions were also undertaken with key Chelmsford City Council officers and leisure centre staff.

1.4.3 The detailed findings of these consultations are summarised in this report. The complete consultation reportage is provided in the Chelmsford Community and Stakeholder Consultation Report (Local Needs Assessment)

1.4.4 The assessment has also been informed by the use of analytical techniques, which include GIS mapping, and Sport England Facility Planning Model (FPM) reports supplied by Sport England to help inform the study. The FPM analysis is explained more fully in Sections 3 and 4 (dealing with swimming pools and sports halls respectively). The FPM findings have been used in association with those of the above consultations and GIS analysis, in securing an overall picture of the provision of local pools and sports halls in respect of quantity, quality accessibility, and availability.

1.5 Review

1.5.1 In line with Sport England guidance contained in ANOG, it will be important to review the content of this Needs Assessment, as well as any strategy document based upon it, to reflect any relevant changes in local circumstances. This review should be on a regular basis.

1.6 Report Framework

1.6.1 The report is made up of 11 main sections:

 Section 2 provides context for the study in respect of planned change within the local authority, and an analysis of the characteristics of the population that have a relevance to planning for sport and recreation. Key policies of other stakeholders are also noted.  Sections 3 to 11 provide an assessment of provision for different facilities/activities, based on a consideration of their quantity, quality and accessibility, and availability for ‘community use’. The term ‘Community’ Use is central to this study and is defined below. At the end of each section there is a short summary in respect of key findings, issues and options.  Section 12 considers the impact of future planned population change on those facilities/activities considered in the sections 3 to 11. As appropriate it outlines some potential standards of provision for key facilities, and other appropriate strategic recommendations to help meet both existing and future demand for facilities. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 6

1.7 What is community use?

1.7.1 At its simplest ‘community use’ is a term that is used to describe the extent to which a given sport or recreation facility is available for use by members of the general community- either on a pay-as-you go informal basis, or as part of an organised club or group.

1.7.2 In practice, the above definition of community use will include a wide range of management regimes whose admission policies will span informal ‘pay-as-you-go’ access, by the general community; and, through to use by organised clubs and groups by booking or longer-term agreements etc. Whether, individual facilities are considered to be available for significant community use depends of several factors, including:

 Type of facility (and whether its size and design might be of use to the community at large, or at least significant groups within the community);  The cost of using facilities, and whether these might generally be considered to be affordable;  The times and days of availability (times of most demand for the general community are likely to be in the evenings and at the weekends, as well as during mid-week lunchtime (popular for people at work).  The extent to which such use by the community is ‘assured’ over the longer-term.

1.7.3 In terms of utility for the general community different facilities will therefore have diverse value by nature of because of their varying scale, location, and management/pricing policies. This is not to deny the importance of other smaller provision for local clubs and groups, as well as those residents who prefer to pay for access to private/commercial facilities.

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2.0 CONTEXT

2.1 General

2.1.1 This section includes important contextual information about Chelmsford local authority relevant to the analysis contained in this report. It considers:

 A brief review of the policies and priorities of the local authority, as well as other key stakeholders and that have relevance to planning for sport and recreation within the local authority.  The current demographic character of the local authority, and how it is likely to change in the coming years, up to 2036.  A review of the particular characteristics of the adult population in respect of how this influences people’s inclination to take part in sport and active recreation.  Key issues have been identified, taking into account the above.

2.1.2 The strategic context/policy overview is set out within each of the reports associated with the overall Chelmsford Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Study (outlined in section 1.1), with the exception of the Community and Stakeholder Consultation report and the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy and Action Plan. A number of the strategies and polices are relevant to each of the studies and are therefore included within each separate report, and in addition, each study also includes strategies and policies that are only relevant to that study.

2.1.3 The demographic character, characteristics of the adult population and issues sections (latter three sections – 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5) is repeated within the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Needs Assessment as the information is also relevant to this needs assessment, and both assessments are to be read as stand-alone documents.

2.1.4 Policies and strategies are subject to regular change, therefore the summary provided in this section was correct at the time of writing. Chelmsford City Council reserve the right to change and update this section as policies change.

2.1.5 The policy overview will include analysis of the councils’ existing strategies and policies. It also includes a review of other strategies of relevance at national and local levels and assesses their implications for the provision of open space, sport and recreation opportunities. In addition, an assessment of the relationship between the proposed study and other relevant council strategies and initiatives is included.

2.1.6 The PPG17 companion guide identified the importance of understanding the implications of existing strategies on the study. Specifically, before initiating local consultation, there should be a review of existing national, regional and local plans and strategies, and an assessment of the implementation and effectiveness of existing planning policies and provision standards.

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2.2 Strategic Context

2.2.1 National Strategic Context

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

2.2.1.1 The NPPF sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how they should be applied. The NPPF must be adhered to in the preparation of local and neighbourhood plans, and is a material consideration in planning decisions. The NPPF contains the following references that relate to green infrastructure and open spaces:

 Para 17 - Achieving Sustainable Development - Core Planning Principles: Within the overarching roles that the planning system ought to play, a set of core land-use planning principles should underpin both plan-making and decision-taking.  Para 58 - Local and neighbourhood plans should develop robust and comprehensive policies that set out the quality of development that will be expected for the area. Para 73 - 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.  Para 74 – Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless: o An assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements; or o The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or o The development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.  Para 75 - Planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way and access. Local authorities should seek opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example by adding links to existing rights of way networks including National Trails.  Para 99 - Local Plans should take account of climate change over the longer term, including factors such as flood risk, coastal change, water supply and changes to biodiversity and landscape.  Para 109 - The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment.

Sporting Future - A New Strategy for an Active Nation

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2.2.1.2 This cross-government strategy seeks to address flat-lining levels of sport participation and high levels of inactivity in this country. Through this strategy, government is redefining what success in sport means, with a new focus on five key outcomes: physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, individual development, social and community development and economic development. In future, funding decisions will be made on the basis of the outcomes that sport and physical activity can deliver.

2.2.1.3 It is government’s ambition that all relevant departments work closer together to create a more physically active nation, where children and young people enjoy the best sporting opportunities available and people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the many benefits that sport and physical activity bring, at every stage in their lives.

2.2.1.4 Government is reaffirming its commitment to Olympic and Paralympic success but also extending that ambition to non-Olympic sports where it will support success through grassroots investment in those sports, and by sharing UK Sport’s knowledge and expertise. The strategy outlines what is expected of the sector to deliver this vision, and how the government will support it in getting there.

2.2.1.5 Public investment into community sport is to reach children as young as five as part of a ground-breaking new this new strategy. The move will see Sport England’s remit changed from investing in sport for those aged 14 and over to supporting people from five years old right through to pensioners, in a bid to create a more active nation.

2.2.1.6 Investment will be targeted at sport projects that have a meaningful, measurable impact on how they are improving people’s lives – from helping young people gain skills to get into work, to tackling social inclusion and improving physical and mental health.

2.2.1.7 Funding will also be targeted at groups who have low participation rates to encourage those who do not take part in sport and physical activity to get involved. This includes supporting women, disabled people, those in lower socio-economic groups and older people. Sport England will set up a new fund in 2016 to get inactive people physically active and will support and measure participation in sport and wider physical activity going forward.

Sport England Strategy – ‘Towards and Active Nation’ 2016-2021

2.2.1.8 In response to the Government’s strategy, Sport England’s new strategy vision is that that everyone in England, regardless of age, background or ability, feels able to take part in sport or activity. Sport England’s new vision and its supporting aims will therefore contribute to achieving the government's. Key features of the new Strategy are:

 Dedicated funding to get children and young people active from the age of five, including a new fund for family based activities and offering training to at least two teachers in every secondary school in England to help them better meet the needs of all children, irrespective of their level of sporting ability.  Working with the sport sector to put customers at the heart of everything they do, and using the principles of behaviour change to inform their work. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 10

 Piloting new ways of working locally by investing in up to 10 places in England – a mix of urban and rural areas.  Investing up to £30m in a new volunteering strategy, enabling more people to get the benefits of volunteering and attracting a new, more diverse range of volunteers.  Helping sport keep pace with the digital expectations of customers – making it as easy to book a badminton court as a hotel room.  Working closely with governing bodies of sport and others who support people who already play regularly, to help them become more efficient, sustainable and diversify their sources of funding.

2.2.1.9 With respect to the final bullet point (above) a projected 38% of Sport England controlled investment will be directed through the National Governing Bodies of Sport. This is the largest of Sport England’s funding programmes.

2.2.2 Local Context

Chelmsford City Corporate Plan 2012

2.2.2.1 The Council’s Corporate Plan has six strategic priorities which are largely all relevant to the overall Chelmsford Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities Study. These are:

 Attracting investment and delivering infrastructure;  Facilitating suitable housing for local needs  Providing high quality public spaces;  Promoting a more sustainable environment;  Promoting healthier and more active lives;  Enhancing participation in cultural activities.

2.2.2.2 The Corporate Plan sets out how each of the strategic priorities will be achieved and identifies ways in which it considers success can be measured.

2.2.2.3 Changes in central government policy and legislation have seen local authorities take more responsibility for improving levels of public health. Studies show that living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing chronic disease, improves quality of life and increases life expectancy. The Council is now responsible for many factors which impact on mental and physical health, including sports and leisure provision in the area, environmental health, green spaces and housing standards. The Council is therefore now aiming to support its residents and encourage health improvements by implementing the new Public Health Strategy alongside the Council's other policies and strategies.

Chelmsford Core Strategy and Development Control Policies Development Plan Document (2001-2021)

2.2.2.4 This document which is a statutory part of the Council’s Local Development Framework (LDF), sets out the Council’s strategy to manage strategic development growth Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 11

alongside the day-to-day planning policies for determining planning applications. It was adopted in February 2008. In 2013 the Council adopted a ‘Focused Review’ of the Core Strategy (in light of the publication of the NPPF) to replace specific policies and text1.

2.2.2.5 It sets out the Council’s vision, objectives, spatial strategy and core policies that will guide and shape development until 2021. It also identifies general areas for new housing and employment, transport infrastructure and areas where development will be limited. The second part of the document includes detailed policies that are used to make decisions on planning applications.

2.2.2.6 Currently, the overall planned housing growth within the local authority between now and 2036 (i.e. the study horizon of this study) has yet to be determined with geographical precision, either in respect of the local authority-wide targets, or in terms of the geographic location of strategic growth allocations. However, based on previous trends observed in the local authority the latest population projections adopted by the Council for planning purposes would suggest a growth in population from an estimated 172,370 in 2015, to 195,880 in 2036 – an overall net increase of 23,5102.

2.2.2.7 What is certain is that much of the new housing proposed within the local authority up to 2021 will be provided on the northern edge of the existing urban area of Chelmsford, and the NCAAP, which runs to this time horizon, and allocates 4,000 houses to this part of the local authority. As with all successful and sustainable major developments, these additional houses will need to be provided in conjunction with a phased creation of infrastructure, including that for open space, sport and active recreation. All allocations in the NCAAP area have already been granted planning permission, which includes committed sports and community infrastructure within it.

2.2.2.8 It may be that, when the impact of all new housing allocations up to 2036 (yet to be determined) are taken into account, the levels of population growth will be even higher, and this will certainly be the case in those areas where new major housing allocations are made. The size and location of population growth up to 2036 is still not clearly known (other than the NCAAP up to 2026, for which sports infrastructure has already been committed). This lack of current certainty over the location of longer-term growth allocations impacts upon the extent to which the recommendations of this report can be geographically specific.

2.2.2.9 Beyond the 2021 time horizon, the City Council will assume that the requirement for new homes up to an extended time horizon (up to 2036) will run at around 775 per annum. This is based on Chelmsford’s Objectively Assessed Housing Need figure. This shows a population increase of 22,549 for period 2015-20253.

1 http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/csdpc 2 These were from a forecast produced on 19/03/2015 using POPGROUP software developed by Bradford Council, the University of Manchester and Andelin Associates

3 This is based on the EPOA Phase Report 7 report from Edge (POPGROUP). This shows a population increase of 22,549 for period 2015- 2025.

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2.2.2.10 The Council has adopted the following vision to describe the type of place they want the area to be in 2021 and beyond:

‘The Borough of Chelmsford will be at the leading edge for economic, social and environmental excellence at the heart of Essex, where people choose to live, work and visit because of the ever-improving quality of life available to all, now and for future generations’.

2.2.2.11 The vision is the same as the Community Plan Our Future 2021 – the Borough of Chelmsford as it is essential that there is integration and recognition that the LDF is the delivery vehicle and spatial representation of the Community Plan. The Strategic Objectives for the Core Strategy relate back to the seven priorities of the Community Plan and are grouped into the five themes of:

 Managing Growth (MG)  Environmental Protection and Enhancement (EPE)  Balanced Communities (BC)  Quality of Life (QL)  Economic Prosperity (EPC)

2.2.2.12 The key elements of the Spatial Strategy are:

 the focus of development on existing built-up areas including an urban renaissance within Chelmsford Town Centre;  the development of two new neighbourhoods to the North of Chelmsford with necessary infrastructure;  the safeguarding of the Metropolitan Green Belt and the protection and enhancement of valuable landscapes and the natural and historic environments;  promoting the economic and cultural role of Chelmsford as the ‘Capital of Essex’ and the revitalisation of an economic gateway in North-East Chelmsford.

2.2.2.13 The Core Strategy recognises the importance of open space and built sport and leisure facilities, with relevant policies including:

Core Policy (CP) 12 – Protecting and enhancing recreational provision, which seeks to maintain and enhance the provision of formal and informal recreational facilities including parks and gardens, country parks and other public open spaces.

Core Policy CP16 – Promoting Social Inclusion: In considering proposals for new development, the Borough Council will promote social inclusion through equality of opportunity and equality of access for all to social, educational, health, employment, recreational, green space, community buildings and cultural facilities. Proposals which would maintain or improve local services will therefore be considered favourably, subject to meeting the tests set out in any other relevant policies in this Development Plan Document.

Core Policy CP18 – Providing New Community and Social Facilities in Major New Development: The Borough Council will ensure that new community facilities, including health, education, social, sports and leisure, parks and green spaces, arts and cultural Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 13

facilities, are developed as an integral part of any proposals for major new residential development in accordance with the requirements identified by the Borough Council and other agencies. Such facilities will be accessible to all sections of the community, and will be secured by a range of funding measures and planning contributions including standard charges and/ or standard formulae where necessary.

Be Moved: Sports & Arts Strategy for Chelmsford (2012-2016)

2.2.2.14 The strategy recognises that both sport and art have a key role to play in keeping citizens both physically and mentally healthy, reducing social exclusion and shaping the identity and feel of a place.

2.2.2.15 The vision for the strategy is:

“To encourage people who live, work & visit Chelmsford to get actively involved in sport & arts, to support local organisations and to develop the City's high quality of life & reputation in the East of England”.

2.2.2.16 The strategy identifies how this vision can be achieved, including where resources will be allocated and how new and existing funding streams can be utilised. Consultation was undertaken with the public and stakeholders which led to the development of a ‘Triple A’ approach (Services will be: Active, Affordable and Accessible) and 5 goals for the Leisure and Cultural Services to Work towards as follows:

 To promote health and wellbeing  To build an Olympic and Paralympic legacy  To facilitate community initiatives to enrich society  To deliver a high quality and varied programme of sport and arts  To ensure our services are right for you

2.2 Demographic Character and how it is likely to change up to 2036

Population

2.3.1 As at 2015 Chelmsford City Council area was estimated to have a population of 172,370. This figure is based upon population projections commissioned by the City Council. The same projections calculate that by the year 2036 the population will have increased to 195,880. This figure is itself only based upon previous trends, and does not necessarily take into account the impact of planned new residential growth yet to be determined.

2.3.2 This growth will affect the local demography in different ways. Figure 1 shows the impact it is likely to have on general age cohorts within the population.

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Figure 1: Changing local population and age structure4

2.3.3 The most noteworthy feature of the above changes is that whilst there is an overall growth in the population generally and, within seven of the eight cohorts, the biggest numerical increases are in the oldest age groups and especially within those in the post retirement age groups.

2.3.4 Generally speaking, it is the younger adult age groups between 16 and 45 years of age that have the greatest propensity to participate in sports and active recreation. Whilst these age groups will continue to grow within the local authority it is clear that the greater percentage of the overall population growth will come from within the older age groups, and this will have implications for the way in which sport and recreation facilities are planned.

2.3.5 Much of the population within the local authority is focused on the Chelmsford urban area, and much of the anticipated population change up to the year 2036 will be centred on this part of the local authority. This will also be the case in respect of planned new residential development (and therefore the local population growth) resulting from development allocations yet to be determined.

2.3.6 Figure 2 below shows the overall distribution of population within the local authority (and is based on population data available from the Census Output Area level from the 2011 census).

4 Compiled from a forecast produced on 19/03/2015 using POPGROUP software developed by Bradford Council, the University of Manchester and Andelin Associates

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Affluence and deprivation

2.3.7 Also shown on Figure 2 is a traffic light colour scheme reflecting the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) scores for the locality. All of the approximately 34,500 Census Super Output Areas (SOAs) within England and Wales have been categorised into one of four quartiles based on their ranking in the most recent available government IMD at the time of this study. The red light represents SOAs in the highest ranked (most deprived) quartile whilst, the dark green light represents those in the lowest ranked (most affluent) quartile.

2.3.8 Much of the local authority area might be considered quite well off compared with most other parts of the country. There are, however, parts of the urban area (and especially the northwest) that fall within the two least affluent quartiles.

2.3.9 Research has shown that there is a high correlation between levels of deprivation, and participation levels in sport and recreation.

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Figure 2: Population distribution and deprivation

2.3 Review of characteristics of adult population

Local participation levels in sport and active recreation

2.4.1 The Sport England Active People surveys have now been running for several years. Further details of the Active People Surveys (APS) are contained in Appendix 1. Essentially, the analysis is based on a regular sample survey of participation by the adult public aged 16 years and over. The sequence of surveys has now reached Active People year eight (AP8). Data have been released by Sport England allowing for mapping of participation rates to a local Census Middle Super Output Area. The results of this mapping are shown on the following Figure 3. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 17

Figure 3: Participation in sport and active recreation by the adult population (at least 1 x 30 minutes/week)

2.4.2 Consistent with the relatively high levels of affluence enjoyed by local residents, rates of regular participation in sport and active recreation are generally higher, and often significantly higher, than the national averages for England. To reinforce the point made Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 18

earlier about the correlation between deprivation and participation, it should be noted that the one geographical area where participation rates appear lower than those for England as a whole is that where, (as shown on Figure 2), levels of measured deprivation are highest (in the north western part of the urban area).

Propensity to participate in sport and active recreation

2.4.3 Sport England have developed a Market Segmentation analysis for adults over the age of 16 years. The adult population has been divided into 19 separate demographic groups within four overall categories are (A, B, C, D) each embracing one of four age groups within the adult population (A being the youngest, and D being the oldest). A full explanation of the 19 demographic groups is contained within Appendix 1. Each of the 19 age groups has been given a personalised title. The overall breakdown of the local authority’s population is shown in the Figure 4 below. It will be seen that, numerically, the most dominant categories are Tim, Philip, Roger & Joy, and Elaine5. Although, these groups are not the youngest within the adult population their characteristics yield a greater propensity to take part in sport and active recreation compared with some other groups. The representation of these 19 groups within the population is also expressed in percentage form in Figure 5.

Figure 4: Numerical breakdown of adult population by Sport England Market Segmentation

5 ‘Tim: Settling Down Males’. Sporty male professionals, buying a house and settling down with partner. ‘Philip: Comfortable Mid-life Males’. Mid-life professional, sporty males with older children and more time for themselves. ‘Elaine: Elaine Empty Nest Career Ladies’. Mid-life professionals who have more time for themselves since their children left home. Full-time job and owner-occupier, married. ‘Roger & Joy: Early Retirement Couples’. Free-time couples nearing the end of their careers. Full-time job or retired, married Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 19

Figure 5: Percentage breakdown of adult population by Sport England Market Segmentation

2.4.4 Figure 6 below combines the 19 different groups into the four overall categories (A, B, C, D) and displays them as pie charts for each of the Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs) contained within the local authority. This provides a geographical representation of the dominance of particular categories throughout the local authority.

2.4.5 As the population involves the relative size for each of these four categories will change over time within any given area.

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Figure 6: Distribution of overall Sport England Market Segmentation Categories within the local authority

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2.4 Issues

2.5.1 The character of the local authority’s population continues to change and this has a profound effect on the types of sport, play and leisure activity appealing to local people.

2.5.2 In a modern, fast-moving world income, time, and social media also help dictate what people can and do with their free-time.

2.5.3 The Council is working in a financially challenging environment- this brings challenges, but it also presents a clear opportunity for reviewing the Council’s leisure service and facilities it operates.

2.5.4 Similarly, many agencies, groups and organisations have shared aspirations in respect of the ‘health agenda’ and great potential exists for collaboration between public and voluntary sectors, as well as social and commercial enterprises to realise these aspirations

2.5.5 The various factors considered above suggest that the following will be the major determinants in the demand for sports and active recreation into the foreseeable future within the local authority:

 A growing population, which may be further accentuated by planned new residential growth that has not yet been allocated. The size and location of population growth up to 2036 is still not clearly known (other than the NCAAP up to 2026, for which sports infrastructure has already been committed). This lack of current certainty over the location of longer-term growth allocations impacts upon the extent to which the recommendations of this report can be geographically specific.  The strong representation within the local population of adult age groups with characteristics that make them more likely to take part in sport and active recreation;  High existing levels of regular participation compared with the national averages, which suggest that any further growth in participation levels will develop an already strong base.  The relative affluence of the population facilitates relatively high levels of participation within the local population. However, there are geographical pockets within the urban area that exhibit quite high levels of economic and social deprivation, and where and the levels of participation in sport and active recreation are depressed as a consequence. Improving prospects for participating should be a priority for the local authority and its partners in these areas, with the consequent health and economic benefits.

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3 INDOOR SWIMMING POOLS

3.1 General

3.1.1 This section considers the provision of swimming facilities within the local authority with respect to its quantity, quality, and accessibility and availability (for community use). Issues and options for swimming provision will then be summarised. Swimming as an activity will cover not just casual swimming by members of the public, but also race swimming, diving, synchronised swimming, and water polo etc. Pools can also be used as training venues for canoeing and sub-aqua, although the utility of conventional pools for such activities is limited.

3.2 Quantity

3.2.1 Background research indicates a considerable number of swimming pools within the Chelmsford local authority area. However, many of these will only be partly available for use by the general community, if at all.

Existing provision (general)

3.2.2 Table 1 lists those pools that are included in Sport England’s assessment of strategic supply of and demand for indoor pool space within the local authority, as explained later in this section, and included as Appendix 2 to this report. Figure 7 shows all known pools within the local authority and therefore includes other pools not identified in Table 1. Figure 7 also shows significant pools outside the local authority that may be used by residents of Chelmsford local authority.

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Table 1: Description of known pools included in Sport England’s assessment of strategic supply of and demand for indoor pool space Access Type (Categorisation adopted Name Facility Sub Type from the Sport England Active Places Power database) Sports Club / Community Chelmsford County High School for Girls Main/General Association

Chelmsford Fitness & Wellbeing Centre Main/General Registered Membership use

Sports Club / Community Great Baddow High School Main/General Association

Greenwood Estate Health Spa and Main/General Registered Membership use Retreat

Sports Club / Community Moulsham High School Main/General Association

Sports Club / Community New Hall School Main/General Association

Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre Main/General Pay and Play

South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre Main/General Pay and Play

Virgin Active Club (Chelmsford) Main/General Registered Membership use

3.2.3 Pools excluded from Table 1 are listed in a footnote6. There may also be some small pools located on primary school sites that have not been identified, but which are too small

6 Pools excluded from Table 1 are:

Access Type Name Facility Sub Type (Categorisation adopted from the Sport England Active Places Power database) Boswells School Main/General Sports Club / Community Association

Chelmsford Fitness & Wellbeing Centre Learner/Teaching/Training Registered Membership use

Highwood Primary School Lido Private Use

Ramsden Hall School Lido Private Use

Reflections Spa and Cafe Bar Lido Registered Membership use

Reflections Spa and Cafe Bar Learner/Teaching/Training Registered Membership use

Rettendon Primary School Learner/Teaching/Training Private Use

Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre Learner/Teaching/Training Pay and Play

Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre Lido (Now Shut) Pay and Play

St. Peters C of E School Learner/Teaching/Training Sports Club / Community Association

Virgin Active Club (Chelmsford) Learner/Teaching/Training Registered Membership use

Widford Lodge Preparatory School Lido Private Use

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in any event to be included in the overall audit. These other types of pool clearly have some value to small sections of the general community, but do not have a wider utility. For example, the covered pool at St. Peter’s C of E Primary School in East Hanningfield, has not been included in the above list: whilst it is used by the community, it is considered to be too small to be included in analysis, and its use by outside groups (although encouraged) will be seasonal.

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Figure 7: Location of known swimming pools

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3.2.4 It will be noted from Table 1 that the list comprises a range of provisions covering local authority, education, commercial, and membership facilities. It is the local authority provision at Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre, and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre that has greatest value by nature of its scale, location, and management/pricing policies. To highlight the importance the Riverside venue has 330,000 swimming visits p/a and South Woodham receives 160,000.

Availability/community use7

3.2.5 The facilities included in Table 1 are detailed further in Table 2 as they are judged by Sport England to be of significance for community use in respect of a supply/demand modelling exercise conducted in Chelmsford to aid this report (discussed later in this section). The extent to which facilities are open to community use will, amongst other things, depend on the times they are open to the general public, and/or else local clubs and organisations. For local authority-controlled leisure centres these opening hours will generally encompass daytimes and evenings throughout the week. However, for education venues, this will be limited to times when facilities are not required for curriculum use.

3.2.6 The assumptions made by the Sport England modelling have been sample-checked by phone calls to venues, website checks, and site visits. They have also been compared with a previous survey undertaken by the Chelmsford School Sports Partnership. This suggests that the data about opening times that has been used is reasonably accurate, although it is recognised that policies and practices in respect of community availability of school facilities can change.8

7 See Section 1.7 for an explanation of this term 8 A survey of school facilities and provision was conducted in 2009 by the Chelmsford School Sports Partnership. This survey listed contact details as well as overall times of and basis for availability. This survey allied to phone call checks, and web searches undertaken for this needs assessment were used to check the assumptions of availability underpinning the Sport England Facility Planning Model data for school-based pools in Chelmsford.

Table 2: Swimming pools in Chelmsford local authority considered to offer community use Visited Consulted General Facility Sub Ownership Pool Pool Name Lanes Access Type Management Type accuracy Type Type length width confirmed? Riverside Ice Yes Yes Yes Local Local Authority & Leisure Main/General 6 Pay and Play 33.3 12.5 Authority (in house) Centre South Yes Yes Yes Woodham Foundation Local Authority Main/General 6 Pay and Play 25 13 Ferrers School (in house) Leisure Centre Chelmsford No No Registered Fitness & Main/General 4 Membership Other Other 20 10 Wellbeing use Centre Greenwood No No Registered Estate Health Commercial Main/General 1 Membership Commercial 20 10 Spa and Management use Retreat Virgin Active Registered No No Commercial Club Main/General 4 Membership Commercial 20 10 Management (Chelmsford) use Chelmsford Sports Club No Yes Yes County High / Foundation School/College/ Main/General 4 18 10 School for Community School University (in house) Girls Association Sports Club Yes Yes Yes Great Baddow / Community School/College/ Main/General 4 18 9 High School Community school University (in house) Association Sports Club Yes Yes Yes Moulsham Community School/College/ Main/General 5 / 20 10 High School school University (in house) Community 28 Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment

Visited Consulted General Facility Sub Ownership Pool Pool Name Lanes Access Type Management Type accuracy Type Type length width confirmed? Association

Sports Club No Yes Yes Other New Hall / School/College/University Main/General 6 Independent 25 12.5 School Community (in house) School Association

3.2.7 In terms of availability to the community and the range of facilities, the above will yield varying opportunities. The list includes those facilities considered to be ‘general pools’, as opposed to pools (for example) designed for learners and toddlers, and bespoke diving pools.

3.2.8 Outdoor pools are also excluded from this list, as they have limited utility for most people except for the warmer months.

3.2.9 Those pools which are most significant in respect of community access and use are the Riverside facility in Chelmsford, and at the South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre. Other facilities are found primarily on school sites and at commercial venues. On school sites use during the day in term-time will, in general terms, be devoted to curricular activity. However, there is likely to be use of the pools by organised clubs and societies in the evenings and at weekends.

3.2.10 Reflecting the above comments, the following diagram provides a hierarchy of pools in respect of their significance for community use.

Figure 8 Hierarchy of indoor pool provision

3.2.11 The above facilities therefore include:

 The Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre: The pool complex is part of a major sub regional wet and dry venue, with a timetable that spans up to 6:30 and 22:00 hours. The pools host a mixed programme of public sessions, club activity, and teaching. It will shortly be the subject of a major re-design/refurbishment.  The South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre: The pool complex is part of an important local wet and dry venue that serves primarily the south east of the local authority. It is dual-use provision on a school site, and the pool is therefore used heavily (but not exclusively) for curriculum activity during weekdays. The timetable spans up to 6:15 and 22:00 hours and, as with The Riverside, it hosts a mixed programme of public sessions, club activity, and teaching. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 30

 Moulsham High School, Great Baddow High School, Chelmsford High School for Girls, New Hall School: All these schools host programmed activity booked by groups and organisations. For the state funded schools the availability tends to be between Monday-Friday: 18:00 - 22:00; and, Weekends: 08:00 - 16:00. Activities include swimming classes, aqua fitness, scuba training. During the school day facilities will also be used by local primary schools. The pool at New Hall School is heavily used by the school itself and, although local swimming clubs are allowed to use it for training, there is some uncertainty that this will continue, due to increasing school needs.  The commercial facilities: Some of these are estimated to be very heavily used and therefore make a substantial contribution to meeting local demand for swimming. They are therefore a valuable alternative to public provision for some sections of the community. However, they will generally be subscription membership, and organised activity will not be based around voluntary clubs or casual pay-as-you- play.

3.2.12 Other pools not identified in Table 2, will be small outdoor pools located at primary schools, as well as private membership and commercial facilities. The small school-based swimming pools may also include a small level of community activity, but this will tend to be focused around commercial swimming lessons for children.

3.2.13 The total amount of usable water space yielded by the pools listed in Table 2 is estimated to be 2,295 sqm. The biggest contributions in this regard are made by the two local authority facilities at Riverside and at South Woodham Ferrers- between them they account for approximately 740 sqm, or around 32% of usable water space by the community. It is very important to note that provision at other facilities listed does not necessarily provide for assured use by the general community, in the sense that such use is not guaranteed for the longer-term.

3.2.14 The Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre also has a diving pool. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 31

3.3 Sport England Facilities Planning Model (FPM)9

3.3.1 The FPM findings have been used in association with those of the consultations (explained at Section 1.4) and GIS analysis, in securing an overall picture of the provision local of pools and sports halls in respect of quantity, quality accessibility, and availability.

3.3.2 The model has been run by Sport England for the Chelmsford local authority area. It is included as Appendix 2. Its overall conclusion is that there are sufficient swimming pools within the local authority area to meet existing demand, from local residents, and the general level of provision is considered to be relatively good (such as in comparison with other local authorities exhibiting similar characteristics to the Chelmsford local authority).

3.3.3 Beyond the data collected for local facilities, other data underlying the model are derived from supply, demand, and usage patterns developed over the years from national surveys and, as such, the analysis does not necessarily reflect particular local circumstances. The conclusions of the modelling exercise conducted for this study should not therefore be considered in isolation from other local research and evidence. 10

3.3.4 The total number of visits to pools in Chelmsford is estimated to be 11,082 visits/week (compared with total capacity of 18,699 visits) and this equates to around 59.3% of the total capacity of the pools being used, which is below the pools’ full ‘comfort level’ of 70%, and again below the national and regional average figures. The ‘comfort level’ of 70% is less than the theoretical capacity of 100%. This is because it would be almost impossible (and in any event undesirable) to utilise facilities to their full capacity during every available hour, given the management implications as well as the unattractive environment this would present for users.

3.3.5 The calculations used in the FPM were based on researched assumptions, which are explained in Appendix 2. It is important to note that in its assessment the FPM took into account those facilities highlighted in Tables 1 and 2.

3.3.6 The FPM report identified the following estimated usage of each facility (shown in Table 3 below).

9 See Endnote 1 for an explanation 10 More detailed Sport England modelling (not available to this assessment) can take into account the fact that the supply of and demand for major community sports facilities cannot be considered within the local authority in isolation from neighbouring areas, and the location and nature of provision in adjacent local authorities can therefore also be factored into calculations of overall supply. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 32

Table 3: Notional capacity used at identified venues % capacity Facility Capacity in the Peak Period- Facility used Visits per Week Peak Period (vpwpp) Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre 64% 3,381 (Main Pool) South Woodham Ferrers 69% 1,874 Leisure Centre Chelmsford Fitness and 56% 2,167 Wellbeing Centre

Greenwood Estate Health Spa 35% 1,733

Virgin Active Club (Chelmsford) 54% 1,522

Chelmsford County High School 95% 885 for Girls11

Great Baddow High School 78% 675

Moulsham High School 55% 667

New Hall School 43% 1,745

3.3.7 As can be seen from Table 3, the 59.3% peak period usage of total capacity average for the local authority masks a considerable variation across the 9 facilities considered in the FPM analysis. The most heavily used is estimated to be Chelmsford County High School for Girls at 95% (see the footnote); whilst the least-used is estimated to be the Greenwood Estate Health Spa.

3.3.8 Some of the above estimates of used capacity must be treated with caution, local circumstances may need to be fully understood in detail (beyond the scope of this Needs Assessment). For example, 43% used capacity score for New Hall is likely to be a large overestimate, given school demands and the uncertainty over continued community use of some of the sports facilities. Most of the pools on state-funded school sites will have spare capacity, but this may in part be due to the fact that the schools will not be able to provide lifeguards and other safeguards required for community activity, as well as general staffing (which is why so much of the community use is based around clubs and other internally organised activity).

3.3.9 There is a spatial element to the FPM analysis: the analysis does not simply involve aggregating demand within the local authority and comparing it with the capacity of swimming pools within the local authority to meet that demand. Importantly, the FPM also

11 The assumed figures for Chelmsford High School for Girls are considered to be perhaps of the high side, but there is no means to check them accurately, without the School itself having a significant input. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 33

takes into account the ability of residents to access a swimming pool by either car, walking, cycling, or public transport. This travel might include trips across local authority boundaries to use facilities in neighbouring areas.

3.3.10 The FPM report concludes that there is a very low level of ‘unmet demand’ amongst local residents for access to swimming facilities. The unmet demand is generated by residents not lying within a defined drive time catchment of any of the facilities considered within the report, or else qualifying facilities in neighbouring local authority areas.

3.3.11 There are clearly synergies between provision in different sectors- for example, provision at commercial venues may help to alleviate pressure at local authority facilities, whilst also offering their customers an environment within which they feel more comfortable. Likewise, provision at schools (when not required for curricular use) will benefit clubs that might otherwise struggle to find sufficient time and space for their needs at local authority venues.

3.3.12 However, given the fact that the primary motivations of education and commercial providers are not the same as those of the local authority, it is always possible that:

 Changing curricular demands might reduce the availability of facilities for outside clubs and groups; and/or;  Changed economic motivation may mean commercial venues cease to operate.

3.3.13 Beyond the two local authority facilities, there are not known to be any controlling policies, or legal agreements obliging providers to offer an acceptable level of general community use/availability (e.g. the unsecured community access at New Hall).

The views of local residents

3.3.14 In respect of swimming pools, the ‘Leisure Plus’ household survey conducted as part of this study highlighted the following:

 Sports and leisure centres are used regularly by significant numbers (61% of household’s report using them at least monthly - many more regularly); as are the areas’ swimming pools and gym/health and fitness facilities (around 48% at least monthly).  Sports/leisure centres are used at least weekly by 79% - of which 18% visit nearly every day; and for swimming pools 68% - of user households visit at least weekly (of which 14% make use nearly every day).  The two kinds of facility where significant numbers of respondent households believe there is a need for more are swimming pools (39% think there is a need for more) and specialist indoor sports facilities (39%)  The survey responses also suggested that most people consider there to be sufficient swimming pools within the Chelmsford local authority to meet existing needs. It should be noted however that these people would be unlikely to factor any future growth in population when considering their response.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 34

The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) London & South East Region (other comments from the ASA are reported under Section 3.4)

3.3.15 The regional offices of the ASA were invited to comment on existing swimming provision within the local authority. It stated that swimming pools are provided by public, education and private sectors within Chelmsford with only the public sector facilities at Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre offering secured use for the community; other schools may offer time and space to community groups and teaching but not on a ‘secured’ basis.

Chelmsford Swimming Club

3.3.16 Chelmsford Swimming Club has a current membership of 740. Membership has increased over the last 3 years. The club provides for: competitive swimming; water polo; synchronised swimming; swim fit; learning to swim; and disability swimming. The club notes that "we have a strong reputation for competitive success and also a wide range of activities. We are one of only a small number of swimming clubs offering all aquatic disciplines (with the exception of diving)"

3.3.17 The Swimming Club have an active junior section and links with a number of schools, running water polo coaching sessions e.g. Moulsham High; Boswells. The main base for the club is at New Hall School pool "plus the Riverside Leisure Centre". They also use Moulsham High School and South Woodham Ferrers Pool.

3.3.18 It is to be noted that the Club runs a variety of sections that include not just competitive race swimming, but also water polo and synchronised swimming.

Local schools

3.3.19 Consultation with the education sector also suggests that securing access to pools for national curriculum required swimming lessons is a significant problem for primary school children. Primary schools use the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre and four school pools (Great Baddow High, Moulsham High, The Boswells and Chelmsford County High) but they can't access enough pool space to meet all requirements.

3.4 Quality of provision

Site visits

3.4.1 Site visits were conducted of key facilities, including The Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre Complex, South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre. Brief visits were also made to Moulsham School, Great Baddow School, and Chelmsford High School for Girls. Key local authority and leisure centre staff were also met with in respect of the local authority controlled venues. Findings are reported fully in the separate Consultation report.

3.4.2 In respect of quality of venues, the pool at South Woodham Ferrers is relatively new and is in good condition. The ageing of facilities at the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre have Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 35

led to detailed investigations that have concluded a major redesign and overhaul is required, including in respect of the pool complex.

3.4.3 In respect of the school facilities visited, all appear in a satisfactory condition, and most have been refurbished in the last 10 years. The main issues in respect of the quality of these school facilities is that they do not provide to the specification that would generally be expected at larger community pools (for example lack of family changing). However, facilities are adequate to meet the needs of the organised group activity that they tend to attract outside school hours.

3.4.4 The key quality findings for the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre in respect of swimming were:

 the swimming pool hall looks and is somewhat dated in terms of construction and ambience;  the 33m x 6 lane pool doesn’t meet modern day standards for competition (25m x 6 or 8 lane minimum required) and regular swimming club galas therefore take place elsewhere;  the 2013/14 Condition Survey for the Centre identified the need for renewal and upgrading of mechanical, electrical and specialist pool plant systems;  essential work @ c. £3m has since been spent on the Centre but c. £6m of essential work required within next 5 years plus a further c.£3m of work would be required after that;  the (closed) outdoor pool (with limited summertime use) no longer meets modern day expectations; a run-down image prevails;  a welcoming Reception and adjacent catering area, but some customers may seek to by-pass Reception; and,  car parking (also for general city use) and entrance image/signage could be improved.

3.4.5 The key findings for the South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre in respect of swimming were that overall the facility was in good condition albeit that there are some constraints of community access due to the security requirements of a dual use facility

Facility Planning Model (FPM) report

3.4.4 The Sport England FPM report also makes reference to the ageing nature of some of the swimming pool stock within the local authority. In particular, the report refers to the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre, as well as New Hall School, and the Chelmsford Wellbeing and Fitness Centre as examples of where significant refurbishments may be required over the coming years.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 36

Leisure Plus Household Survey

3.4.5 While 42% of respondent user households rated the quality of swimming pools as being good or very good, 25% highlighted the quality of swimming pools as being either poor or very poor, and 35% as simply "average".

3.4.6 The survey clearly indicates that there is a significant portion of respondents that are unhappy with the quality of swimming pool facilities within the local authority; many respondents felt that improvements to the quality of swimming pools should be a priority in terms of future investment.

3.4.7 For indoor sports and leisure facilities the category highlighted by the largest number of households (58%) as a high priority for potential improvement/new provision, by a large margin, was for swimming pools. In relation to swimming pools it is particularly clear cut that improvements to existing provision, where viable, rather than providing new additional facilities, is the more common kind of improvement suggested (69%). The Council are currently finalising a scheme to overhaul the provision at the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre at the current location to include a 25m 10-lane pool, learner pool and splash pool. A recent consultation survey showed an 87% approval rating for this project. The main pool at Riverside was opened in 1965, with the remainder of the centre operating since 1986, without major overall refurbishment.

Amateur Swimming Association (ASA)

3.4.8 The regional governing body recognises the value to the community of the swimming pool at the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre for recreational swimming and learning to swim; equally it has great value as a competition venue for various organisations (schools, uniformed groups for example); its length (at 33m) however no longer meets standard competition specification (25m), such that its competition value and use is limited. The Chelmsford Swimming Club and other clubs use it as a training venue in the main. Its replacement to modern day standards for swimming competition would be welcomed by the Club and by the ASA.

Chelmsford Swimming Club

3.4.9 The Club rate most aspects of their main base as being no better than "adequate" i.e. general quality of facility; availability when needed; value for money; ease of getting there; facilities for the disabled; equipment and storage; lighting; and car parking. Changing and shower facilities are rated as poor.

3.4.10 The Club note that "we are currently involved in discussions with Chelmsford City Council about the potential for improving facilities for swimming". (A reference to the Riverside Development Project referenced earlier).

3.4.11 The Club wish to increase membership and to expand activities. Barriers to development are a shortage of good quality indoor facilities; a shortage of suitable training facilities; poor quality, changing facilities; and a lack of external funding. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 37

3.4.12 The Club notes that "Chelmsford lacks a modern swimming pool that is up to current competitive specification and with good spectator facilities. This prevents the Club from hosting galas that are crucial fundraising and profile raising events. I cannot overstate just how great and urgent the need for improved pool facilities to the future of the swimming club is".

3.4.13 The Club also includes water polo and synchronised swimming sections.

Other Pool Based Sports

Diving

3.4.14 There is a Chelmsford Diving Club that uses the existing Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre facility, but which did not respond to the consultation forming part of this study. The Club were consulted heavily via the Riverside Development Consultation and took the opportunity to submit a number of proposals to include diving in the new development.

3.4.15 The Diving Manager, of the ASA Eastern Region advises:

 the ASA Strategy 2013-17 seeks to retain, replace or build new diving facilities  a minor sport which has struggled to prioritise facility provision (some resurgence in popularity through successes in recent Games)  no national or local standards identified  there are 9 Diving Clubs in the Eastern Region, at varying levels of performance12  Chelmsford Diving Club – well established over time - aims as mid-level performance, using volunteer coaches. New facilities would give opportunity for growth, higher levels of performance and profile in the region  ideal provision for high performance diving would include 2 x 3m springboards, 2 x 1m springboards a 3m, a 5m and 10m platform – movable floor for additional income generation

12 Other known diving venues in the sub region are:

 Southend (opened 4 years ago) – Swimming and Diving Centre adjacent to the Tennis and Leisure Centre, Garon Park, Arterial Road, Southend (Separate pit - Spring and up to 10m boards – movable floor)  Stratford- London Aquatics Centre- this is the former Olympic Pool at Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park  Luton – (Inspire Sports Village- opened 3 years ago) - separate 5m pit – springboards and up to 10m board (+dry training pit)  Cambridge – Parkside Pools – separate 5m pit – movable floor – springboards and platforms up to 5m.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 38

Sub-Aqua

3.4.16 Chelmsford Sub-Aqua Club currently use Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre for 1.5hrs per week. Although they did not respond to the Club survey they have commented to the City Council about their requirements for a deep water pool (ideally shared as a diving facility). The current proposals provide for a 2m deep Main pool.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 39

3.5 Access

Leisure Plus Household survey

3.5.1 The survey indicated that the majority respondents used swimming pools on a regular basis, and the majority (75 percentile) were prepared to travel up to just over 15 minutes to use such facilities, and the most popular mode being by car - see Figure 9.

Figure 9: Preparedness to travel to swimming pools

FPM report/what is an acceptable drivetime to a pool

3.5.2 The FPM analysis discussed earlier in this section has a spatial element based on 20- minute drive or walk time catchments, centred on facilities considered in the analysis (i.e. the 9 pools listed in Tables 1 and 2, and appropriate pools in neighbouring areas). The 20- minute catchment is based on data obtained from previous national research by Sport England, which concluded that a 20-minute drive time represented 90% of the user catchment on average for swimming pools. However, the same research indicated that around 60 per cent of users were only prepared to travel up to 10 minutes. The survey conducted as part of this study suggests that an appropriate compromise for Chelmsford might be a 15-minute catchment by foot or car. Travel by car is by far the most significant mode of transport to swimming pools, and a 15-minute drive catchment would roughly equate with the 75 percentile response provided by the household survey.

3.5.3 If 15 minutes is adopted as a travel time to swimming pools acceptable to 75% of the population, the resultant catchments of both the Riverside and South Woodham Ferrers pools are shown on the Figure 10. The catchments are based on assumed average speeds for different classes of roads. The maps show that on the basis of these assumed average speeds significant geographical areas are not covered by the catchments of the two local Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 40

authority swimming pools. The estimated population within the local authority falling outside the catchment has been calculated to be 36,827 (about 21% of the total local authority population) Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 41

Figure 10: 15-minute drive catchments for Riverside and South Woodham Ferrers swimming pools

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 42

3.5.4 If non-local authority pools not in secured community use were to be included on Figure 10 the extent of the exclusion zone would be reduced. However, as most of this other provision is also centred on the urban area of Chelmsford, the coverage would not be extended greatly.

3.5.5 It is very conceivable that those residents excluded from the estimated catchments used in Figure 10 might find it easier to use swimming facilities in neighbouring areas. The following (listed in Table 4) are likely to be the closest significant provision of an appropriate kind outside the Chelmsford local authority.

Table 4: Selected pools in neighbouring areas Facility Sub Ownership Management Pool area Name Access Type Type Type Type sqm BASILDON SPORTING Local Commercial Main/General Pay and Play 1,050.00 VILLAGE Authority Management BILLERICAY SWIMMING Local Commercial Main/General Pay and Play 212.5 POOL Authority Management BLACKWATER LEISURE Local Leisure Pool Pay and Play Trust 250 CENTRE Authority BRAINTREE SWIMMING Local Main/General Pay and Play Trust 437.5 & FITNESS Authority GREAT DUNMOW Foundation Commercial Main/General Pay and Play 325 LEISURE CENTRE School Management Local Commercial ONGAR LEISURE CENTRE Main/General Pay and Play 312.5 Authority Management WICKFORD SWIM & Local Commercial Main/General Pay and Play 250 FITNESS CENTRE Authority Management WITHAM LEISURE Local Main/General Pay and Play Trust 325 CENTRE Authority

3.5.6 If their 15-minute catchments were also superimposed on a map, they would reduce the size of the ‘exclusion zone’ and its resident population (see Figure 11), although it would not be eliminated entirely. This pre-supposes that the capacity exists at these neighbouring venues to absorb the potential demand generated by these residents.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 43

Figure 11: 15-minute drive catchments from major pools in neighbouring areas.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 44

3.6 Plans for future new provision

3.6.1 Other than the proposed overhaul of facilities at the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre, there is no evidence of other planned improvements to local sports provision that will include new and/or improved swimming facilities. Within the education sector there are plans for indoor sports facilities at certain education campuses, but these currently do not seem to include provision for new or improved swimming facilities. Additional population growth in Chelmsford may therefore lead to additional demand by schools to acquire time at local authority venues in order to fulfil their curriculum requirements.

3.6.2 The proposed new pool complex at Riverside is likely to incorporate a 25m x 10-lane pool (with a flexible movable floor), a learner pool and splash area. This will offer considerable benefits and will increase the capacity at Riverside. This is important given the unsecured community use of school pools and the likely future population growth to 2036.

3.6.3 Any plans should take account of the demography of the Chelmsford area, which is shown to have a higher than average healthy and affluent population with a high propensity for exercise, as shown in the Context (section 2).

Future issues and options for swimming provision within Chelmsford local authority

3.6.4 Based on evidence presented in this section paragraph 12.3 and Table 15 suggest a local standard for the provision of indoor swimming pools. If the quantitative component of the outline standard is applied to the projected population growth between now and 2036 it suggests that the additional demand generated would lead to a need for an extra 251 sq.m. of water space- around the equivalent of a 25m x 4 lane pool.

3.6.5 The size and location of population growth up to 2036 is still not clearly known (other than the NCAAP up to 2026, for which sports infrastructure has already been committed). This lack of current certainty over the location of longer-term growth allocations impacts upon the extent to which the recommendations of this report can be geographically specific. It is important for the future coordination of population growth and facility infrastructure that the above scale of additional demand be recognised. However, the way in which it might be reflected in new and/or improved provision could vary markedly.

3.6.6 Future options for how this additional capacity is to be provided will depend on various factors: the main requirement will be that it is within 15 minutes travel of new housing developments and their residents; however, the ways in which this might be achieved will vary:

 If, say, additional major new housing provision is likely to be allocated on the northern urban edge of Chelmsford, a new swimming pool in that location would not only serve the needs of new residents, but also expand the catchment coverage of pools in secured community use, so that more of the rural part of the local authority is covered by this catchment. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 45

 Alternatively, if residents generally lying in the outlying parts of the local authority have a good level of access to pool space in neighbouring authorities, a strong case can be made for expanding/improving provision at an existing venue within or close to the Chelmsford urban area (such as the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre), as this would have the biggest impact to satisfy demand. This would also be consistent with the growing national trend to operate one major central pool facility in an area rather than have several satellite community pools.  As a second alternatively, existing provision at education sites might be improved and, or expanded, and an appropriate level of assured community use be established. With this option, it will be very important to ensure that expanded/improved provision is the subject of a formal community use agreement between relevant parties, ensuring an appropriate amount of peak-time use of facilities for members of the public, and especially on a casual pay-to-swim basis; with the exception of the pool at South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre there are no other significant school-based pools within the local authority with formal obligations to provide for community access to their pool space, beyond the schools’ curricular requirements.

3.6.7 In the above regard, there is clearly theoretically a degree of drive-time access to several key venues in neighbouring local authorities. However, what is not clear is the extent to which these venues will have the capacity to absorb such use, at the time it is required.

3.6.8 Another approach might be to review/confirm the amount and location of water space that is currently not being used up to a defined ‘comfort threshold’ (such as the 70% of capacity used by Sport England in its FPM modelling), and see whether this could be better exploited. For example, if the aggregate level of ‘used’ capacity at pools included in this analysis really does match that identified by the FPM analysis (59.3%) this would equate to there being 245.57 sqm of water space across the local authority that could be better exploited up to the notional ‘comfort threshold’ of 70% of theoretical capacity. More effective targeting of this unexploited space could theoretically almost meet the need for extra water space generated by the forecast population change.

3.6.9 Capacity and availability can change very rapidly and options which might look credible now may not be at a time when the locations of future growth beyond 2021 are determined- it would be far better to look at opportunities to exploit any existing spare capacity then.

3.6.10 With regard to the redesign of the existing Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre main pool as part of the refurbishment, it will be important to take into account the resident swimming club’s needs given that it has sections covering a wide variety of activities, including water polo and synchronised swimming. These are activities that can be accommodated relatively inexpensively in a modern pool of conventional dimensions. The Club do not have a diving section.

3.6.11 A separate diving club exists at Riverside (approx. 20 members) and the 1m, 3, and 5m boards are used for diving lessons (approx. 50 people) and for casual users at the pool Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 46

(estimated at 12,800 visits per annum). Despite representations by the diving club (and support by the sub-aqua club) the Council has decided to not proceed with a replacement diving facility on the grounds of capital/revenue cost versus the relatively small number of diving users, and given the proximity of existing strategic provision. (See paragraph 3.4.15 and accompanying footnote).

3.7 Summary and conclusions

3.7.1 Quantity: Sport England modelling data suggest that there is currently little by way of unmet demand within the local authority area for access to swimming pools by the general community. This is confirmed by the findings of the Leisure Plus household survey, which suggests that whilst local pools are well-used there is not, overall, felt to be insufficient pool space to meet current community needs. However, future demand arising from population growth will increase the demand for additional pools space, to around the equivalent of one 25 metre, 4-lane pool.

3.7.2 Quality: Sport England data suggest that some of the pool stock is ageing, and this has been confirmed by the views expressed in the Leisure Plus household survey, as well as the ASA. The overhaul of the pool at the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre will address some of these issues.

3.7.3 Accessibility: The findings of the Leisure Plus household survey suggests that most respondents consider that 15 minutes is a reasonable travel time to use a swimming pool, and that on this basis there are some rural parts of the local authority not within easy reach of a pool with community use.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 47

4.0 SPORTS HALLS

4.1 General

4.1.1 This section considers the provision of sports halls within the local authority with respect to their quantity, quality, and accessibility. Issues and options for sports hall provision will then be summarised.

4.1.2 Sports halls can accommodate a diverse range of sports and recreational activities. They are flexible spaces that can be used for activities that include basketball, badminton, indoor football, football training, cricket winter training, table tennis, gymnastics, netball, and a host of other training activities.

4.2 Quantity

4.2.1 Background research indicates a considerable number of sports halls within the Chelmsford local authority area. However, many of these will only be partly available for use by the general community, if at all. They will also be of varying sizes, and therefore utility for general and specialist use by the community.

Existing provision (general)

4.2.2 Table 5 lists those sports halls that are included in Sport England’s assessment of strategic supply of and demand for sports hall space within the local authority, as explained later in this section, and included as Appendix 2 to this report. Figure 12 only identifies the provision of ‘main halls’ with a size big enough to accommodate at least 4 badminton courts-this size, appropriately configured, is big enough to host activities such as basketball and 5-a-side football. Figure 12 does not show provision of sports halls with supporting smaller activity halls, of which there are several. Activity halls are better suited to supporting activities such as keep fit, and martial arts which do not require the space or the ceiling height needed by some other sports. Figure 12 also shows significant sports halls outside the local authority that may be used by residents of Chelmsford local authority.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 48

Figure 12: Location of principal sports halls

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 49

Table 5: Description of known pools included in Sport England’s assessment of strategic supply of and demand for indoor pool space Name (where facilities Badminton Facility are in more than one Facility courts Sub Unit Access Type building they are listed Type (where Type separately) marked out) ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY SPORTS Badminton Sports Hall Main 4 Pay and Play CENTRE (RIVERMEAD courts CAMPUS) Sports Club / Activity Badminton BOSWELLS SCHOOL Sports Hall 2 Community Hall courts Association Sports Club / Badminton BOSWELLS SCHOOL Sports Hall Main 4 Community courts Association Sports Club / CHELMER VALLEY HIGH Badminton Sports Hall Main 4 Community SCHOOL courts Association CHELMSFORD SPORT & Badminton Sports Hall Main 4 Pay and Play ATHLETICS CENTRE courts DOVEDALE SPORTS Badminton Sports Hall Main 5 Pay and Play CENTRE courts Sports Club / GREAT BADDOW HIGH Activity Badminton Sports Hall 1 Community SCHOOL Hall courts Association Sports Club / GREAT BADDOW HIGH Badminton Sports Hall Main 4 Community SCHOOL courts Association Sports Club / Activity Badminton HYLANDS SCHOOL Sports Hall 1 Community Hall courts Association Sports Club / Badminton HYLANDS SCHOOL Sports Hall Main 4 Community courts Association Sports Club / MOULSHAM HIGH Badminton Sports Hall Main 4 Community SCHOOL courts Association Sports Club / Badminton NEW HALL SCHOOL Sports Hall Main 5 Community courts Association

RIVERSIDE ICE & LEISURE Badminton Sports Hall Main 6 Pay and Play CENTRE courts SOUTH WOODHAM Activity Badminton Sports Hall 0 Pay and Play FERRERS LEISURE CENTRE Hall courts SOUTH WOODHAM Activity Badminton Sports Hall 2 Pay and Play FERRERS LEISURE CENTRE Hall courts SOUTH WOODHAM Activity Badminton Sports Hall 2 Pay and Play FERRERS LEISURE CENTRE Hall courts Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 50

Name (where facilities Badminton Facility are in more than one Facility courts Sub Unit Access Type building they are listed Type (where Type separately) marked out) SOUTH WOODHAM Badminton Sports Hall Main 4 Pay and Play FERRERS LEISURE CENTRE courts Sports Club / ST JOHN PAYNE Activity Badminton Sports Hall 2 Community CATHOLIC SCHOOL Hall courts Association Sports Club / ST JOHN PAYNE Badminton Sports Hall Main 6 Community CATHOLIC SCHOOL courts Association Sports Club / Badminton THE SANDON SCHOOL Sports Hall Main 4 Community courts Association Sports Club / Activity Badminton THE SANDON SCHOOL Sports Hall 1 Community Hall courts Association

4.2.3 Sports halls excluded from Table 5 are listed in a footnote13. Availability/community use14

4.2.4 It will be noted that Table 5 comprises a range of provisions covering local authority, education, commercial, and membership facilities. In essence only a proportion will be available for the general community to use.

13 Sports halls excluded from Table 5 are: Name (where facilities are in more than one building they are Facility Sub Type Badminton courts Access Type listed separately) BADDOW HALL JUNIOR SCHOOL Activity Hall 2 Sports Club / Community Association CHAMPIONS MANOR HALL Activity Hall 0 Pay and Play CHELMSFORD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Activity Hall 1 Sports Club / Community Association DANBURY SPORTS & SOCIAL CENTRE Activity Hall 2 Pay and Play DANBURY VILLAGE HALL Activity Hall 0 Pay and Play DANBURY VILLAGE HALL Activity Hall 0 Pay and Play ESSEX POLICE COLLEGE Activity Hall 1 Private Use ESSEX POLICE HEADQUARTERS Activity Hall 1 Registered Membership use GALLEYWOOD INFANT SCHOOL Activity Hall 1 Sports Club / Community Association GREAT AND LITTLE LEIGHS PLAYING FIELD Activity Hall 1 Sports Club / Community Association HANNAS FIELD Activity Hall 1 Pay and Play HIGHWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL Activity Hall 0 Private Use KING EDWARD VI GRAMMAR SCHOOL Activity Hall 2 Private Use KING EDWARD VI GRAMMAR SCHOOL Activity Hall 1 Private Use MARCONI ATHLETIC & SOCIAL CLUB Activity Hall 0 Pay and Play MILDMAY COUNTY JUNIOR SCHOOL Activity Hall 1 Sports Club / Community Association MOULSHAM HIGH SCHOOL Activity Hall 0 Private Use OUR LADY IMMACULATE CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL Activity Hall 1 Private Use RAMSDEN HALL SCHOOL Activity Hall 1 Private Use RETTENDON PRIMARY SCHOOL Activity Hall 0 Sports Club / Community Association SOUTH WOODHAM VILLAGE HALL PLAYING FIELD Activity Hall 1 Sports Club / Community Association SPRINGFIELD PARISH CENTRE Activity Hall 1 Pay and Play SPRINGFIELD PARISH CENTRE Activity Hall 0 Pay and Play SPRINGFIELD PARISH CENTRE Activity Hall 0 Pay and Play SPRINGFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL Activity Hall 1 Sports Club / Community Association ST JOHN PAYNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Activity Hall 1 Sports Club / Community Association ST JOHN PAYNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Activity Hall 1 Sports Club / Community Association TUFNELL HALL Activity Hall 1 Sports Club / Community Association WRITTLE COLLEGE Activity Hall 1 (large) Registered Membership use WRITTLE SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB Activity Hall 0 Sports Club / Community Association

14 See the end of Section 1 for an explanation of this term. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 51

4.2.5 In terms of utility for the general community it is the local authority provision at Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre (Chelmsford); Dovedale Sports Centre (Chelmsford); the Chelmsford Sports & Athletics Centre; and, the South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre that has greatest value by nature of its scale, location, and management/pricing policies. This is not to deny the importance of other provision for local clubs and groups. In this regard there is very significant school provision, as well community recreation centres and sports and social clubs. However, an overall assessment of opening hours will suggest that it is the local authority-controlled facilities that have the longest opening hours for the general community, as well as the greatest levels of throughput.

4.2.5 The facilities included in Table 5 are detailed further in Table 6 as they are judged by Sport England to be of significance for community use in respect of a supply/demand modelling exercise conducted in Chelmsford to aid this report (discussed later in this section). The extent to which facilities are open to community use will, amongst other things, depend on the times they are open to the general public, and/or else local clubs and organisations. For local authority-controlled leisure centres these opening hours will generally encompass daytimes and evenings throughout the week. However, for education venues, this will be limited to times when facilities are not required for curriculum use.

4.2.6 The assumptions made by the Sport England modelling have been sample-checked by phone calls to venues, website checks, and site visits. They have also been compared with a previous survey undertaken by the Chelmsford School Sports Partnership. This suggests that the data about opening times that has been used is reasonably accurate, although it is recognised that policies and practices in respect of community availability of school facilities can change.15

4.2.6 The extent to which facilities are open to community use will, amongst other things, depend on the times they are open to the general public, or else local clubs and organisations. For local authority controlled leisure centres these opening hours will generally encompass daytimes and evenings throughout the week. However, for education venues, this will be limited to times when facilities are not required for curriculum use. The assumptions made by the Sport England modelling have been sample -checked by phone calls, visits to some venues, web searches, and comparison with the results of a previous survey conducted by the Chelmsford School Sports Partnership, and this suggests that the data about opening times that has been used is reasonably accurate, although it is recognised that policies and practices in respect of community availability of school facilities can change.

15 A survey of school facilities and provision was conducted in 2009 by the Chelmsford School Sports Partnership. This survey listed contact details as well as overall times of and basis for availability. This survey allied to phone call checks, and web searches undertaken for this needs assessment were used to check the assumptions of availability underpinning the Sport England Facility Planning Model data for school-based pools in Chelmsford.

Table 6: Sports halls in Chelmsford local authority considered to offer significant community use Number of Visited Consulted General Name of facility (where facilities are Badminton courts accuracy Dimensions (m) – or area (sq.m) in more than one building they are counted for FPM confirmed? where dimensions not available. listed separately) purposes (where applicable) Yes Yes Yes ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY SPORTS 33 x 18 m 4 CENTRE (RIVERMEAD CAMPUS) BOSWELLS SCHOOL 594 sq.m 4 Yes Yes Yes BOSWELLS SCHOOL 324 sq.m

CHELMER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 33 x 17 m 4 No Yes Yes CHELMER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 25 x 17 m

CHELMSFORD SPORT & ATHLETICS Yes Yes Yes 594 sq.m 4 CENTRE DOVEDALE SPORTS CENTRE 810 sq.m 5 Yes Yes Yes GREAT BADDOW HIGH SCHOOL 33 x 17 m 4 No Yes Yes GREAT BADDOW HIGH SCHOOL 18 x 10 m

HYLANDS SCHOOL 33 x 17 m 4 No Yes Yes HYLANDS SCHOOL 18 x 10 m

MOULSHAM HIGH SCHOOL 594 sq.m 4 No Yes Yes NEW HALL SCHOOL 30 x 20 m 4 No Yes Yes NEW HALL SCHOOL 18 x 10 m

RIVERSIDE ICE & LEISURE CENTRE 918 sq.m 6 Yes Yes Yes SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS LEISURE Yes Yes Yes 594 sq.m 4 CENTRE SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS LEISURE 153 sq.m CENTRE SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS LEISURE 153 sq.m CENTRE Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 53

Number of Visited Consulted General Name of facility (where facilities are Badminton courts accuracy Dimensions (m) – or area (sq.m) in more than one building they are counted for FPM confirmed? where dimensions not available. listed separately) purposes (where applicable) ST JOHN PAYNE CATHOLIC No Yes Yes 918 sq.m 6 COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL ST JOHN PAYNE CATHOLIC 18 x 10 m COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL THE SANDON SCHOOL 33 x 17 m 4 No Yes Yes THE SANDON SCHOOL 18 x 10 m

4.2.8 Reflecting the above comments, the following diagram provides a hierarchy of sports halls in respect of their significance for community use. The list generally represents the larger halls within the local authority, and reflect the provision shown on Figure 13, although some smaller units are also included where they are part of a larger complex. 4.2.9

Figure 13 Hierarchy of sports halls

4.2.10 The above facilities therefore include:

 The Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre: The sports hall is part of a major sub regional wet and dry venue, with a hall timetable that spans up to 8:00 and 11:00 hours. The hall hosts a mixed programme of public sessions, club activity, and teaching. It will shortly be the subject of a major re-design/refurbishment.

 The Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre: This sports hall is part of a complex sited in Melbourne Park and adjacent to a synthetic athletics track- it is therefore part of an important sub-regional sports complex. Hall availability is between up to 8:00 and 10:00 with a range of casual and organised sessions.

 The South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre: The hall is part of an important local wet and dry venue that serves primarily the south east of the local authority. It is dual-use provision on a school site, and the hall is therefore used heavily (but not exclusively) for curriculum activity during weekdays. The timetable spans up to 6:00 and 22:00 hours and, as with The Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre, it hosts a mixed programme of public sessions, club activity, and teaching.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 55

 The Dovedale Sports Centre: This hall is managed jointly by the Council and Chelmsford College. The hall is available between 17:00 and 23:00 weekdays; and, at weekends for community use. The nature of the venue and its management makes it more suited to club-based as opposed to casual activity.

 The Anglia Ruskin Sports Centre; Boswells School; Chelmer Valley High School; Great Baddow High School; Hylands School; Moulsham High School; New Hall School; St. John Payne School; The Sandon School: Use of these facilities by the community is varied, with some being more significant. At the state-funded schools, availability is in the evenings on weekdays, with longer hours at the weekend. The Anglia Ruskin facility is well used for badminton, basketball and volleyball due to its sprung floor. The Boswell School is used significantly for volleyball and gymnastics. St. John Payne School hosts significant badminton and volleyball activity; and, Great Baddow is noted for basketball. Other venues have a lower profile, but do host activity, including 5-a-side football. The New Hall facility is likely to be less available in future due to increasing school demands.

4.2.7 There are estimated to be the equivalent of 92 badminton courts hosted in the various sports halls across the local authority. However, the majority of these courts will be located in the larger halls – principally, those with four or more courts. 58 courts (63% of the total stock) are located in sports halls with 4 courts or greater in size.

4.2.8 Only 23 of the 92 courts are controlled by the local authority (representing 25% of the total stock). The majority of this local authority provision is provided by the four main facilities in Chelmsford, and at South Woodham Ferrers (to reiterate, Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre (Chelmsford); Dovedale Sports Centre (Chelmsford); the Chelmsford Sports & Athletics Centre; and, the South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre). Local authority provision represents around 33% of the larger scale provision listed in Table 6. Of the remainder, the very large majority is from within the education sector. Provision at other facilities listed does not necessarily provide for assured access by the general community, in the sense that such use is not guaranteed for the longer-term.

Sport England Facilities Planning Model (FPM)16

4.2.9 The FPM findings have been used in association with those of the consultations (explained at para 1.4) and GIS analysis, in securing an overall picture of the provision local of pools and sports halls in respect of quantity, quality accessibility, and availability.

4.2.10 The model has been run by Sport England for the Chelmsford local authority area. Its overall conclusion is that there are sufficient sports halls within the local authority area to meet existing demand, from local residents, and the general level of provision is considered to be relatively good (such as in comparison with other local authorities exhibiting similar characteristics to the Chelmsford local authority).

4.2.11 The FPM calculates that the population of the local authority generates a demand for 7,889 visits per week per population (vpwpp) which equates to a demand for 48.7 sports hall courts. When looking at a very simplistic picture of the overall supply and demand across Chelmsford the resident population is estimated to generate a demand for a minimum of 48.7 sports hall courts. This compares to a current available supply of 63.41 sports hall courts, giving a relatively large ‘surplus’ of 14.71 courts. The FPM report was produced in 2012, and so would not have taken into account interim population change, or planned future change (considered later in this section).

4.2.12 The above only provides a ‘global’ view of provision and does not take account of the location, nature and quality of facilities in relation to demand; how accessible facilities are to the resident population (by car and on foot); nor does it take account of facilities in adjoining local authorities or cross-boundary movements which are likely to have an impact for some residents of Chelmsford. This wider picture regarding the adequacy of provision is covered in more detailed FPM modelling. 17 The views of local residents, as well as key

16 See End Note 1 for an explanation of the FPM (Page 132)

17 More detailed Sport England modelling (not available to this assessment) can take into account the fact that the supply of and demand for major community sports facilities cannot be considered within the local authority in isolation from neighbouring areas, and the location and nature of provision in adjacent local authorities can therefore also be factored into calculations of overall supply. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 57

interest groups such as local clubs and governing bodies of sport are covered later in this section, and provide a much greater understanding of the local situation in respect of specific needs.

4.2.13 Another local factor to take into account is the relatively affluent population overall, and its higher than average propensity to take part in sport18 - this will also have some bearing on the demand to access sports halls

4.2.14 The FPM calculates the maximum number of visits a facility can accommodate based on its size, the number of hours it is available for community use and an ‘at one-time capacity’ figure for sports halls of 20 users per 4 court hall and 8 users per 144sqm of ancillary hall space.

4.2.15 The FPM calculates that 57.5% of the capacity of sports hall provision in the local authority is currently used. This figure is below the averages for England (64.8%) and the East of England (63.2%). The figure is also lower than Basildon (69.4%), Braintree (81%), Maidstone (60.1%), Colchester (78.6%), Huntingdonshire (85.5%) but higher than Brentwood (44.5%).

4.2.16 There is a need to take account of a range of activities that take place within sports halls which have different numbers of users and space requirements e.g. singles badminton may have significantly less participants per court space than fitness classes. To account for these factors the notion of a ‘comfort factor’ is applied by the FPM.

4.2.17 The FPM builds in a comfort factor to the modelling and suggests that a figure around 80% indicates that a sports hall is operating at an uncomfortably busy level.

4.2.18 The ‘comfort level’ of 80% is less than the theoretical capacity of 100%. This is because it would be almost impossible (and in any event undesirable) to utilise facilities to their full capacity during every available hour, given the management implications as well as the unattractive environment this would present for users.

4.2.19 Of the main sports halls included within the assessment, the highest figure for % of overall capacity used Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre (94%) and Dovedale Sports Centre (100%). The lowest figure is Chelmer Valley High School (18%). See Table 7 below.

Table 7: Notional capacity used at identified venues (‘vpwpp’ means visits per week per population) Facility Facility % of % of capacity capacity Name of facility Capacity - Capacity not used used in the vpwpp used Peak Period TOTALS 12,841 57% 43% 7,379 ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY SPORTS CENTRE (RIVERMEAD 740 65% 35% 484 CAMPUS)

18 See Figures 2.3-2.6 in Section 2 and the supporting text. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 58

Facility Facility % of % of capacity capacity Name of facility Capacity - Capacity not used used in the vpwpp used Peak Period BOSWELLS SCHOOL 855 69% 31% 586 CHELMER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL 1,090 18% 82% 192 CHELMSFORD SPORT & ATHLETICS 810 75% 25% 610 CENTRE DOVEDALE SPORTS CENTRE 1,013 100% 0% 1,013 GREAT BADDOW HIGH SCHOOL 735 60% 40% 444 HYLANDS SCHOOL 840 37% 63% 314 MOULSHAM HIGH SCHOOL 400 45% 55% 181 NEW HALL SCHOOL 775 31% 69% 238 RIVERSIDE ICE & LEISURE CENTRE 1,215 94% 6% 1,145

SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS 1,988 54% 46% 1,078 LEISURE CENTRE ST JOHN PAYNE CATHOLIC 1,360 50% 50% 679 COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL THE SANDON SCHOOL 1,020 41% 59% 414

4.2.20 Some of the above estimates of used capacity must be treated with caution, local circumstances may need to be fully understood in detail (beyond the scope of this Needs Assessment). For example, 31% used capacity score for New Hall is likely to be a large overestimate, given school demands and the uncertainty over continued community use of some of the sports facilities. Most of the halls on state-funded school sites will have spare capacity, but this may in part be due to the fact that the schools will not be able to provide general staffing (which is why so much of the community use is based around clubs and other eternally organised activity).

4.2.21 There is a spatial element to the FPM analysis: the analysis does not simply involve aggregating demand within the local authority and comparing it with the capacity of sports halls within the local authority to meet that demand. Importantly, the FPM also takes into account the ability of residents to access a facility either car, walking, cycling, or public transport.

4.2.22 Approximately 87.5% of visits to provision in the local authority are undertaken by road with only 12.5% by foot. This breakdown is slightly different from the national average of 84.2% by road and 15.8% by foot due to the rural nature of part of the local authority and the high levels of car ownership.

4.2.23 Approximately 91.7% of the visits to the local authority’s sports hall sites are from residents within Chelmsford with the remaining 8.3% (610 vpwpp) imported from neighbouring areas. Proximate local authorities are therefore likely to be a net exporter of visits to facilities in Chelmsford, when compared to the import of visits to facilities outside Chelmsford, but this only equates to 202 visits.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 59

4.2.24 Satisfied demand (demand from Chelmsford residents that is being met by the available supply within and outside Chelmsford’s boundaries) equates to 7,581 visits in the peak period, or 96.1% of total demand generated. This figure is higher than the average figure recorded for England (91%) and the region (92.3%). Chelmsford is also higher than its neighbouring authorities with Brentwood the highest at 96% and Braintree the lowest at 92.5%.

4.2.25 Unmet demand is therefore calculated at 3.9% of total demand generated from Chelmsford residents, or 308 visits per week in the peak period. This unmet demand equates to a total of 1.9 sports hall courts (with comfort factor added) but is spread fairly evenly throughout the local authority rather than concentrated in a particular ‘hot spot’. The vast majority of this unmet demand (99.5%) is due to people living outside the catchment area of halls rather than halls being full to capacity, with the overwhelming majority (87.3%) of this figure being due to people who do not have access to a car and live outside the walking catchment of a sports hall.

4.2.26 It was also noted earlier that only 23 of the 92 courts are owned by the local authority (representing 19.5% of the total stock). The majority of this local authority provision is located at the three main facilities in Chelmsford, and South Woodham Ferrers Sports Centre. Local authority facilities are those which have ‘access for the general community’ as their driving ethos. The motivation of other facilities included in Figure 4.2 is primarily to meet the needs of pupils.

4.2.27 There are clearly synergies between provision in different sectors- provision at schools (when not required for curricular use) will benefit clubs that might otherwise struggle to find sufficient time and space for their needs at local authority venues.

4.2.28 However, given the fact that the primary motivations of education providers are not the same as those of the local authority, it is always possible that changing curricular demands might reduce the availability of facilities for outside clubs and groups19.

4.2.29 Beyond the four local authority facilities, other than St. John Payne School there are not known to be any controlling policies, or legal agreements obliging providers to offer an acceptable level of general community use.

19 It is however possible in the rapidly evolving environment of ‘autonomous’ state sector schools, that some schools may see sports provision as a way of improving their attraction to potential students, and they will therefore be adopting a quasi-market economy philosophy.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 60

The views of local residents

Leisure Plus Household survey

4.2.30 In respect of sports halls, the household survey for the Council’s Leisure Plus database conducted as part of this study highlighted the following:

 Sports and leisure centres are used regularly by significant numbers (57% of households report using them at least monthly - many more regularly).  Sports/leisure centres are used at least weekly by 44% - of which 7% visit nearly every day.  The majority of respondents (78%) considered there to be enough sports halls and leisure centres to meet demand. However, the survey registered a perceived need for additional specialist indoor facilities (which can often be housed in suitably designed sports halls)- 37%

Views of Chelmsford City Council (Leisure)

4.2.31 Discussions with officers within leisure services at the Council suggested a view that within educational establishments there is a need for them to offer more time and access to community clubs and individuals; this will complement provision of existing neighbourhood facilities by the Council and parishes. Officers report full capacity at peak times at the four LA operated Leisure Centres.

4.2.32 Demand for indoor football is high and this can dominate sport hall bookings to the detriment of other sports. A dedicated indoor small sided venue may be useful in this respect.

4.2.33 Chelmsford Netball League do not have assured use of their current facility at New Hall School. If the arrangement were to cease it will have serious implications for netball in Chelmsford potentially leaving the biggest league in East without a suitable venue. Security of tenure of an assured alternative venue should be sought, ideally with outdoor and indoor courts.

Views of Governing Bodies of Sport

Badminton England - Essex County Badminton Association (ECBA)

4.2.34 Badminton is generally well provided for in Essex within a range of schools and sports centres across the County: there is a new 6-court sports hall at the St. John Payne School in Chelmsford.

4.2.35 In Chelmsford, Council-operated sports halls provide opportunities for recreational clubs and casual badminton in the main, but junior county competitions take place in the 4- court Anglia Ruskin University sports hall which provides a sprung wooden floor; cost and availability are considered to be problematic in some venues in Chelmsford. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 61

4.2.36 Essex possesses the infrastructure for the development of badminton within a County Badminton Network (CBN); improved access to better facility provision and effective sports development programmes are a critical focus for the Network going forward.

Basketball England

4.2.37 The national Basketball Facility Strategy is currently being finalised with Sport England, though Chelmsford isn’t specifically identified as a priority. The most important facilities for basketball currently are Baddow High School and Anglia Ruskin University.

4.2.38 There is a general need for better access to multi-court venues and those which are affordable for clubs. There are no double-court halls which hinders capacity and mass participation.

Essex Basketball

4.2.39 Competitions for all playing age groups take place within Essex, the main venues being schools and sports centres. Active basketball venues in Chelmsford are at Anglia Ruskin University and Great Baddow HS Sports College (Baddow Eagles). There is considered to be more provision than demand across the Council’s sports centres.

British Gymnastics - Essex East

4.2.40 Gymnastics clubs are currently accommodated within their own leased premises or in sports centres; growth in this sport may require additional facilities in the future. The main clubs within the Chelmsford City Council area are Chelmsford Gymnastics Club, Tatersall Way, central Chelmsford (formerly at Dovedale Sports Centre) and the Swallows Gymnastics Club in South Woodham Ferrers (formerly at South Woodham Leisure Centre).

4.2.41 These two clubs lave leased industrial units to accommodate their needs, each with in excess of 800 members; future and growing demand may put pressure on their existing facilities.

British Judo Association

4.2.42 Judo clubs are variously accommodated within halls around the region where the important criteria are ownership and storage of mats. There is no regional centre for Essex nor purpose built Dojo. There are no plans or sufficient demand at the current time from individual clubs. A Dojo of regional significance could be included economically within a multi-sports facility and would accommodate a main club (adults and juniors), other martial arts clubs, aerobics classes and yoga for all ages. This might be considered as part of the eventual Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre replacement facilities.

4.2.43 The Chelmsford Judo Club (adults) operates at the Dovedale Sport Centre and the Bushey Judo Club (juniors) at the Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre at one end of the Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 62

60m indoor track. Neither club is oversubscribed in terms of membership; larger clubs are located in Basildon and Redbridge, for example.

East Essex Netball

4.2.44 Netball is very strong in Essex and in Chelmsford. There is demand for a netball centre with some 8-10 outdoor courts and one or two indoor courts to host leagues and competitions; similar provision has been made at the Basildon Sports Village. Such provision would be very well used by local clubs, attract more people from Chelmsford to the game and reduce travelling time to venues outside Chelmsford.

Essex Table-Tennis Association

4.2.45 The sport of table-tennis in the Chelmsford area appears less popular at the current time than it was some 10 years ago. The Chelmsford Club maintains its activities at Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre hiring the indoor training athletics track. Chelmsford Championships take place at Hylands School to the west of Chelmsford.

Volleyball England

4.2.46 General: Volleyball England does have an agreed facilities strategy. Chelmsford is not specifically identified, although Volleyball England would like to be consulted about the development of significant new facilities particularly at the design stage.

4.2.47 There are two well established volleyball clubs in the Chelmsford area.

4.2.48 There are currently three schools playing volleyball within the Chelmsford area – Boswells, St John Payne and Sandon. Boswells in particular has reached a very high standard in winning national school championships and producing players of the highest calibre. To date they have won male and female U15/U16 and U18 titles across a 15-year period. They are also recognised as a Volleyball England Satellite Academy as they have a reputation for producing players who go onto represent England and Great Britain. This institution is vital to volleyball development in the area.

4.2.49 Facility Supply: There are very limited volleyball courts available to hire or play on in the Chelmsford City Council area. They tend to be functional and more suited to training than competition where supporters need to be catered for.

4.2.50 Ideally a competition venue would have free car parking nearby, a clearly identified volleyball floor with seating for supporters and a cafe area. Although there is suitable space and court marking at Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre, the floor is not suitable for prolonged use due to the flooring material. There is one court marked out at Dovedale Sports Centre, although it was unavailable to hire for volleyball the last time an enquiry was made.

4.2.51 Aside from this there are only two other venues that are used by volleyball participants in Chelmsford. Team Essex use The Boswells School sports hall and Chelmsford Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 63

Volleyball Club use St John Payne Catholic Comprehensive School sports hall. The only other facility that offers a volleyball court for hire is Anglia Ruskin University – Mildmay sports hall.

4.2.52 As Boswells only has one volleyball court available for hire at any one time, Team Essex are currently looking for additional facilities to hire. This is particularly relevant in the next domestic season (August 2015-April 2016) as there is a demand to add another ladies team to their club structure.

4.2.53 One access issue is that school sites do not necessarily have appropriate car parking provision. For example, in the past an away team has travelled to a volleyball match in Chelmsford and the bus has become stuck on the school site at the Boswells School.

4.2.54 The facilities that the existing clubs use are suitable for current playing levels, however this will not be the case in the future when clubs expand, develop and ultimately outgrow their existing home venues.

4.2.55 Volleyball England are aware of a possible new secondary school development in the Springfield area but at this stage no further details are known. It would be very helpful if the facility made provision for competitive volleyball play. Volleyball England could assist make this happen.

4.2.56 Floor fixings for the volleyball net are frequently not provided in sports halls and this should be part of the specification for future provision where this occurs.

Local indoor sports clubs

Badminton

4.2.57 Woodlea BC have 28 members and play at the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre. Hoynors BC have 24 members and play at the Danbury Sports and Social Centre. Both Clubs report a decline in membership over the last 3 years. Woodlea have an active junior section though no formal school links.

4.2.58 Falling membership/shortage of playing members is a barrier to development for both clubs. Woodlea also note a shortage of good quality indoor facilities; the cost of hiring/using facilities; a lack of internal financing (subs/fund raising); and a shortage of personnel to run/coach teams and/or administer the club.

4.2.59 Woodlea suggest that "coaching for juniors is very inadequate in the area so the average age of players is rising without new youngsters becoming available.

Gymnastics

4.2.60 Chelmsford and Swallows clubs both report an increase in membership over the last 3 years with current membership being 700 and 350 respectively. They both have active junior sections and links with schools. DC49 Boswells (cheerleading and gym club) report a decrease in members. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 64

4.2.61 Both the gym clubs have their own base - Chelmsford GC in Chelmsford and Swallows GC in South Woodham Ferrers. DC49 Boswells use Boswells School, in Chelmsford.

4.2.62 All 3 clubs are generally satisfied with the quality of their facilities rating most aspects as either good or very good. Swallows GC rate changing and shower facilities and facilities for the disabled as being only "adequate".

4.2.63 All 3 clubs wish to expand their activities. Chelmsford and DC49 Boswells would like to have more members (DC49 Boswells also note a need for more space). Swallows would like to offer more classes to for teens and for the disabled. They are also looking to replace all of their old equipment for new. Both Gym clubs highlight a shortage of personnel to run/coach teams and/or administer the club as being a barrier to development. Chelmsford GC also highlight the expense of equipment. For DC49 Boswells the main barriers are a shortage of good quality indoor facilities; a shortage of suitable training facilities; and a shortage of specialist equipment. Karate

4.2.64 Chelmsford Karate Club use a number of venues/small halls. They have a membership of 95 which has increased over the last 3 years "due to a membership drive, club success at competitions, and grading’s; media cover in newspapers; and social media and internet".

4.2.65 They have an active junior section and would like to develop further links with schools: "we have run Introduction to Karate sessions at Oaklands Infant School and Moulsham Infant School during school hours".

4.2.66 In general, they are happy with the facilities they use though car parking is rated as poor (not clear which venue).

4.2.67 The club would like to expand the number of classes they hold - providing additional classes aimed at specific age groups; and to increase current classes attendance. Barriers to development are: a shortage of good quality indoor facilities; a lack of internal financing; a lack of external funding; and marketing skills to attract new members.

Indoor extreme sports

4.2.68 Although not reflected in any cohesive comments back through the consultation process, there has been a view expressed amongst local authority officers that provision for ‘indoor extreme sports’ should be considered within the study, as a result of enquiries that have been made from time-to-time by groups and individuals.

4.2.69 There is no national governing body that has an overall administrative responsibility for this theme, which can cover a range of activities. Neither is there an accepted definition or set of criteria to identify such activities. However, it is fair to say many activities that might be considered to fall under the heading, and are not necessarily ‘extreme’ in the sense that they are significantly more dangerous than other sports. In fact, the term Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 65

‘extreme’ is more often used to denote activities that are derivations of a more conventional form of sport or activity, but which might be considered to offer more of an ‘adrenalin rush’ and be more exciting from the point of view of the participant and (sometimes) spectators.

4.2.70 Activities such as skateboarding, BMX, parkour, and climbing, might all be considered to be extreme sports, and each of these is a viable indoor activity, given an appropriate facility. There are many examples of sports halls within leisure centre complexes being used for such activities. The necessary equipment can often be installed on a temporary basis, or, in the case of climbing, can be a permanent fixture (such as the wall at South Woodham Leisure Centre). Parkour groups hire sports halls at the Council’s leisure facilities.

4.2.71 However, within the space and configuration of conventional leisure centres it is usually difficult to accommodate permanent facilities aimed at such activities, unless they are external. Throughout the country there are examples of such activities taking place in warehouse type buildings, which might be designed for other commercial or industrial uses. However, there are very few examples of large scale bespoke facilities designed specifically to accommodate extreme sports.

4.2.72 In terms of facilities within the region the most noteworthy example will be located in Hemel Hempstead.

4.2.73 The XC, at Jarman Park in Hemel Hempstead, houses an indoor skate and BMX park, climbing centre, high ropes course and indoor caving system.

4.2.74 Aimed primarily at young people, the centre also offers a teenage health clinic and counselling rooms. The Dacorum Sports Trust is the primary mover of the project and has invested £250,000. Its motivation is based on evidence that the young people within the area clearly stated that they would like facilities that go beyond those concerned with traditional sports. In this sense, the venue is more attuned to the informal and non-codified activities that traditionally appeal to teenagers.

4.2.75 A £5m award from the government's 'MyPlace' programme, which is administered by the Big Lottery Fund, provided most of the funding.

4.2.76 The consultation undertaken for this study has identified the prevailing view that more and better provision should be made for teenagers and young people, such as BMX, skateboarding, and Parkour; albeit that the general tenor of these comments were probably in respect of outdoor provision.

4.2.77 As part of the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre consultation process, Team Kinetix (Parkour) have requested a dedicated 300sq.m space in preference to using the sports hall due to significant time constraints in setting up and dismantling equipment. The Council cannot meet this request but recognises the need for the club to find a dedicated space within an empty commercial unit and possibly achieve a facility in tandem with other extreme sports.

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Climbing

4.2.78 As part of the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre consultation process the Chelmsford Climbing Club sought to make the case for the inclusion of a climbing wall. The Council did not include this provision due to the capital cost and relatively low projected financial return but did acknowledge that a facility in Chelmsford should remain an aspiration.

Football

4.2.79 A popular activity in many sports halls is small-sided football, which might include football training, and small-sided matches (perhaps as part of local mid-week or lunch time leagues).

4.2.80 These can prove a popular activity for leisure centre managers as they are a regular booking and will block book the entire hall. However, the prevalence of football within sports halls can be problematic in terms of reducing the prospects for other sports using a facility. Local sports halls such as at Chelmer Valley School, Writtle College, and the Rickstones Academy (outside the local authority in Braintree District) are examples of where football activity takes place indoors.

4.2.81 A playing pitch study is being conducted as part of the overall project, and part of the remit of that work is to identify locations (including sports halls) where pitch sport clubs/teams train.

4.2.82 Amongst other things, the playing pitch study will examine the scope and viability of developing more Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs) for both training as well as competition. Additional AGPs will be welcomed by many local football clubs and teams, and will help to take the pressure of sports hall space.

4.3 Quality of provision

Site visits

4.3.1 Site visits were conducted for key facilities, including The Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre, South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre, the Chemsford Sport & Athletics Centre, and the Dovedale Centre. Brief visits were also made to Moulsham School, Great Baddow School, Anglia Ruskin University. Key local authority and leisure centre staff were also met with in respect of the local authority controlled venues. Findings are reported fully in the separate Consultation report.

4.3.2 In respect of quality of venues, the hall at South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre is in good condition, although the facility itself was built in 1982/3. The ageing of facilities at the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre have led to detailed investigations that have concluded a major redesign and overhaul is required, including in respect of the hall complex.

4.3.3 The Dovedale Centre is well-maintained but ageing and will require refurbishment in the coming years. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 67

4.3.4 In respect of the school facilities visited, all appear in a satisfactory condition, but some are ageing and will require refurbishment. Facilities are considered adequate to meet the needs of the organised group activity that they tend to attract outside school hours.

4.3.5 The key quality findings for the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre in respect of the sports hall and other ‘dry side’ facilities were:

 the ice rink (56m x26m) is of limited size for the further development of ice hockey (to the premier league franchise); this would need a 60m x 30m ice pad, separate changing rooms, seating for up to 1,000 spectators, electronic scoreboard; ice shows could also require additional seating capacity; (there has been some installation of post 2012 facility excess seating);  ice rink support areas (boot change and catering) require further refurbishment and image enhancement; and,  a welcoming Reception and adjacent catering area, but some customers may seek to by-pass Reception;  recently refurbished fitness gym adjacent enhances modern image of foyer area; and,  car parking (also for general city use) and entrance image/signage could be improved.

4.3.6 The key quality findings for the South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre in respect of the sports hall and other ‘dry side’ facilities were:

 some constraints of community access due to the security requirements of a dual use facility;  sports hall is of Granwood compound, where a cushioned or sprung floor is the more common modern day provision;  generous provision of small halls allow dedicated space for gymnastics and climbing wall and additional badminton provision  a larger fitness gym than the current c. 20 station provision would enhance local opportunity and income; and,  the new 3G AGP is fully FA- compliant.

4.3.7 The key quality findings for the Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre in respect of the sports hall and other facilities were:

 as a purpose-built athletics training facility and floor surface, alternative use of these spaces (e.g. table tennis, sports hall activities) is not always adequately fit for purpose;  improvement to curtaining of multi-use sport hall area, and the indoor throwing practice area is required, the latter not meeting NGB specification; use of both areas is constrained by this; and, Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 68

 an attractive fitness gym facility (c.50 stations) enhances the facility (although additional studio capacity is desirable - a converted store to studio should be replaced).

4.3.8 The key quality findings for the Dovedale Sports Centre in respect of the sports hall and other facilities were:

 clean and functional image, enhanced by redecoration, although style and construction no longer meets modern standards or expectations;  5 court sports hall, functional, tired image but fit for purpose;  studios and viewing over sports hall converted from previous bar area; and,  limited/shared car parking not ideal; access and image in need of enhancement.

General

4.3.9 Certain interests have noted that there can be shortcomings in design in respect of sports halls when considering the needs of certain sports- some of these needs might be relatively inexpensive to cater for if considered at an early stage in the design process for new facilities. Examples are storage facilities for resident clubs (such as for gymnastics and table tennis etc), and fixtures (such as for volleyball posts).

Leisure Plus Household survey

4.3.10 The Household survey highlighted that of those responding, the estimated quality of local sports halls was perceived to be: ‘Very Good’ (14%); ‘Good’ (48%); ‘Average’ (32%); ‘Poor/Very Poor’ (5%).

4.3.11 In terms of being a priority for improvement the responses suggested that 22% of respondents rated the priority to be ‘High’; 48% to be ‘Medium’; 30% to be ‘Low’.

Chelmsford City Council (Leisure)

4.3.12 With respect to the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre overall generally it is considered that facilities are somewhat dated and in some areas not meeting modern customer expectations. Recent refurbishments have improved the image and popularity of some of the facilities, such as the fitness gym, aerobics studio and Foyer catering area, for example. The Dovedale Sports Centre is generally well maintained but has ageing and dated facilities, no longer meeting modern day expectations for sports facilities. This facility is shared with Chelmsford College and a future strategy is required to bring this facility up to modern standards.

Clubs

4.3.13 Hoyners Badminton Club is satisfied with the quality of Danbury Sports and Social Centre rating most aspects as good or very good. Woodlea Badminton Club rates many Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 69

aspects of the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre as being no better than adequate including: value for money; changing and shower facilities; and facilities for the disabled. Both clubs would like to expand their activities and attract more members, particularly young adults.

4.3.14 The general view from badminton is for more sprung-floor courts. “Proper, designed venues for playing badminton are needed (with sprung floors, decent lighting and visibility) rather than multi-purpose sports halls as seem to exist in the Chelmsford area”. Hoyners note that “we support the Danbury Sports and Social Centre’s plans to obtain funding to install a sprung floor in the sports hall”.

FPM report

4.3.15 The Sport England FPM report does not make any specific reference to the overall quality of provision within the local authority. However, the estimated age and quality of the local stock of sports halls is acknowledged by the report as having a potential impact on local usage and capacity.

4.4 Access

Leisure Plus Household survey

4.4.1 The household survey indicated that the majority respondents used sports halls on a regular basis, and the majority were prepared to travel up to 15 minutes to use such facilities, and the most popular mode being by car. The following Figure 14 shows that the 75 percentile falls around about this time.

Figure 14: Preparedness to travel to sports halls

FPM report/what is an acceptable drivetime to a sports hall?

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4.4.2 The FPM analysis discussed earlier in this section has a spatial element based on 20- minute drive or walk time catchments, centred on facilities considered in the analysis (i.e. the sports halls listed in Table 6 and appropriate halls in neighbouring areas). The 20- minute catchment is based on data obtained from previous national research by Sport England, which concluded that a 20-minute drive time represented 90% of the user catchment on average for sports halls. However, the same research indicated that around 60 per cent of users were only prepared to travel up to 10 minutes. The household survey conducted as part of this study suggests that an appropriate compromise for Chelmsford might be a 15-minute catchment by foot or car. Travel by car is by far the most significant mode of transport to sports halls, and a 15-minute drive catchment would roughly equate with the 75% quartile response provided by the household survey.

4.4.3 If 15 minutes is adopted as a travel time to sports halls acceptable to 75% of the population, the resultant catchments of the Riverside, South Woodham Ferrers, Dovedale, and Chelmsford Athletics and Sports Centre facilities sports halls are shown on the Figure 15. The catchments are based on assumed average speeds for different classes of roads. The map shows that on the basis of these assumed average speeds significant geographical areas are not covered by the combined catchment of the four key local authority controlled sports halls. The estimated population within the local authority falling outside the catchment has been calculated to be 32,692

4.4.4 If non-local authority sports halls not in secured use were to be included on Figure 15, the extent of the exclusion zone would be reduced. However, as most of this other provision is also centred on the urban area of Chelmsford, the coverage would not be extended greatly.

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Figure 15: 15- minute drive catchments for key Chelmsford City Council controlled sports halls

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4.4.5 It is very conceivable that those residents excluded from the estimated catchments used in Figure 15 might find it easier to use facilities in neighbouring areas. The following are likely to be the closest significant provision of an appropriate kind outside the Chelmsford local authority (Table 8):

Table 8: Selected sports halls in neighbouring areas Badminton Ownership Management Name Access Type courts Type Type ONGAR LEISURE Local Commercial 4 Pay and Play CENTRE Authority Management Sports Club / School/College/ BILLERICAY SPORTS Foundation 5 Community University (in & FITNESS CENTRE School Association house) BROMFORD SPORTS Foundation 5 Pay and Play Other CENTRE School RAYLEIGH LEISURE Local 4 Pay and Play Trust CENTRE Authority BLACKWATER Local 4 Pay and Play Trust LEISURE CENTRE Authority WITHAM SPORTS Local Community 4 Pay and Play CENTRE Authority Organisation School/College/ NOTLEY SPORTS Community 5 Pay and Play University (in CENTRE school house) Sports Club / School/College/ NOTLEY SPORTS Community 3 Community University (in CENTRE school Association house) BRAINTREE SPORT & Community 5 Pay and Play Trust HEALTH CLUB school

4.4.6 If their 15-minute catchments were also superimposed on a map, they would reduce the size of the ‘exclusion zone’ and its resident population (see Figure 16), although it would not be eliminated entirely. This pre-supposes that the capacity exists at these neighbouring venues to absorb the potential demand generated by these residents.

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Figure 16: 15-minute drive catchments from key sports halls in neighbouring areas.

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4.5 Plans for future new provision

4.5.1 Within the education sector there are plans for indoor sports facilities at certain education campuses as shown in Table 9 below.

Table 9: Education sector – plans for indoor sports facilities

School Facility plans and aspirations

Planning expansion of indoor facilities to include viewing area to sports Anglia Ruskin hall, bigger gym (250sqm) and additional dance studio space. At early University stages. The University would like to install outdoor space on or near the campus – 3G or multi-use space big enough for teams to train on. Chelmsford Planning permission has been sought for a new sports complex. County High Funding is currently being raised to support the plans. School for Girls King Edwards The School is applying for grant for sports hall which then could be VI Grammar used for community use. School Greater A proposed 4 court sports hall is to be constructed within a new Beaulieu Park academy school to be opened around 2019 with secured community School access to meet the demand from new housing development.

Future issues and options for sports hall provision within Chelmsford local authority

4.5.2 Based on evidence presented in this section paragraph 12.3 and Table 15 suggest a local standard for the provision of sports halls. If the quantitative component of the outline standard is applied to the projected population growth between now and 2036 it suggests that the additional demand generated would lead to a need for an extra 1.6 x 4-court sports halls (6.6 courts). It is noted that the NCAAP plan makes provision for a ‘dry’ sports centre, and this can be offset against the above figure.

4.5.3 The size and location of population growth up to 2036 is still not clearly known (other than the NCAAP up to 2026, for which sports infrastructure has already been committed). This lack of current certainty over the location of longer-term growth allocations impacts upon the extent to which the recommendations of this report can be geographically specific. It is important for the future coordination of population growth and facility infrastructure that the above scale of additional demand be recognised. However, the way in which it might be reflected in new and/or improved provision could vary markedly.

4.5.4 Future options for how this additional capacity is to be provided will depend on various factors: the main requirement will be that it is within 15 minutes travel of new housing developments and their residents; however, the ways in which this might be achieved will vary:

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 75

 If, say, additional major new housing provision is likely to be allocated on the north urban edge of Chelmsford, a new sports hall provision (perhaps in conjunction with a school with assured and adequate community use) in that location would not only serve the needs of new residents, but also expand the catchment coverage of sports halls in secured community use, so that more of the rural part of the local authority is covered by this catchment. With this option, it will be very important to ensure that expanded/improved provision is the subject of a formal community use agreement between relevant parties, ensuring an appropriate amount of peak-time use of facilities for members of the public, and especially on a casual pay-to-play basis; with the exception of the sports halls at South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre and Dovedale Sports Centre there are no other significant education-based sports halls within the local authority with formal obligations to provide for community access to their pool space, beyond the schools’ curricular requirements.

 Capacity and availability can change very rapidly and options which might look credible now may not be at a time when the locations of future growth beyond 2026 are determined- it would be far better to look at opportunities to exploit any existing spare capacity then.

4.5.5 In the above regard, there is clearly theoretically a degree of drive-time access to several key venues in neighbouring local authorities. However, what is not clear is the extent to which these venues have the capacity to absorb such use.

4.5.6 Quite apart from the modelling of additional strategic need for sports hall facilities, there is also the need to consider how certain sports depending on sports hall space could be better served. This section highlighted the general need for adequate storage space to be included in new or improved sports hall provision, to meet the needs of residents clubs to stow away their equipment. It has also shown that attention to simple design features can help in making a venue better, such as in the case of fixture points being installed for volleyball nets. In other cases, it might be impossible for new or improved provision to reconcile the ideal specifications for different sports. A case in point would be the desire for badminton clubs to have sprung wooden floors, which may not be so desirable for other sports. However, technology is providing surfaces that are accepted for many sports such as badminton, netball, and volleyball.

4.5.7 In terms of planned new provision or facility overhaul, there are potential sports- specific projects that might be embraced at the planning and design stage, especially:

 The need of netball interests to have an assured local netball centre with both outdoor and indoor facilities.  Indoor extreme sports provision, although the ideal would be to offer dedicated space for such activities.  Given appropriate design, such facilities could be shared with several other sports.

4.6 Summary and conclusions

4.6.1 Quantity: Sport England data and analysis suggest that, within the local authority generally, there is a small unmet demand for access to sports hall space, but which is spread over a large geographical area. Although the local authority-controlled sports halls represent only a small proportion of the overall stock, there is evidence of other provision in the education sector being well-used by clubs and organised groups. The Leisure Plus household survey also confirmed a view that the general supply of sports halls is at least adequate. Future population growth will generate a demand for 1.6 x 4-court sports halls (or equivalent) to meet increased demands.

4.6.2 Quality: Although current overall supply appears meet most local needs, there are issues in respect of the quality of provision. Sport England data suggests that there is an ageing stock of facilities, and local clubs and National Governing Bodies of Sport, believe there are deficiencies in respect of the specialist requirements of some sports.

4.6.3 Accessibility: The findings of the Leisure Plus household survey suggests that most respondents consider that 15-minutes is a reasonable travel time to use a sports hall, and that on this basis there are some rural parts of the local authority not within easy reach of a sports hall with community use.

5.0 HEALTH & FITNESS SUITES

5.1 General

5.1.1 Health and Fitness suites (H&FS) is a term used here to cover indoor ‘gym’ facilities with a range of equipment designed to help with aerobic and anaerobic health, fitness and training regimes. They can be found as standalone venues, or often as part of a larger sports and leisure complex such as council leisure centres and commercial ‘health spas’ etc. These activities are noteworthy as they tend to have high participation rates amongst both women and men. Many are run on a commercial club basis, and those in local authority leisure venues can help to cross-subsidise other facilities.

5.2 Quantity

Existing provision (general)

5.2.1 Figure 17 and Table 10 show the location of and describe all the known health and fitness suites (H&FS).

5.2.2 As will be seen, it is the commercial and club provision that dominates in terms of the size of venues, with the facility at Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre being the largest at a local authority controlled venue. There are H&FSs at all four local authority controlled leisure centres.

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Figure 17: Health & Fitness suites in the local authority

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Table 10: Health & Fitness Suites (description) Ownership Management Year Name Stations Access Type Refurbished Type Type Built Registered Commercial AB SALUTE GYM 80 Membership Commercial 2015 Management use ANGLIA RUSKIN Higher School/College/ UNIVERSITY SPORTS 20 Pay and Play Education University (in 2005 No CENTRE (RIVERMEAD Institutions house) CAMPUS) Registered ANYTIME FITNESS Commercial 25 Membership Commercial 2014 No (CHELMSFORD) Management use School/College/ CHELMER VALLEY Foundation 14 Private Use University (in 2007 Yes HIGH SCHOOL School house) CHELMSFORD Registered FITNESS & 116 Membership Other Other 1999 Yes WELLBEING CENTRE use (Nuffield Health) CHELMSFORD SPORT Local Local Authority 60 Pay and Play 2002 Yes & ATHLETICS CENTRE Authority (in house) Registered Commercial CLUB WOODHAM 85 Membership Commercial 1980 Yes Management use DANBURY SPORTS & Local 36 Pay and Play Trust 1989 Yes SOCIAL CENTRE Authority Registered DOVEDALE SPORTS Further Local Authority 16 Membership 1974 Yes CENTRE Education (in house) use Registered ELMS PERSONAL Commercial Unkn c.20 Membership Commercial FITNESS Management own use ESSEX POLICE 14 Private Use Government Other 1969 No COLLEGE Registered Commercial FITNESS 364 100 Membership Commercial 2014 Yes Management use GREENWOOD Registered Commercial ESTATE HEALTH SPA 21 Membership Commercial 2002 Yes Management AND RETREAT use Registered Commercial Unkn GO30 c.20 Membership Commercial Management own use Registered Commercial Unkn MIGYM c. 50 Membership Commercial Management own use School/College/ KING EDWARD VI Foundation 16 Private Use University (in 2006 No GRAMMAR SCHOOL School house) Other School/College/ NEW HALL SCHOOL 40 Private Use Independent University (in 2009 No School house) Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 80

Ownership Management Year Name Stations Access Type Refurbished Type Type Built Registered REFLECTIONS SPA Commercial 6 Membership Commercial 1987 Yes AND CAFE BAR Management use RIVERSIDE ICE & Registered Local Local Authority 80 1986 Yes LEISURE CENTRE membership Authority (in house) SOUTH WOODHAM Registered Foundation Local Authority FERRERS LEISURE 26 1982 Yes membership School (in house) CENTRE SPRINGHEALTH Commercial LEISURE CLUB 48 Pay and Play Commercial 1972 Yes Management (CHELMSFORD) THE GYM Registered Commercial 123 Commercial 2012 No (CHELMSFORD) membership Management Registered VIRGIN ACTIVE CLUB Commercial 210 Membership Commercial 2001 Yes (CHELMSFORD) Management use Higher School/College/ WRITTLE COLLEGE 21 Private Use Education University (in 1979 Yes Institutions house)

Community use/availability

5.2.3 It will be noted that the list comprises a range of provisions covering local authority, education, commercial, and membership facilities. Only a proportion will be available for the general community to use in the way in which this term was defined in Section 1. For example, some of the commercial/registered membership venues may be cost-prohibitive for certain sections of the community. Other facilities deemed to be ‘private’ in respect of access will have little use, if any.

The views of local residents

Leisure Plus Household survey

5.2.4 Of those residents responding to the household survey:

 13% stated that they used H&FS facilities almost every day  30% at least weekly  5% at least monthly  52% less often or never.

5.2.5 Only 15 per cent of respondents to the household survey suggested that there was a need to improve the stock of H&FSs locally. (37 % considered improvement to the stock to be a medium priority, whilst 48 % considered it to be a low priority).

5.2.6 80% of respondents however considered there to be enough of such facilities, and that if there were to be improvements they should be to the existing stock.

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Active People Surveys (APS) (See End Note 3 for further explanation)

5.2.7 The two main activities assessed as part of the Active People Surveys (APS) that impinge most on the development of H&FSs are gym, and fitness and conditioning.

5.2.8 The APS results are not always available at the local authority level due to the inadequate size of data samples in some situations. This has been the case for all but one year in Chelmsford in respect of Fitness Conditioning. However, where the data are available it shows that adult participation in these activities is higher than county or national averages. The highest scores for each activity would suggest a regular participation in Fitness Conditioning of over 10,000 people/week and for gym use over 19,000 adults/week.

Figure 18: Participation of at least 1 x 30 minute session/week (% of adult population) in Fitness Conditioning

Note: where there is a ‘zero’ % reading it will be because an insufficient data sample exists to be included.

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Figure 19: Participation of at least 1 x 30 minute session/week (% of adult population) in Gym based activities.

Note: where there is a ‘zero’ % reading it will be because an insufficient data sample exists to be included.

5.2.9 Perhaps one of the reasons for this high rate of participation is a strong presence in the local authority of those Sport England Market Segments (see Appendix 1) which, although over 25, still have a strong desire to take part in sport and physical recreation. Figure 20 shows the numerical expression of the percentage of overall Sport England adult Market Segments likely to take part in the given activities.

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Figure 20: Numerical representation of Sport England (adult) Market Segments in Chelmsford

5.2.10 Tim, Alison, Chloe, Elaine, Helena, Philip, Ben all have high counts. In fact, if the above numbers of those with a potential to participate are compared with the APS figures earlier it suggests that participation in the activities concerned may already be close to or even exceeding that which might be predicted from using Market Segmentation data.

Chelmsford City Council (Leisure)

5.2.11 Although the Council operate four H&FSs as part of the leisure centres, council officers believe there may be scope for school facilities to be better utilised.

Local clubs

5.2.12 The consultation exercise conducted as part of this study has not revealed any clubs making comments specifically in relation to the quantity, quality or access to H&FSs. However, gyms in particular are used for training for a variety of sports, and some clubs have made reference to this fact in their responses to the consultation- boxing, gymnastics and athletics are cases in point.

5.3 Quality

5.3.1 The consultation conducted as part of this study did not reveal any specific issues with respect to the quality of health and fitness suites. However, the results of the household survey suggested the following:

 72% of respondents considered that the quality of facilities were either very good or good;  25% thought that the quality was average; Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 84

 Only three per cent considered the quality to be poor or very poor.

5.3.2 It will be seen from Table 10 that many of the H&FSs in the local authority have, if not built recently, been refurbished. The nature of the health and fitness market is such that it is sensitive to any depreciation in the quality of facilities given that the technology involved in modern health and fitness suites evolves rapidly, as does consumer perception of what they require.

5.4 Accessibility

5.4.1 Responses to the household survey indicate that the majority of respondents would be prepared to travel at least 10 to 15 minutes to use a health and fitness centre, and as shown in Figure 21 the 75% percentiles lies somewhere between the two.

Figure 21: Preparedness to travel to gym/health & fitness facilities

5.4.2 The main mode of transport is by car. And the very large majority of provision is centred upon the Chelmsford urban area. As a consequence, this a significant number of trips to such facilities will also be taken by foot.

5.5 Future plans for improvements

5.5.1 Chelmsford Athletic Club, as part of their facility improvement plan, is proposing to upgrade its gym facilities within the clubhouse.

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5.5.2 Anglia Ruskin University, as part of proposals to expand its indoor sports provision, are looking to develop a bigger gym (250 sq.m).

5.5.3 Improvements to health and fitness provision will be considered in the context of the refurbishment of the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre, as well as other local authority centres requiring upgrading eventually (particularly the Dovedale Centre).

5.5.4 The commercial sector will also continue to upgrade its own facilities, although specific plans in this regard are unknown.

The future and issues and options

5.5.5 Based on evidence presented in this section paragraph 12.3 and Table 15 suggest a local standard for the provision of health and fitness stations. The Council might consider providing for an additional 23 - 24 health and fitness stations spread over one or more of it centres. It would be sensible for this provision to be made in association with new or improved provision for sports halls, in line with the recommendations within the appropriate section of this report.

5.5.6 It is noted that the NCAAP plan makes provision for health and fitness provision. If this is of an appropriate kind, it can be offset against the above figure.

5.5.7 The size and location of population growth up to 2036 is still not clearly known (other than the NCAAP up to 2026, for which sports infrastructure has already been committed). This lack of current certainty over the location of longer-term growth allocations impacts upon the extent to which the recommendations of this report can be geographically specific.

5.5.8 Between 2015 and 2036 the population of the local authority is projected to increase from an estimated 172,370 to 195, 850 (excluding any growth that might be attributed to local development allocations yet to be determined). This would mean an increase of c. 23,500 people. Assuming that the demographic profile of this additional population is broadly the same as the existing, the following might be assumed:

 The MS data (Figure 17) estimated that it is likely that in the order of 19,000 adults potentially are taking part in gym and fitness related activities;  as a percentage of the current adult population this is 14%; and,  14% of the predicted adult population change between 2015 and 2036 is 3,600 adults.

5.5.9 This is the membership level that might be expected of a large Gym and Health and Fitness facility, albeit that the increase in demand will be spread over a large geography.

5.5.10 Given the popularity of health and fitness suites and associated activities within the local authority, it will be important for sufficient provision to be made to accommodate an increase in demand from a growing population. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 86

5.5.11 H&FS are clearly very popular facilities, given the local demographic profile; data that exists show that local participation rates in activities using these facilities is high. Furthermore, such facilities appeal strongly to both genders.

5.5.12 The sector is dominated by commercial/membership provision: although this is good from the standpoint of consumer choice and taking pressure off council resources and facilities, they can be expensive and therefore cost-prohibitive for some potential users. Given the attractiveness of such facilities local authority provision should ensure that its own facilities are designed and managed with options to make them available to those locally who would like to access such facilities, but cannot afford commercial club subscriptions. The LA fitness facilities attract a wider spectrum of the population and their pay and play options are more inclusive. Schemes such as the GP referral programme are available in 3 of the Council’s facilities but not provided elsewhere.

5.6 Summary and conclusions

5.6.1 Quantity: There is a varied stock of provision locally. Only of the stock is controlled by the local authority, and there are some significant commercial sector providers, but the cost of using these can be prohibitive for many people, given that they can involve commitments to club subscriptions. There may be scope to make better use of some-school- based facilities. The Leisure Plus household survey suggests that respondents largely considered there to be enough such facilities to meet demand. However, given the popularity of gym-based activity, future growth in the population will increase demand for such provision.

5.6.2 Quality: In response to the Leisure Plus survey, most respondents considered that the quality of this type of provision was either good or very good.

5.6.3 Accessibility: The Leisure Plus household survey, suggests that most respondents would be willing to travel between 10 and 15 minutes to use local health and fitness facilities. Much of the existing provision is within the Chelmsford urban area, and therefore many people will walk to use such facilities.

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6.0 INDOOR BOWLS

6.1 General

6.1.1 Bowls can be played either outdoors or indoors. Whilst most provision continues to be outdoors using traditional turf rinks, there are also a large number of indoor facilities using artificial surfaces, which are available for play throughout the year and in the evenings. It is these indoor facilities that are the subject of this section. There are other varieties of indoor bowls that take place in venues like village halls and community centres, using portable mats. These, again, are also outside the scope of this section.

6.1.2 However, there can be expected to be some cross-over between indoor and outdoor bowls in terms winter and summer activity (for example), and this needs to be taken into account in trying to assess demand for provision.

6.2 Quantity

6.2.1 There is one major indoor bowling centre in Chelmsford, namely The Falcon Bowling and Social Club, Springfield, north Chelmsford (8 indoor rinks plus social facilities, 2 outdoor greens - one grass, one artificial grass).

6.2.2 The facility is club-owned and managed, although it is also available for use on a pay- and-play basis.

6.2.3 Other than this facility the only other known indoor bowls venues within the vicinity of Chelmsford local authority are in Harlow, Colchester, Rayleigh, Latchingdon (in Maldon District), and Stony Hill in Brentwood. None of these external venues are especially close to the core population within Chelmsford urban area.

Views of local residents

6.2.4 Indoor bowls centres are classified as a specialist facility. Respondents to the household survey conducted as part of this study indicated that 86% of respondents would use such facilities less than once a month or never; 4% at least monthly; 8% at least weekly; and, 1% almost every day.

6.2.5 The household survey also indicated that, in terms of priorities for improving the provision specialist indoor facilities: 14% of respondents considered this to be a high priority; 22% considers this to be a medium priority; and, 64% of respondents felt that such improvements were a low priority.

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Views of National Governing Bodies of Sport

Essex Indoor Bowling Association

6.2.6 The Association stated that:

 There are 17 indoor bowling centres spread across Essex totalling 105 indoor rinks; while these accommodate current demand, membership is generally experiencing a decline in most clubs.

 The challenge for the sport is to both recruit and retain membership across the young and elderly, the one to replace the other; there is no current demand identified for additional indoor rinks in Chelmsford.

Views of local clubs

6.2.7 Local clubs responding to the club questionnaire consultation were outdoor bowls clubs, and only one (Falcon Bowls Club) includes an indoor facility. The general tenor of the response from local clubs indicated that bowls in general is suffering a stasis or even a decline in participation.

Views of the local authority

6.2.8 Chelmsford City Council Parks and Open Spaces Service considered there to be an adequate supply of bowls facilities to meet local demands, and that the Council had recently closed an outdoor green (Central Park) due to lack of demand which evidenced this fact.

6.2.9 The following Figure 22 illustrates the trends for adult participation in all forms of bowls in terms of percentage of adults who play at least once a week. Given the small data samples, it was inappropriate to include Chelmsford within these comparisons. Estimates for Essex and the region appear to be above the average for England although, based on the evidence, participation rates at national, regional and county levels have all declined in recent years.

6.2.10 Using the most recent participation rate at county level and applying it to Chelmsford (0.74%) in the order of 1037 adults within Chelmsford would be participating in bowls (outdoor and indoor) at least once a week.

6.2.11 Bowls is traditionally a sports played by older members of the population. Given a generally ageing population within the local authority it might be expected that, rather than declining, rates of participation should be improving. The fact that they are not suggests other reasons contributing to the decline in the popularity of the sport.

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Figure 22: Participation of at least 1 x 30 minute session/week (% of adult population) in bowls (indoor and outdoor)

Note: where there is a ‘zero’ % reading it will be because an insufficient data sample exists to be included.

6.2.12 However, if the Active People Survey data for just indoor flat green bowls the picture is markedly different. (See Figure 23 below).

Figure 23: Participation of at least 1 x 30 minute session/week (% of adult population) in indoor bowls

Note: where there is a ‘zero’ % reading it will be because an insufficient data sample exists to be included.

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6.2.13 Data are available for Essex only for 2013/14 using these parameters. However, for the 2013/14 survey the estimate for Essex was 1.25%. If this percentage is applied to Chelmsford it would equates to 1,752 adults taking part in indoor bowls at least one a week.

6.2.14 It is clear from this that on the basis of the evidence available participation in indoor bowls is far more popular (using this measure) than that in outdoor flat green bowls within Essex: presumably the nature of the facility offered allows for a much more intense and extended period of use compared to the outdoor turf greens. Figure 24 shows the numerical expression of the percentage of overall Sport England adult Market Segments (see Appendix 1) likely to take part in the given activities.

Figure 24: Numerical representation of Sport England (adult) Market Segments in Chelmsford likely to play bowls

6.2.15 Bowls as a sport is somewhat limited in its appeal outside the older demographic groups, and, as can be seen from the above figure, those Segments most likely to play are the post retirement Roger & Joy, Frank, Elsie & Arnold, and Ralph & Phyllis. Even when the above figures are added up it suggests that local participation (based on the Essex rates in Figure 21) are already better than might be expected.

The Sports Facility Calculator

6.2.16 The Sport Facility Calculator (SFC) is a Sport England planning tool which helps to estimate the amount of demand for key community sports facilities that is created by a given population. The SFC helps with quantifying the demand side of the facility provision equation. The participation data used to calculate a ‘desirable’ level of provision are similar to those used in the FPM (see End Note 1).

6.2.17 If used sensibly and in conjunction with other analysis, the SFC helps to develop a rounded view of the desirable level of provision for a given facility type within a local authority area. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 91

6.2.18 The SFC estimates that a desirable level of provision for indoor bowls facilities in the local authority could be the following (see Table 11).

Table 11: SFC estimate for a desirable level of indoor bowls provision

Rinks Venues (6 rinks) Visits per week per population

12.12 2.02 1,891

6.2.19 The numbers in Table 11 are close to the 1,752 weekly ‘plays’ estimated for local residents using Active People Survey data. It suggests that there may be scope for another indoor bowls facility within the local authority. However, the local evidence does not suggest this to be the case currently.

6.3 Quality

6.3.1 Respondents to the household questionnaire survey indicated that in terms of specialist indoor provision: 44% considered facilities to be of good or very good; 54% considered the quality to be average; and, 13% considered quality to be either poor or very poor.

6.3.2 The existing and only indoor bowls facility within the local authority, at Falcon Bowls Club, is considered to be in good condition, with the club identifying its priorities to be focused upon the improvement of its outdoor provision.

6.4 Accessibility

6.4.1 The findings of the household survey suggest that respondents the majority of respondents would be prepared to travel between 10 and 20 plus minutes to access a specialist indoor sports facility. The 75 percentile is likely to be around 15 minutes. See Figure 25. Most trips will be made by car.

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Figure 25: Preparedness to travel

6.4.2 The following (Figure 26) shows a 15-minute drive time catchment centred on the Falcon Bowls Club. As will be seen that catchment covers the majority of the urban area, as well as the north eastern parts of the local authority.

6.4.3 Similar drive times for provision in neighbouring local authorities are also included on the map, and whilst these impinge upon the Chelmsford local authority area, much of the south of the area is not covered by these catchments.

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Figure 26: 15 minute drivetime from the existing indoor bowls venue in Chelmsford as well as neighbouring venues

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6.5 The Future, Issues and Options

6.5.1 The size and location of population growth up to 2036 is still not clearly known (other than the NCAAP up to 2026, for which sports infrastructure has already been committed). This lack of current certainty over the location of longer-term growth allocations impacts upon the extent to which the recommendations of this report can be geographically specific.

6.5.2 Between 2015 and 2036 the population of the local authority is projected to increase from an estimated 172,370 to 195,850 (excluding any growth that might be attributed to local development allocations yet to be determined). This would mean an increase of c. 23,500 people. Assuming that the demographic profile of this additional population is broadly the same as the existing, the following might be assumed:

 The MS data (Figure 21) estimated that it is likely that in the order of 1,752 adults potentially are taking part indoor bowls;  as a percentage of the current adult population this is 1.25%; and,  1.25% of the predicted adult population change between 2015 and 2036 is 232 adults.

6.5.3 Provision of indoor bowls facilities within the local authority area appears adequate to meet existing levels of demand, and no respondents to the consultation have indicated to the contrary. The only existing venue (the Falcon Club) is popular amongst bowlers, and should be protected from alternative use and/or development. If additional demand is generated via population growth the Falcon venue is likely to be geographically well-placed to meet this demand, and should be the focus of any qualitative and/or capacity improvements.

6.5.4 Whilst the catchment of the existing and only indoor bowls facility within the local authority does not cover the full extent of the administrative area, those parts of the authority outside the catchment are relatively sparsely populated, and may not in themselves justify the provision of a new facility to meet any potential demand within this area.

6.5.5 Planned and natural population change within the local authority will increase the demand for access to indoor bowls facilities, although it may be possible to meet these needs through expansion of the existing facility at an appropriate time (i.e. the Falcon Bowls Club).

6.6 Summary and conclusions

6.6.1 Quantity: Given expressed local views about the, at best, stasis in participation in bowls there is not considered to be a demand for additional indoor bowls facilities locally, beyond the single facility that exists in the local authority. Any future quantitative or Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 95

qualitative improvements to the existing facility stock should be focussed on the existing venue, at Falcon Bowls Club.

6.6.2 Quality: The existing facility is considered to be in good condition. 6.6.3 Accessibility: Although much of the local authority is outside a reasonable drivetime to the existing facility, it is unlikely that this situation can or should be improved given current participation rates locally.

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7.0 INDOOR TENNIS

7.1 General

7.1.1 Lawn tennis can be played on a variety of surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. In this section it is only the provision of indoor tennis facilities that is being considered directly, although there will be some crossover in participants playing both indoors and outdoors.

7.1.2 Indoor tennis facilities require a significant amount of space; the space required for a single court is around of the equivalent of a 4-badminton court sports hall. They tend to be provided as part of a larger leisure complex, and usually on a commercial or club basis.

7.2 Quantity

7.2.1 There are no known bespoke indoor tennis facilities in Chelmsford local authority. The nearest facilities are located in Colchester, Basildon, Harlow, and Rayleigh.

Views of local residents

7.2.2 Indoor tennis facilities are considered to be a specialist indoor sports facility. Although it is not currently provided for in the local authority, it is still worth noting relevant household survey findings. The household survey conducted as part of the consultation for this study suggested that of those responding:

 1% use such facilities every day;  8% at least weekly;  4% at least monthly;  86% less than monthly or never.

7.2.3 The same household survey suggested that of those responding: 37 % considered there to be a need for more specialist indoor sports facilities: 59 % considered that there were enough of such facilities; and 4 % considered there to be no need for additional provision.

Views of Chelmsford City Council (Leisure Services)

7.2.4 City Council officers interviewed for this study acknowledged the lack of provision for indoor tennis within the local authority. They also drew attention to the potential for providing such a facility at the Marconi Sports and Social Club.

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Active Essex

7.2.5 Active Essex made the following comments of relevance:

 Clubs may suggest a need for an indoor tennis facility or at least a dome type cover for existing courts at a suitable location to enable extended use of courts e.g. at the Marconi Club site.  With the proposed growth of Chelmsford, opportunities may arise for a Leisure and Tennis Centre such as at Southend or a David Lloyd type centre.  The likely population profile may suggest that Tennis is one of the sports that will fit the anticipated demographic.

Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)

7.2.6 The LTA suggests that while there are no current plans for an indoor tennis centre, Chelmsford remains identified by the LTA Essex Region as a priority for indoor tennis. Airdomes or lightweight structures may offer may offer alternative opportunities for outdoor tennis clubs in the future, subject to planning consents and funding.

Local Clubs

7.2.7 Two clubs responding to the consultation exercise conducted as part of this project. These were the Danbury and Springfield clubs. These two clubs largely play on outdoor facilities. However, both clubs suggested that an obstacle towards the further growth of the clubs and tennis in general within the local authority is the lack of indoor tennis provision. The following Figure 27 illustrates the trends for adult participation in indoor tennis in terms of percentage of adults who play at least once a week. Given the small data samples, it was inappropriate to include Essex or Chelmsford as areas in this Figure.

7.2.8 The estimates for the East of England appear similar or just above the average for England, although based on the evidence participation rates at national and regional have declined in recent years. If the most recent regional participation rate (0.28%) is applied to the Chelmsford adult population in the order of 392 adults within Chelmsford would be participating in indoor tennis at least once a week.

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Figure 27: Participation of at least 1 x 30 minute session/week (% of adult population) in indoor tennis

Note: where there is a ‘zero’ % reading it will be because an insufficient data sample exists to be included.

7.2.9 However, if all forms of tennis (both indoor and outdoor) are included in the analysis a further data set is available that includes measurements for Essex, as well as the regional and national levels. The data sample for Chelmsford would still be too small for it to be included. It will be seen that national, regional, and county trends and follow each other closely (see Figure 28).

7.2.10 If the most recent participation estimate for Essex (0.9%) is applied to Chelmsford, it suggests that around 1261 adults would be taking part in some form of tennis (either or both indoor and outdoor) at least once a week.

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Figure 28: Participation in tennis (indoor and outdoor) by adults at least once/week

Note: where there is a ‘zero’ % reading it will be because an insufficient data sample exists to be included.

7.2.11 Figure 29 shows the numerical expression of the percentage of overall Sport England adult Market Segments (see Appendix 1) likely to take part in the given activities.

Figure 29: Numerical representation of Sport England (adult) Market Segments in Chelmsford likely to play tennis

7.2.12 As will be seen, groups including Tim, Ben, Philip, Chloe, Alison, Helena are all well represented. If just these groups alone came close to achieving their potential participation rates, the total number of regular tennis players amongst the adult population within Chelmsford would be significantly above that recorded through the Active People Surveys alone.

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7.3 Quality

7.3.1 There are no indoor tennis facilities currently within the Chelmsford local authority, and no quality assessment can therefore be made.

7.4 Accessibility

7.4.1 As with other specialist indoor facilities, the household survey conducted as part of this consultation suggested that of those responding 78% would be prepared to travel between 10 and 20 plus minutes to access such facilities. The 75 percentile is likely to fall around the 15 minute mark, as indicated in Figure 30 below.

Figure 30: Preparedness to travel

7.4.2 As there are currently no indoor tennis facilities within Chelmsford local authority no internal catchment can be shown on a map. Applying a 15 minute catchment on indoor tennis facilities in neighbouring local authority areas will not impinge significantly upon the Chelmsford area.

7.5 The Future, Issues and Options

7.5.1 The size and location of population growth up to 2036 is still not clearly known (other than the NCAAP up to 2026, for which sports infrastructure has already been committed). This lack of current certainty over the location of longer-term growth allocations impacts upon the extent to which the recommendations of this report can be geographically specific.

7.5.2 Between 2015 and 2036 the population of the local authority is projected to increase from an estimated 172,370 to 195,850 (excluding any growth that might be attributed to Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 101

local development allocations yet to be determined). This would mean an increase of c. 23,500 people. Assuming that the demographic profile of this additional population is broadly the same as the existing, the following might be assumed:

 The MS data (Figure 26) estimated that it is likely that in the order of 1,261 adults potentially are taking part in tennis;  as a percentage of the current adult population this is 0.9%; and,  0.9% of the predicted adult population change between 2015 and 2036 is 167 adults.

7.5.3 The Chelmsford local authority is notable for the absence of any bespoke indoor tennis facilities, and it compares badly with neighbouring local authority areas this regard.

7.5.4 The demographic profile of the population suggests that there could be a viable market.

7.5.5 Local evidence and views obtained from this study suggests that there is a potential demand for such a facility.

7.5.6 It is likely that this demand will be increased by future natural and planned population growth.

7.5.7 Unless sufficient space exists at an existing leisure centre, it is likely that any new provision for indoor tennis facility within the local authority will be ‘new build’ as opposed to an extension of an existing facility, unless existing courts are covered with domes. Provision for a facility of at least three courts would be warranted. The Marconi Sports and Social Club could be suited as a potential venue, given its current sports and administrative infrastructure.

7.6 Summary and conclusions

7.6.1 Quantity: There is currently no indoor tennis provision within the local authority. However, Sport England Active People and Market Segmentation data suggests that demand exists for such a venue, and this is supported by the views of the LTA and other local agencies, and clubs. Future population growth will accentuate the need for such a facility.

7.6.2 Quality: There is no existing such facility in the local authority.

7.6.3 Accessibility: If an indoor facility were to be located in Chelmsford, a 15-20 minute drivetime would cover the urban area, and its fringes.

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8.0 ATHLETICS

8.1 General

8.1.1 This section covers facilities required for participating in activities collectively known as track and field. However, running which takes place off-track is also referenced.

8.2 Quantity

8.2.1 There are two athletics tracks within the local authority. The most important in terms of the community access is Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre situated at Melbourne Park, on a site that is also used by Chelmsford City FC. The site is the home of Chelmsford Athletics Club. It has an eight lane synthetic running track with full field facilities, which are floodlit.

8.2.2 The track is owned and managed by the local authority. The overall complex also houses the local authority operated indoor athletics centre the Athletic Club’s own clubhouse facilities.

8.2.3 The second athletics track is located at New Hall School, and is primarily for curricular use. The inside of the track accommodates a synthetic turf pitch which is fenced, and used for hockey. The track itself is not floodlit.

8.2.4 In addition to the two local athletics tracks, there are other synthetic tracks located in Basildon, Braintree, Harlow, Brentwood, and Colchester.

Active People Surveys (APS) Market Segmentation (MS) data

8.2.5 The APS data are not available for athletics in the Chelmsford local authority due to the small size of the sample data. However, Figure 31 below shows the comparative adult participation rates in all forms of the athletics (including off track running) for Essex, the eastern region, and England. Although Essex participation levels appear to lag behind those for the region and England as a whole, all three have shown an overall increase over the years of the APS. If the latest APS participation figure Essex (4.22%) is applied to Chelmsford it suggests that around 5,914 adults take part in some form of athletics at least once a week. In all likelihood the frequency of participation would be higher than once a week for most, given the nature of athletic training and competition.

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Figure 31: Participation in Athletics (including off-track running) by adults at least once/week

Note: where there is a ‘zero’ % reading it will be because an insufficient data sample exists to be included.

8.2.6 Figure 32 shows the numerical expression of the percentage of overall Sport England adult Market Segments (see Appendix 1) likely to take part in the given activities.

8.2.7 If the totals for each of the principal segments are aggregated it suggests that there may be scope for some increase in participation, when compared with the participation estimates provided by the Active People Surveys. However, the difference between ‘existing’ and ‘potential’ levels is not huge.

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Figure 32: Numerical representation of Sport England (adult) Market Segments in Chelmsford likely to take part in athletics

Views of National Governing Body (NGB)

England Athletics

8.2.8 England Athletics has made the following comments in relation to facilities within the local authority:

 There is no relevant NGB athletics facility strategy and currently Chelmsford does not feature in any specific NGB plans for facility development.  England Athletics see the Chelmsford City Council area as a priority in relation to the Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre which hosts many workshops and courses.  Currently there is no NGB funding potentially available to support the delivery of athletics facility priorities in the Chelmsford area.  Overall there are sufficient facilities for athletics in the Chelmsford City Council area.  Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre - for the track and indoor use - is the most important facility in Essex. It is well located to meet needs. Access to the facilities is good - the management and booking team are always helpful. The throws development area (for hammer, discuss, javelin and shot putt) is very well supported and subscribed to. There is potential for the centre to cater for more physical preparation courses and workshops. To enable this there may be need for additional equipment. There is also potential to work in partnership with Chelmsford Athletics Club to use their club house to facilitate workshops.  The Chelmsford Athletics Club - in partnership with the Sport and Athletics Centre - is looking to refurbish their club house (located within the Centre parking area). Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 105

 Chelmsford Athletics Club has over 250 members using the Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre.  A variety of competitions are run at the Sport and Athletics Centre, including the East Region disability event. Although the facility is excellent for training, access to the stadium for competition has been contentious in the past season.  A number of athletes from the Chelmsford Athletics Club are young Great Britain athletes so sport in this area is strong and important for athletics.  Recreational running is another area that is part of England Athletics strategy and this can link into the club.  England Athletics run local coaching and at times regional workshops at the Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre.  There are many opportunities in building on the England Athletics recreational running strategy to increase number of new runners - through new 3-2-1 routes20 or trails in local parks but also giving that link to the centre.  Opportunities and challenges - providing a good quality competition venue for talented throwers (i.e. hammer, javelin, discuss, and shot putt).

Views of Chelmsford City Council (Leisure)

8.2.9 Relevant staff of the Council made the following comments:

 The Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre is considered to be an excellent facility, providing both indoor and outdoor facilities. It is unlikely that there is a case for any additional facilities.  The club is nearing capacity and is unable to take on all the young people who would like to join. To help resolve these capacity issues a Club Academy was set up in partnership between the Athletics Club and Chelmsford City Council. This has allowed the Club to now run a sustainable Academy and increase the coaching available to younger age groups.  The Club who are based there provide for all age ranges and are very successful and active. The club is currently developing a bid to improve their club house and provide an additional range of indoor facilities. To be successful they will need to secure renewal of their lease on a long-term basis.  The City Council have an Athletics development officer who works closely with the club.  The City Council, Athletics Club and School Sports Partnership organise various sports development initiatives including coaching in primary schools, competitions for school children at the centre, and opportunities for secondary school age children and young people.  There are also lots of opportunities for runners through initiatives such as Park Run at Central Park (adults - about 350 - on Saturday; juniors on Sunday). There is also a very successful cross country running league.

20 3-2-1 is a national running/athletics project which aims to provide a range of marked out running or jogging routes across the country accessible to the general public. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 106

Views of local clubs

Chelmsford Athletics Club

8.2.10 Chelmsford Athletics Club made the following comments:

 The club is based at the Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre. Current membership is 350 and this has increased over the last 3 years. They also make use of some general roads around Chelmsford, plus Hylands and Admirals parks.  The club notes that reasons for an increase in membership include "attracting aspiring and existing talented athletes through our strong coaching team, plus the follow on impact of the Olympics etc.".  The club has an active junior section and works with St John Payne School and the Girls High School. Coaches also assist the centre staff with many of their council run sessions for the 6 and older children  The club rates all aspects of the quality of the Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre as being either very good or good.  The club reports that "our club is upgrading its clubhouse facilities to improve the gym area. Plus, we are anticipating changing out the old changing area and replacing it with a modern meeting room and toilets".  The club wishes to expand its activities and to gain more competing members "but in saying that we need to increase the support team e.g. coaches and team managers etc.".  The main barrier noted for development is a shortage of personnel to run/coach teams and/or administer the club.

Little Baddow Ridge Runners

8.2.11 Little Baddow Ridge Runners made the following comments:

 This is a small local running club that does not depend on access to a bespoke athletics track for either training or competition.  The club is based at Little Baddow Recreational Ground which they generally rate as good or very good - other than facilities for the disabled and lighting.  They currently have about 50 members and noted that their membership has increased over the last three years. They observe that this is because "we have introduced a club website and used social media to advertise ourselves".  During October to March the club takes part in the mid-Essex cross country league.  The club don't currently have links with schools: "we don't have any but it'd be good to have something in place".  The club would like to expand its activities: "we would like some more members, specifically younger runners. Our membership is growing steadily but it would be better to encourage some more people of a younger 18-30 age group".

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8.3 Quality of facilities

8.3.1 The Chelmsford Athletics Club rates facilities at the Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre as being good to very good. The Club, however, has plans to upgrade changing and gym facilities at its clubhouse situated at the venue.

8.3.2 Relevant officers at the local authority consider the Sports and Athletics Centre to be an excellent facility.

8.3.3 The Chelmsford Athletics Club, being the resident user of the track, is an important opinion with respect to judging the quality of facilities. However, less positive comment has been received from another source that uses the facility for workshops and competitions. The Essex Athletics Network are focused on arranging coach education workshops and competitions on behalf of their 15 member clubs. They hold several of these at the Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre each year. The network offered the following comments (verbatim):

 Other bookings, quite often non-athletics, restrict the choice of dates and times available to us at the Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre.  The noise level at other bookings, such as kids’ parties in the sport hall, detract from sessions.  We have been alarmed at the deterioration in the facilities in the past few months and the track surface in places needs urgent replacement. [Note: it is understood that this comment refers to the quality of the indoor track, which is scheduled for replacement].  Considering that we are fairly regular users, it has been difficult to develop a good working relationship, except with the Athletics Development Officer".  While receive a 10% discount on bookings, as the centre is an external Network partner, we’ve been told that this may not continue. If that’s the case, given the state of the facilities, we will arrange sessions elsewhere at Lee Valley which is cheaper and has better facilities.

8.4 Accessibility

8.4.1 Responses to the household survey conducted for this study (Figure 33) suggest that around 75% of respondents would be prepared to travel up to and around 15 minutes to get to a specialist sports facility (which includes synthetic athletics tracks). The majority of trips to venues will be by car.

8.4.2 The Figure 34 below shows the two local athletics venues with a combined 15- minute drive time catchment superimposed. It will be seen that it covers most of the urban area as well as significant parts of the north east of the local authority. As can also be seen, facilities in neighbouring areas have similar drive time catchments, but these impinge only slightly upon the Chelmsford local authority.

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Figure 33: Preparedness to travel

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Figure 34: Local athletics venues and 15 minute drivetime catchments

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8.4.3 By no means all local authorities have athletics tracks, certainly not of the quality provided at the Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre. Although the combined catchment for the two local facilities does not cover the entire local authority area, it would be impossible to justify provision of an additional facility to meet the needs of the outlying rural areas outside the existing drive time catchment.

8.5 Future Plans

8.5.1 The only plan currently known for the improvement of athletics provision in the local authority is that of the Chelmsford Athletics Club in respect of its changing and gym facilities.

8.6 The Future, Issues and Options

8.6.1 The size and location of population growth up to 2036 is still not clearly known (other than the NCAAP up to 2026, for which sports infrastructure has already been committed). This lack of current certainty over the location of longer-term growth allocations impacts upon the extent to which the recommendations of this report can be geographically specific.

8.6.2 Between 2015 and 2036 the population of the local authority is projected to increase from an estimated 172,370 to 195,850 (excluding any growth that might be attributed to local development allocations yet to be determined). This would mean an increase of c. 23,500 people. Assuming that the demographic profile of this additional population is broadly the same as the existing, the following might be assumed:

 The MS data (Figure 31) estimated that it is likely that in the order of 5,914 adults potentially are taking part in forms of the athletics;  as a percentage of the current adult population this is 4.22%; and,  4.22% of the predicted adult population change between 2015 and 2036 is 783 adults.

8.6.3 The evidence provided in this section does not suggest a need for additional bespoke athletics tracks within the local authority. However, an increased population will accentuate demand for access to bespoke facilities, as well as safe off-track running opportunities.

8.6.4 It is not appropriate to offer a standard for inclusion in the statutory development plan to guide athletics provision in future years. However, it is appropriate to suggest how improvements to provision can be made to help meet increased demand over the future years.

8.6.5 First of all, it will be important that the needs of the existing and successful Chelmsford Athletics Club can be met through the desired improvements to both changing and gym facilities at their base.

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8.6.6 Secondly, the success of the club in attracting new members in conjunction with planned population change will increase pressures and wear and tear on the existing track. Measures should be put in place so that funding can be made available for the maintenance and eventual overhaul of the track and ancillary facilities.

8.6.7 Certainly, pressure could be taken off the track by providing alternative ‘satellite’ training venues at other locations, and most notably in conjunction with those schools that have already a close relationship with the Athletics Club. It might also be possible to develop a better relationship with New Hall School in respect of the School’s 4-lane synthetic track. This track is provided primarily for curricular use, but there may be scope outside the time of school use for the facility to be available for a certain amount of training by local clubs.

8.6.8 Off-track there are already ‘Park Run’ schemes running in Chelmsford for runners keen to improve their times, without being committed to a club, or necessarily competing. However, there may be scope for providing some way-marked routes based on the Run England 3-2-1 scheme.

8.7 Summary and conclusions

8.7.1 Quantity: There is one full-size synthetic track available for community use in the local authority, and this is a good level of local provision. Future population growth would not justify a second such venue, although improvements to the existing track at the Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre would be warranted, the use of the track at New Hall School might be encouraged as a satellite venue, although this would require the School’s support.

8.7.2 Quality: Improvements to changing and gym facilities at the Chelmsford Athletic clubhouse would be beneficial. (Para 8.3.1)

8.7.3 Accessibility: A 15-20 minute catchment around the Centre covers the Chelmsford urban area and beyond.

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9.0 STUDIOS

9.1 General

9.1.1 The provision of more flexible studio and activity spaces as opposed to more formal sports hall is an increasingly important element of any local provision, meeting the increasing need for more flexible physical activity programmes as opposed to formal sport opportunities. Such spaces can be used to accommodate a range of sports and recreation activity. However, they are most commonly used for dance and aerobics sessions.

9.2 Quantity

9.2.1 The following Table 12 and Figure 35 detail local provision of studios as recorded on the Sport England Active Places Power database. Provision in neighbouring local authorities is also shown on the map.

9.2.2 It will be seen that provision covers various sectors including local authority, private, commercial, club, and education. These sectors afforded by a variety of access opportunities ranging from pay and play (such as those found in the Council’s leisure centres) to up-market commercial club facilities.

9.2.3 As noted in section one, although these different types of provision will meet varying needs, it is those facilities available on a pay and play basis that meet the widest needs of local residents.

Table 12 Studios within Chelmsford local authority Name (Multiple Ownership Year entries can exist for Access Type Management Type Refurbished Type Built some venues)

CHELMSFORD SPORT Local Pay and Play Local Authority (in house) 2002 No & ATHLETICS CENTRE Authority

CLUB WOODHAM Pay and Play Commercial Commercial Management 1980 Yes

DOVEDALE SPORTS Further Pay and Play Local Authority (in house) 1974 Yes CENTRE Education

FITNESS 364 Pay and Play Commercial Commercial Management 1998 Yes

RIVERSIDE ICE & Local Pay and Play Local Authority (in house) 2007 Yes LEISURE CENTRE Authority

RIVERSIDE ICE & Local Pay and Play Local Authority (in house) 1986 Yes LEISURE CENTRE Authority Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 113

Name (Multiple Ownership Year entries can exist for Access Type Management Type Refurbished Type Built some venues) SPRINGHEALTH LEISURE CLUB Pay and Play Commercial Commercial Management 1972 Yes (CHELMSFORD) SPRINGHEALTH LEISURE CLUB Pay and Play Commercial Commercial Management 2008 No (CHELMSFORD) SPRINGHEALTH LEISURE CLUB Pay and Play Commercial Commercial Management 2013 No (CHELMSFORD) SPRINGHEALTH LEISURE CLUB Pay and Play Commercial Commercial Management 2013 No (CHELMSFORD)

CHELMER VALLEY Foundation School/College/University Private Use 2012 No HIGH SCHOOL School (in house)

Registered ANYTIME FITNESS Membership Commercial Commercial Management 2014 No (CHELMSFORD) use Registered CHELMSFORD FITNESS Membership Other Other 1999 No & WELLBEING CENTRE use Registered CHELMSFORD FITNESS Membership Other Other 1999 No & WELLBEING CENTRE use Registered VIRGIN ACTIVE CLUB Membership Commercial Commercial Management 2001 Yes (CHELMSFORD) use Registered VIRGIN ACTIVE CLUB Membership Commercial Commercial Management 2001 Yes (CHELMSFORD) use Sports Club / Foundation School/College/University BOSWELLS SCHOOL Community 2006 No School (in house) Association Sports Club / GREAT BADDOW HIGH Community School/College/University Community 2010 No SCHOOL school (in house) Association Sports Club / Other School/College/University NEW HALL SCHOOL Community Independent No (in house) Association School Sports Club / WILLIAM DE FERRERS Foundation School/College/University Community 2011 No SCHOOL School (in house) Association

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Figure 35 Studio provision in Chelmsford and neighbouring areas

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Views of local residents

9.2.4 Studios are a sub type of a genre of facilities known as gym and health and fitness facilities. The household survey conducted as part of this study suggested that of the respondents: 13% used such facilities almost every day; 30% at least weekly; 5% at least monthly; and, 52% less often than a month or never.

9.2.5 Respondents to the household survey also expressed that: 15% felt there was a need for more such facilities; 80% considered there to be sufficient; and, 6% felt that were too many.

Other relevant views expressed

9.2.6 Although the consultation did not highlight any specific views relating to studio facilities certain martial arts and interests, such as the British Judo Association, and local clubs indicated the importance of facilities like these in catering for martial arts and in the context of a mixed programme of activities covering many other sports and recreation pursuits.

9.2.7 As stated earlier, the principal activities using studio space tend to be ‘exercise movement and dance’, and the ‘aerobics’.

9.2.8 For both of these types of activity the Active People Surveys (APS) collect data covering participation by adults. Data are available at the national, regional and county level. Insufficient data are available for the Chelmsford area to be reliable.

9.2.9 For both these groups of activity, it will be seen that levels of participation for the measure ‘at least 1 x 30 minute session/week’ have varied significantly over the years of the APS (Figures 36 and 37).

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Figure 36 Participation in ‘exercise and movement’ by adults at least once/week

Note: where there is a ‘zero’ % reading it will be because an insufficient data sample exists to be included.

Figure 37 Participation in ‘aerobics’ by adults at least once/week

Note: where there is a ‘zero’ % reading it will be because an insufficient data sample exists to be included.

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9.2.10 In terms of both activities if the most recent average participation rates (at least 1 x 30 minute session per week) were applied to the Chelmsford local authority adult population it would indicate the following estimates of participation:

 Exercise, movement & dance: 1,261 people  Aerobics: 841 people

9.2.11 However, the above to activities fall within a wider category of activities called ‘gym, aerobics, keep fit’ for the purpose of measurements in the APS. If the APS data were analysed for this overall category, as opposed there to above, it would yield the following participation levels (based also on the undertaking of at least 1 x 30 minutes’ sessions/week). See Figure 38.

Figure 38 Participation in ‘gym, aerobics, keep fit’ by adults at least once/week

9.2.12 It will be seen from the above that sufficient sample sizes were available to allow for data collected for Chelmsford local authority also to be included for comparison.

9.2.13 If the most recent participation measure for Chelmsford (c.14%) was applied to the local adult population it would mean that in the order of 19,000 adults would be regularly taking part in this range of activities, for at least 30 minute session/week. This estimate is far larger than for ‘gym’ and ‘aerobics’ alone but the ‘gym, aerobics, keep fit’ category also includes a far wider span of activities.

9.2.14 Figure 39 shows the numerical expression of the percentage of overall Sport England adult Market Segments (see Appendix 1) likely to take part in the given activities.

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Figure 39 Numerical representation of Sport England (adult) Market Segments in Chelmsford likely to take part in gym, aerobic, keep fit activity

9.2.15 When Figure 39 is compared to compared Figures 34, 35, 36 and the supporting narrative it suggests that the area is already largely fulfilling its potential in terms of the inclination of key groups to take part in such activities.

9.3 Quality

9.3.1 Of those responding to the household survey conducted as part of this study, and in respect of health and fitness facilities:

 The 72% thought that the quality of such facilities was either good or very good;  25% considered facilities to be of average quality; and,  3% for them to be either poor or very poor quality.

9.4 Accessibility

9.4.1 Those responding to the household survey, in respect of health and fitness facilities suggest that the 75 percentile in terms of preparedness to travel to such facilities would be between 10 and 15 minutes, with most trips being made by car (see Figure 40).

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Figure 40 Preparedness to travel

9.4.2 Given that most studio facilities are located in the urban area the very large majority of the population will be covered by 10 minute catchments. Coverage of outlying area in the north and south of the local authority is far more patchy, with the exception of South Woodham Ferrers.

9.5 The Future, Issues and Options

9.5.1 The size and location of population growth up to 2036 is still not clearly known (other than the NCAAP up to 2026, for which sports infrastructure has already been committed). This lack of current certainty over the location of longer-term growth allocations impacts upon the extent to which the recommendations of this report can be geographically specific.

9.5.2 Between 2015 and 2036 the population of the local authority is projected to increase from an estimated 172,370 to 195,850 (excluding any growth that might be attributed to local development allocations yet to be determined). This would mean an increase of c. 23,500 people. Assuming that the demographic profile of this additional population is broadly the same as the existing, the following might be assumed:

 The MS data (Figure 36) estimated that it is likely that in the order of 19,000 adults potentially are taking part in Studio-based activity;  as a percentage of the current adult population this is 14%; and,  14% of the predicted adult population change between 2015 and 2036 is 3,600 adults.

9.5.3 Activity studios are proving to be important facilities within larger complexes such as leisure centres and commercial health and fitness venues. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 120

9.5.4 The design of Studios as ‘flexible space’ is integral to their success. The health and fitness industry moves quickly into and out of activities according to changing demand and trends. Although the needs assessment report did not undertake an examination of activity patterns and scheduling within schedules it is very clear that uses are highly diverse, and the key to future design will be to ensure that an overall specification is obtained that can host changing demands and uses over time. As studios can offer very flexible space, it means that larger facilities, such as sports halls, can be released for other activities requiring extensive space.

9.5.5 It is not considered appropriate to recommend a standard for the provision of additional studio spaces to be incorporated in development plan documents. However, future natural and planned population change within the local authority will increase demand for such venues.

9.5.6 As part of the new Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre development it is proposed to provide 3 dedicated studios. The current facilities are inadequate in size to meet demand for exercise classes (except spinning).

9.6 Summary and conclusions

9.6.1 Quantity: Sport England Active People and Market Segmentation data suggest that the type of activities hosted in studios are very popular. Population growth will accentuate the demand for such facilities.

9.6.2 Quality: Within the main local authority-controlled venues, this type of facility is generally of good quality and condition, and the perception of a generally good level of provision is confirmed by the findings of the Leisure Plus household survey.

9.6.3 Accessibility: A large majority of respondents to the Leisure Plus Household Survey suggest that most would be prepared to travel between 10 and 15 minutes to use such venues. A 10-15 minute travel time would cover the Chelmsford urban area and its fringes. The potential for the enhancement of village halls and other smaller community venues to provide for activities normally associated with ‘Studios’ should be considered in those locations beyond a reasonable travel time of the urban area.

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10.0 SQUASH

10.1 General

10.1.1 Squash as a sport has had its up and downs in terms of popularity and participation over the years. As with studios, discussed in Section 9, squash courts can also provide flexible space for activities at times when they are not required for the sport.

10.2 Quantity

10.2.1 The following Table 13 and Figure 41 show the location of existing facilities within the local authority and those close by in neighbouring local authorities. Facilities are provided by a range of sectors, and with the local authority controlled facilities existing at the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre; and Dovedale Sports Centre.

Table 13 Squash court provision in the local authority

Facility Sub Ownership Management Name Courts Access Type Type Type Type

Registered Commercial CLUB WOODHAM Normal 2 Membership Commercial Management use Registered Commercial CLUB WOODHAM Glass-backed 1 Membership Commercial Management use Local DOVEDALE SPORTS Further Normal 3 Pay and Play Authority (in CENTRE Education house) Local RIVERSIDE ICE & Local Normal 2 Pay and Play Authority (in LEISURE CENTRE Authority house) Higher School/College WRITTLE COLLEGE Normal 2 Pay and Play Education /University (in Institutions house) SPRINGFIELD Commercial LEISURE CLUB Normal 4 Pay and Play Commercial Management (CHELMSFORD) MARCONI ATHLETIC Normal 1 Pay and Play Commercial Sport Club & SOCIAL CLUB

MARCONI ATHLETIC Glass-backed 2 Pay and Play Commercial Sport Club & SOCIAL CLUB

TRIANGLE CLUB Glass-backed 2 Pay and Play Commercial Sport Club (Chelmsford)

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Figure 41 Location of squash court provision within the area

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Views of local residents

10.2.2 Squash courts are classified as a specialist facility. Respondents to the household survey conducted as part of this study indicated that 86% of respondents would use such facilities less than once a month or never; 4% at least monthly; 8% at least weekly; and, 1% almost every day.

10.2.3 The household survey also indicated that, in terms of priorities for improving the provision specialist indoor facilities: 14% of respondents considered this to be a high priority; 22% a medium priority; and, 64% of respondents felt that such improvements were a low priority.

Essex Squash and Racketball Association

10.2.4 The Essex Squash and Racketball Association responded to the consultation exercise and made the following comments:

 Essex County is developing its own strategy for the development of Squash and Racketball whilst part of the wider strategy being developed with Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Middlesex.  It recognises the ageing population and fall away from the sport in recent years and is focusing its strategy on bringing in younger participants through schools and outreach programmes working with Sport England, whilst also focusing on the 18-40 age-groups to get people back into squash; racketball is also the focus for women’s programmes, ageing squash players and new players.  The existing courts are more or less at capacity at peak times in the Chelmsford area and the potential success of the regional and country strategies will create potential demand for the provision of new courts over the next five years.  Two new courts have recently been provided by Marconi, south of Chelmsford.  Squash and Racketball are combined for the purpose of the Sport England Active People Surveys. Chelmsford local authority cannot be included in Figure 42 as the sample sizes within the local authority were insufficient. Neither in the most recent surveys have sufficient data been available to be used in the Figure. However, information has been available for some previous years to enable comparison with national, and regional levels.  At its height the year 2007/8, adult participation levels in Essex were recorded at about 0.84%. If this percentage is applied to Chelmsford local authority the adult population playing squash on a weekly basis would be around 1,177. However, the most recent data available for Essex in the year 2010/11 suggested that participation levels have declined to around 0.55 % of the adult population. If this percentage is again applied to the Chelmsford adult population, it would suggest that 771 adults played Squash/racketball at least once a week.  The 2 courts at Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre are underused and there is no league, team or squash ladder to underpin their use. The Council is not proposing to provide squash within the redeveloped venue and instead will encourage customers to use the spare capacity at Dovedale Sports Centre. This would seem a sensible approach.

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Figure 42 Participation in ‘squash & racketball’ by adults at least once/week

Note: where there is a ‘zero’ % reading it will be because an insufficient data sample exists to be included.

10.2.5 Figure 43 shows the numerical expression of the percentage of overall Sport England adult Market Segments (see Appendix 1) likely to take part in the given activities.

Figure 43 Numerical representation of Sport England (adult) Market Segments in Chelmsford likely to take part in Squash & Racquetball

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10.2.6 In terms of Sport England Market Segmentation analysis, those groups most likely to play squash within the adult population are, by some distance, Tim, Ben, Philip. When combined, the likely population count inclined to play Squash would be in the order of 1500 to 1600 adult males. On this evidence, it seems that the percentage participation achieved in Essex in 2007/8 is likely to be a very good participation rate for squash within Chelmsford local authority, given the demographic profile of the area.

10.2.7 However, it is interesting to note that new provision for squash has recently been made at the Marconi Sports and Social Club. Furthermore, the overall decline in adult participation in squash evidenced by the Active People Surveys runs counter to views of the Essex Squash and Racketball Association that suggests existing facilities within Chelmsford are largely full at times of peak demand.

10.3 Quality

10.3.1 Respondents to the household questionnaire survey indicated that in terms of specialist indoor provision: 44 per cent considered facilities to be of good or very good; 44% considered the quality to be average; and, 12% considered quality to be either poor or very poor.

10.4 Accessibility

10.4.1 The findings of the household survey suggest that the majority of respondents would be prepared to travel between 10 and 20 plus minutes to access a specialist indoor sports facility. The 75 percentile is likely to be around 15 minutes. As in the below Figure 44.

Figure 44 Preparedness to travel

10.4.2 On the above basis, provision within and around the Chelmsford urban area would cover this population. The facility at Club Woodham would also cover the south east part of the local authority. However, large parts of the outlying rural area of the local authority would not be covered by 15 minute catchments from the existing facilities within the local Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 126

authority, and similar catchments for neighbouring facilities would not impact significantly upon the local authority area.

10.5 The Future, Issues and Options

10.5.1 The size and location of population growth up to 2036 is still not clearly known (other than the NCAAP up to 2026, for which sports infrastructure has already been committed). This lack of current certainty over the location of longer-term growth allocations impacts upon the extent to which the recommendations of this report can be geographically specific.

10.5.2 Between 2015 and 2036 the population of the local authority is projected to increase from an estimated 172,370 to 195,850 (excluding any growth that might be attributed to local development allocations yet to be determined). This would mean an increase of c. 23,500 people. Assuming that the demographic profile of this additional population is broadly the same as the existing, the following might be assumed:

 The MS data (Figure 40) estimated that it is likely that in the order of 771 adults potentially are taking part in squash and/or racketball activity;  as a percentage of the current adult population this is 0.55%; and,  0.55% of the predicted adult population change between 2015 and 2036 is 102 adults. (This is unlikely to justify more than one additional court)

10.5.3 However, the Essex Squash and Racketball Association suggests that the existing facilities are very well used, and that the impact of a new strategy for squash being developed in Essex may have the effect of increasing participation.

10.5.4 Natural and planned population change within the local authority may increase the demand for access to squash courts (as above).

10.5.5 The nature of squash courts is such that no specific guidance needs to be included within the statutory development plan in terms of, for example, recommended standards of provision. However, it will be important to continue to review the level of provision.

10.5.6 New squash provision, if required, should be encouraged in association with existing improved complexes, and not as new standalone facilities. It is considered that this is consistent with national governing body views, given that it focuses on facilities that will have the expertise to club infrastructure to support them.

10.5.7 Providing additional facilities should allow squash courts to be used for alternative activities during times when not required for the sport itself.

10.6 Summary and conclusions

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10.6.1 The concluding view is that the supply of squash facilities largely meets current demand, as Sport England Active People and Market Segmentation data suggest that the estimated level of participation is already around its potential level, given the local demographic. There may be some additional demand associated with population growth, but this might best be directed to (expanded) existing venues.

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11.0 VILLAGE AND COMMUNITY HALLS

11.1 General

11.1.1 This section deals specifically with village halls and community halls.

11.1.2 There are definitional issues that influence the remit of this section, and the coverage it provides.

11.1.3 A practical definition of what is covered by the above heading might be ‘venues that are owned and supported by the community, and with recognised policies and practices of full community use (see Section 1), and which are large enough to embrace a wide range of recreation activities and functions.’

11.1.4 This would tend to include facilities that are controlled by local councils and council- supported trusts, but perhaps not facilities managed by church estate, clubs, organisations, or education, health and social institutions. This is not to deny the importance of this type of venue in meeting community needs, but they are not considered here. Neither does the definition cover spaces that form part of larger venues, such as activity rooms in leisure centres.

11.1.5 Even with this restricted definition the remit will cover a wide range of facilities of all shapes, sizes and ages. It also covers a wide-range of activities that might be hosted: including sports like table tennis, martial arts, and short mat/carpet bowls; and, other recreation pursuits like keep fit/aerobics; dances; and, other more passive activities and functions.

11.1.6 The rural nature of Chelmsford City’s hinterland embraces many villages, and therefore a significant number of village halls. The expansion of the urban area has also effectively absorbed several parishes, but these retain some semblance of their old identity and function as administrative areas in their own right as local councils.

11.2 Quantity

11.2.1 The following Figure 45 and the accompanying list (Table 14) locate those venues which have been identified and recorded as being bespoke standalone village and community halls. In total there are 33 identified halls, and when these are divided into the local authority estimated population it provides a level of provision of around 1 venue per 5,223 people. In reality the populations served by each of these venues will vary enormously, depending on the size of that local population catchment; the type/scale of venue; and, the way in which a given venue is promoted and managed.

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Figure 45 Village and community halls in the local authority

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Table 14 Village and community halls in the local authority (list) Ref Name Ref Name 1 Great Waltham Hulton Hall 18 Rettendon Village Hall 2 Galleywood Heritage Centre 19 Little Baddow Memorial Hall 3 Galleywood Keene Hall 20 Danbury Village Hall 4 Broomfield Village Hall 21 Bicknace Village Hall 5 Little Waltham Memorial Hall 22 Woodham Ferrers Village Hall South Woodham Ferrers Village Halls (inc. 6 Ramsden Heath Village Hall 23 Champions Manor) 7 Chelmers Village Hall 24 Good Easter Village Hall 8 Springfield Village Hall 25 Highwood Village Hall 9 Downham Village Hall 26 Roxwell Village Hall 10 Great Baddow Village Hall 27 Chignal Village Hall 11 Sandon Village Hall 28 Pleshey Village Hall 12 Great Leighs Village Hall 29 Margaretting Village 13 West Hanningfield Hall 30 Writtle Christian Centre 14 South Hanningfield Village Hall 31 Writtle Village Hall 15 Runwell Village Hall 32 Ford End Village Hall 16 Boreham Village Hall 33 Stock Village Hall 17 East Hanningfield Village Hall

Views of local residents

11.2.2 The Leisure Plus Household survey indicated that over 30% of respondent households use village halls/community sports centres at least monthly. It is interesting to look at the frequency with which regular users of facilities visit them as this is not immediately obvious from looking at the overall headline figures. The survey suggested that of those respondents that regularly used such facilities 55% said that they would use them at least weekly.

11.2.3 Respondents suggested that in terms of these facilities 76% felt there to be enough; 25% felt that there needs to be more; and, the remaining 1% felt there were too many.

11.2.4 The household survey also indicated that, in terms of priorities for improving the provision specialist indoor facilities: 14% of respondents considered this to be a high priority; 22% a medium priority; and, 64% of respondents felt that such improvements were a low priority.

11.3 Quality

11.3.1 Some background information is held as a result of investigations conducted for this study. Given the numbers of village and community halls, and the requirement to get permission in advance to obtain access, it was not possible to undertake a quality survey of facilities, let alone internal investigations.

11.3.2 However, in any event there are no accepted benchmarks to assess the quality of such venues, other than their overall adequacy relative to access and health and safety Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 131

legislation. The acceptability of a facility will, instead, tend to be defined by the needs of the local community, and ‘one-fit-all’, standardised approaches to assessment would not take into account the diversity of character that itself is part of the charm of the local stock of these buildings.

11.3.3 Overall observations suggest that the majority of these facilities are in a good state of repair, although responses to the local council survey forming part of this study indicated that both Great Baddow and Great Waltham Parish Councils considered that their halls were in need of renovation/improvement.

11.4 Accessibility

11.4.1 The Leisure Plus Household Survey suggests that respondents are more likely than not to drive to all facilities except village halls and community sports centres. Walking is the preferred mode of travel for a majority of respondent households accessing village halls and community sports centres (52%). On the other hand, residents in the remotest parts of the local authority would need to rely on access being available by car.

Figure 46 Preparedness to travel

11.4.2 The survey also suggested that of those responding: 9% would be prepared to travel up to 5 minutes; 35% between 6 to 10 minutes; 28% between 11 and 15 minutes; 18% between 16 and 20 minutes; and, 9% more than 20 minutes, to reach such a venue. The Figure 46 shows that the 75 percentile lies somewhere around 10 minutes.

11.4.3 Estimated 10-minute walk and drive-time catchments are superimposed on a map in Figure 47, and it shows that even with the walk-time catchments most of the local authority rural is well covered, in relation to areas of population.

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Figure 47 Drive and walk-time catchments

11.4.4 The urban area is not so well covered with regard to the walk catchments, but this area will have very many other venues, in a variety of ownerships and management regimes, that will be of use.

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11.5 Issues and options

11.5.1 Village and community halls are important local venues for active recreation. They are important basic community facilities and need to be planned for, as with other facilities uncertainty about future growth requires flexibility, and therefore the need for standards.

11.5.2 Based on evidence presented in this section paragraph 12.3 and Table 15 suggest a local standard for the provision of village and community halls. If the quantitative component of the outline standard was applied to the planned population growth between now and 2036 it suggests that the additional demand generated would lead to a need for an extra 4.5 small hall venues (or equivalent). It is noted that the NCAAP plan makes provision for a ‘community centre’ and this, as appropriate, can be offset against the above figure.

11.5.3 The size and location of population growth up to 2036 is still not clearly known (other than the NCAAP up to 2026, for which sports infrastructure has already been committed). This lack of current certainty over the location of longer-term growth allocations impacts upon the extent to which the recommendations of this report can be geographically specific.

11.5.4 The local authority has a good range and spread of village and community halls. However, in some locations natural and planned population change within the local authority may increase the demand for access to such venues.

11.5.5 It will be important to continue to review the level of provision, especially in areas of rapid population change.

11.5.6 A standard of provision to guide future investment in such facilities is recommended.

11.6 Summary and conclusions

11.6.1 Quantity: There is a good geographic and quantitative spread of such facilities within the local authority, and they serve an important sports function where more centrally-placed leisure centres are difficult to reach. Such venues will also be required in areas of planned growth to complement traditional leisure centre provision.

11.6.2 Quality: Most of the existing village/community halls appear to of a good level of repair and maintenance, although of varying age and fitness for contemporary needs. In some locations their upgrading might help to meet community needs where access to more centrally placed leisure centres is difficult.

11.6.3 Accessibility: The Leisure Plus household survey suggested that most respondents would be prepared to travel around 10 minutes (by foot or car) to a village/community hall, and this suggests that there is already a good spread of facilities.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 134

12.0 FUTURE PROVISION, STANDARDS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

12.1 General

12.1.1 This section considers future natural and planned changes that will impact upon the need for sports and active recreation provision. It looks at projected growth to the year 2036; and, the potential impact of all allocations within the current Local Development Framework and other strategic projections in terms of influencing demand. It goes on to consider some outline standards (where appropriate) to guide the provision of new or improved facilities, especially in relation to planned new housing allocation, where geographically focused increases in needs are likely to be most acute. Other recommendations are made in respect of the provision of specific types of facility, and planning policy and guidance.

12.2 Natural and planned population change (to 2036)

12.2.1 Currently, the overall planned housing growth within the local authority between now and 2036 (i.e. the study horizon of this study) has yet to be determined with geographical precision, either in respect of the local authority-wide targets, or in terms of the geographic location of strategic growth allocations. However, based on previous trends observed in the local authority the latest population projections adopted by the Council for planning purposes would suggest a growth in population from an estimated 172,370 in 2015, to 195,880 in 2036 – an overall net increase of 23,510. 21

12.2.2 It may be that, when the impacts of all new housing allocations (yet to be determined) over this period are taken into account, the levels of population growth will be even higher, and this will certainly be the case in those areas where new major housing allocations are made.

12.2.3 What is certain is that much of the new housing proposed within the local authority up to 2021 will be provided on the northern edge of the existing urban area of Chelmsford, and the NCAAP, which runs to this time horizon, allocates 4,000 houses to this part of the local authority. As with all successful and sustainable major developments, these additional houses will need to be provided in conjunction with a phased creation of infrastructure, including that for sport and active recreation. All allocations in the NCAAP area have already been granted planning permission, which includes committed sports and community infrastructure within it.

12.2.4 Beyond the 2021 time horizon, the City Council has an OAN of 775 homes per annum. This provides the minimum housing requirement. 7

21 These were from a forecast produced on 19/03/2015 using POPGROUP software developed by Bradford Council, the University of Manchester and Andelin Associates

7 This is based on Chelmsford’s Objectively Assessed Housing Need BPA Report which uses the EPOA Phase 7 report from Edge (POPGROUP). This shows a population increase of 22,549 for period 2015-2025.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 135

12.3 Guidance for the development of new and improved facilities

12.3.1 Taking into account the above considerations, the following Table 15 provides some guidance for improvements to the sports built facility infrastructure based on the findings of Sections 3 to 11. Where appropriate, outline standards of provision will be suggested to, in particular, help guide provision in relation to new housing with respect to Section 106 contributions and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The guidance is based on identified needs, and its application is not intended to cover commitments that have not as yet been completed, although reference is made to the NCAAP proposals.

Table 15 Summary of guidance in relation to specific facilities Calculation as Potential applied to capital cost Standard (if Facility Comment additional (based on appropriate) population increase sources by 203622 indicated)23 Indoor Evidence from 10.66 sq.m water If the quantitative c.3,740,000. swimming Section 3 suggests space/1000 persons. component of the n.b. a wet and pools that a desirable local This is the per capita above outline dry leisure (Section 3) authority-wide provision of water standard was centre including aggregate of pool space suggested by applied to the 4-lane pool, 4- space would be the SFC when projected court hall, and 1,812.84 sq.m (less divided by the population growth 50- unit health than the current current estimated between now and and fitness plus estimated provision local authority 2036 it suggests that studio would of 2,295 sqm). population. (i.e. the additional cost 1,839 demand generated c. £7,165,000 Using a population of sq.m/172.370k). would lead to a need 172,370 for the local Ideally, no more for an extra 251 authority, the Sport than 15 minutes’ sq.m. of water England Sports drive or walk time space- around the Facility Calculator24 (the latter in urban equivalent of a 25m (SFC) suggests that areas); and, a quality x 4 lane pool. an appropriate level component (perhaps of provision for the referring to an local authority would expectation on the be 1,839 sq.m. extent and character of secured The above two community use, and figures are therefore the design of new or very close together. improved facilities,

22 Compiled from a forecast produced on 19/03/2015 using POPGROUP software developed by Bradford Council, the University of Manchester and Andelin Associates 23 Sport England Facility Costs (2nd Quarter 2016). These were the most up-to-date figures available from Sport England at the time of the study. The current Sport England cost data should be used at all times, and is available from https://www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning/tools-guidance/design-and-cost- guidance/cost-guidance/ 24 See Endnote 4 for an explanation of the Facility Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 136

Calculation as Potential applied to capital cost Standard (if Facility Comment additional (based on appropriate) population increase sources by 203622 indicated)23 such as shape, dimensions, depth The SFC figure might variation etc.). form the nucleus of an acceptable guide for new or improved provision to the pool stock over the coming years, allied to appropriate access and quality component

Sports halls The evidence of 0.28 courts/1000 If the quantitative £3,544,000. (Section 4) Section 4 suggested persons. component of the (See also note that a desirable local above outline under costings authority-wide This is the per capita standard was for indoor aggregate of sports provision of water applied to the swimming halls would be circa space suggested by projected population pools) 53 courts (or 13.2 x the SFC when growth between 4-court halls). divided by the now and 2036 it current estimated suggests that the Using a population of local authority additional demand 172,370 for the local population. generated would authority, the Sport lead to a need for an England Sports (i.e. 48 extra 1.6 x 4-court Facility Calculator courts/172.37k sports halls (6.6 (SFC) suggests that population) courts). an appropriate level of provision for the Ideally, no more It is noted that the local authority would than 15 minutes’ NCAAP plan makes be 47.53 courts. drive or walk time provision for a ‘dry’ (the latter in urban sports centre, and The above two areas); and, a quality this can be offset figures are therefore component (perhaps against the above quite close together. referring to an figure. expectation on the extent and character The SFC figure might of secured form the nucleus of community use, and an acceptable guide the design of new or for new or improved improved facilities, provision to the pool such as shape, Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 137

Calculation as Potential applied to capital cost Standard (if Facility Comment additional (based on appropriate) population increase sources by 203622 indicated)23 stock over the dimensions, etc.). coming years, allied to appropriate access and quality component This might form the nucleus of an acceptable guide for new or improved provision to the pool stock over the coming years, allied to appropriate access and quality component

Health & Section 5 assumes 1 health & fitness The Council might (see note under Fitness that provision at the station/ 1000 consider providing costings for Suites Danbury sports and person for an additional 23 - indoor (Section 5) social club (trust Ideally, no more 24 health and swimming managed but only by than 10-15 minutes’ fitness stations pools) the local authority) is drive or walk time spread over one or included as a facility (the latter in urban more of it centres. under local authority areas); and, a quality It would be sensible control, it is component (perhaps for this provision to calculated that the referring to an be made in total number of expectation on the association with new fitness stations under extent and character or improved the control of the of secured provision for sports council at its leisure community use, and halls, in line with the centres is 173 units. the design of new or recommendations Based on the current improved facilities, within the population estimates such as shape, appropriate section for 2015 this number dimensions, etc.). of this report. of units equates almost to one unit It is noted that the per 1000 population. NCAAP plan makes This provision provision for health obviously excludes and fitness that which is not provision. If this is of under the control of an appropriate kind, the local authority it can be offset (such as at schools against the above commercial and figure. membership facilities). No doubt, Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 138

Calculation as Potential applied to capital cost Standard (if Facility Comment additional (based on appropriate) population increase sources by 203622 indicated)23 these sectors will continue to provide for such facilities. However, the local authority makes a significant contribution to the provision of such facilities driven by a community focused pay as you play ethos. Therefore, if the population between 2015 and 2036 is calculated to change by 23,510. Indoor Section 6 identified No standard Any additional bowls the stasis or possible suggested capacity required (Section 6) decline in resulting from participation in bowls population growth generally, and that would best be met no additional indoor through expansion facilities could be of the existing justified beyond the venues. expansion of existing venues Indoor Section 7 identified a No standard The potential £2,350,000 for a tennis strong potential suggested existing need for 3-court venue (+ (Section 7) market for a new such a facility is £765,000 for an indoor tennis facility. already quite strong, extra court. There may be and future potential to provide population growth this through covering will increase this existing courts demand. A facility of although the ideal at least 3-4 courts is would be for a considered to be bespoke new indoor viable. provision. Athletics Section 8 identified No standard NA NA (Section 8) that the local suggested authority already benefits from a well- used synthetic track, the value of which is widely acknowledged. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 139

Calculation as Potential applied to capital cost Standard (if Facility Comment additional (based on appropriate) population increase sources by 203622 indicated)23 Whilst it would be extremely difficult to make a case for a second track, there is a need to ensure the continued maintenance of the existing facility, perhaps in conjunction with satellite venues for training at identified education sites. Studios Studios are No standard This should be (see note under (Section 9) considered to be a suggested integral to all new costings for valuable and multi- major sports hall indoor functional space that provision. (See swimming should be embraced under Sports Halls pools) in both new and (above) for an refurbished leisure indication of centres wherever required needs in possible. They can this regard) accommodate activities that have wide appeal across the demographic groups Squash Section 10 does not No standard New squash NA courts suggest a need for suggested provision, if (Section improved provision, required, should be 10) but rather to keep located in the situation under association with new review. or improved leisure centre complexes, and not as a standalone facility. Providing additional facilities in this manner, would allow squash courts to be used for alternative activities during times when not required for the sport itself.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 140

Calculation as Potential applied to capital cost Standard (if Facility Comment additional (based on appropriate) population increase sources by 203622 indicated)23 Indoor As explained in No standard With a view to NA extreme Section 4 whilst some suggested establishing whether sports, ‘extreme sports’ can there is scope to indoor be conducted provide a dedicated cricket, indoors within sports indoor extreme and other halls, the space does sports venue locally, sports hall- not exist for the the Council could based provision of much monitor the success activities. permanent provision. of venues elsewhere (See However, there could (such as at the Section 4) be a strong potential Xtreme Centre in demand amongst Hemel Hempstead). young people for If venue proves a such a venue as successful it could witnessed by the suggest a market for local consultation a facility in the exercise. Likewise, Chelmsford area. demand may Alternatively, if a materialise for a commercial commercial indoor provision is cricket venue, or potentially an other activities that option, then a might be found in facility in an sports halls, but may industrial warehouse be difficult to unit may be viable. accommodate due to This may be a other competing suitable approach in uses. the event that a commercial proposal comes forward for an indoor cricket venue, or other activity that might otherwise be found in sports halls, but may be difficult to accommodate due to other competing uses. Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 141

Calculation as Potential applied to capital cost Standard (if Facility Comment additional (based on appropriate) population increase sources by 203622 indicated)23 Village Section 11 identified The existing level of If the quantitative £3,750,000 hall/comm the provision, and provision within the component of the (based on an unity importance of village local authority is above outline assumed unit buildings and community halls around 1 hall per standard was cost of (Section in meeting specific 5,500 people. The applied to the £750,000) 11) local needs, and evidence suggests planned population especially in rural that this stock is, growth between communities. Such overall, well- now and 2036 it venues may also be maintained, and suggests that the used by residents of used. additional demand development in areas generated would of rapid growth. The above figure lead to a need for an could be the basis of extra 4.5 small hall an appropriate venues (or quantitative equivalent) standard. A quality component It is noted that the would be essential. NCAAP plan makes To retain the provision for a diversity and ‘community centre’ character of facilities and this, as (in the tradition of appropriate, can be village halls), offset against the provision should above figure. include facilities such as a main hall suited to a range of passive and active recreation activities, a supporting kitchen, ancillary space, and parking.

In areas where new growth requires a large venue, single, scaled-up provision could be provided instead of more than one smaller venue.

It is emphasised though that the success of such venues depends on proactive marketing Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 142

Calculation as Potential applied to capital cost Standard (if Facility Comment additional (based on appropriate) population increase sources by 203622 indicated)23 and management, and this should go hand-in-hand with the provision of a building.

An accessibility standard could be based on a 10- minute drive/walk time, which is evidenced by the Leisure Plus Household survey

12.4 Other recommendations

12.4.1 Other than the above guidance it will be very important for the Council to provide complementary guidance through its planning policies, and these should cover the following.

12.4.2 Include policies and proposals in the Development Plan which are consistent with paragraphs 73 and 74 of the National Planning Policy Framework guidance and, in particular, include reference to the recommendations contained in this Section.

12.4.3 Include sites specific proposals that cover the relevant recommendations contained in Table 15 where the location and/or site of new or improved provision is determined.

12.4.4 In circumstances where proposals for development and use of a site are contrary to those contained in the recommendations in this section, they should only be approved where:

 an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements; or Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 143

 the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or  the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.’

12.4.5 Include statements in all relevant supplementary planning documents relating to the recommendations in this section.

12.4.6 Include reference to all relevant recommendations contained in this section in CIL Regulation 123 List, and any other supplementary planning documents of relevance, that are to be prepared by the Council.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 144

End notes

1. Facilities Planning Model (FPM) In its simplest form the model seeks to assess whether the capacity of existing facilities for a particular sport are capable of meeting local demand for that sport, taking into account how far people are prepared to travel to a facility. In order to estimate the level of sports facility provision in an area, the model compares the number of facilities (supply), with the demand for that facility that the local population will produce. The level of participation is estimated using national participation rates, and applying them to the number of people within appropriate demographic cohorts living in the local authority. The model can be used to test scenarios, by suggesting what impact a new facility would have, or the closure of a facility, to the overall level of facility provision. It can also take account of and model the impact of changes in population, for example, from major housing development.

The data underlying the model are derived from supply, demand, and usage patterns developed over the years from national surveys and, as such, the analysis does not necessarily reflect particular local circumstances. The conclusions of the modelling exercise conducted for this study should not therefore be considered in isolation from other local research and evidence. More detailed Sport England modelling (not available to this assessment) can take into account the fact that the supply of and demand for major community sports facilities cannot be considered within the local authority in isolation from neighbouring areas, and the location and nature of provision in adjacent local authorities can therefore also be factored into calculations of overall supply

2. Active People Surveys (APS) The Sport England Active People Surveys have now been running for several years. Further details of the Active People Surveys (APS) are contained in Appendix 1. Essentially, the analysis is based on a regular sample survey of participation by the adult public aged 16 years and over. The sequence of surveys has now reached Active People year eight (AP8). The APS results are not always available at the local authority level due to the inadequate size of data samples in some situations.

3. Sport Facility Calculator (SFC) The SFC is a planning tool which helps to estimate the amount of demand for key community sports facilities that is created by a given population. The SFC covers Swimming pools, Sports halls, Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs) and Indoor bowls centres.

The SFC helps with quantifying the demand side of the facility provision equation. It helps to answer questions such as, "How much additional demand for swimming will the population of a new development area generate, and what would the cost be to meet this new demand at today’s values?".

It is important to remember that the SFC looks at demand for facilities and does not take into account any existing supply of facilities. The SFC should not be used for strategic gap analysis; this approach is fundamentally flawed as the SFC has no spatial dimension with the figure that is produced representing total demand for the chosen population. It is important to note that the SFC does not take account of:

 Facility location compared to demand Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 145

 Capacity and availability of facilities - opening hours  Cross boundary movement of demand  Travel networks and topography  Attractiveness of facilities  For these reasons total demand figures generated by the SFC should not simply be compared with facilities within the same area.

Appendix 1: Further Explanation of Sport England Active People and Market Segmentation analyses

Carried out on behalf of Sport England by the leading social research company TNS BMRB, the Active People Survey (APS) measures the number of adults taking part in sport across England. Providing the most comprehensive and authoritative picture of sports participation in England, APS is central to Sport England’s measurement of its own strategy and the performance of key partners.

Key features of APS

 APS is the largest survey of its kind ever undertaken – 165,000 adults (age 14 and over) are interviewed each year

 The size of the survey means results can be published for a large number of different sporting activities and for every local authority area in England

 Time series data stretches back to the first wave of the survey in 2005/6

 A high quality, random sampling, survey design ensures results are representative of the population

High quality survey design including:

 Randomly sampled landline telephone interviews with adults aged 16 and over – extended to age 14 and over in July 2012

 Calls are made throughout the year and at different times across each day

 500 interviews per local authority (district and single tier) each year

The sequence of surveys has now reached Active People year eight (AP8). The APS results are not always available at the local authority level due to the inadequate size of data samples in some situations.

Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 147

Market Segmentation

Sport England’s market segmentation has been designed to help understand the life stages and attitudes of different population groups – and the sporting interventions most likely to engage them.

The market segmentation data builds on the results of Sport England’s Active People survey; the Department of Culture, Media and Sport's Taking Part survey; and the Mosaic tool from Experian. It presents a picture of 19 dominant social groups in each area, and puts people’s sporting behaviour in the context of complex lives. Propensity modelling – a statistical technique that matches the probability of displaying a particular behaviour or attitude to each demographic category – was used to link the survey data to wider population groups.

This created a tool with two key elements:

 a Sport England segment for every adult in England

 the ability to count market segment profiles for any region or community, down to postcode level.

The 19 dominant social groups are summarised in the link: http://segments.sportengland.org/querySegments.aspx

Forename & Sports Most How to increase Participation brief Gender/age/status Motivations Barriers Interested in Participation Profile Segment description Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 148

Forename & Sports Most How to increase Participation brief Gender/age/status Motivations Barriers Interested in Participation Profile Segment description

01 Ben Male Rugby, Squash, Improving Time Better facilities Most active in (Competitive Windsurfing, performance population Male 18-25 Tennis, Interest Improved Urbanites) Climbing, Gym, Training for transport Approx. 20% of Single Football competition segment zero days Graduate professional Social

Enjoyment

Keep fit

02 Jamie (Sports Male Basketball, Social Time Better facilities Second highest Team Football, Weight participation of Drinkers) 18-25 Training, Performance Longer opening all types Boxing, Martial hours Single Arts Competition Approx. 30% of segment zero Vocational Student days Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 149

Forename & Sports Most How to increase Participation brief Gender/age/status Motivations Barriers Interested in Participation Profile Segment description

03 Chloe (Fitness Female Running, Aqua Weight Time Cost Active type. Class Friends) Aerobics, Tennis, Approx. 18-25 Gym, Swimming Fitness Opening Hours 30-35% of Single Facilities segment zero days Graduate Professional People to go with

04 Leanne Female Swimming, Gym, Losing weight Health isn’t Help with child Least active of Aerobics, Dance good care group A who (Supportive 18-25 Exercise, Body Activities for enough participate. Singles) Pump, Utility children Longer opening Approx Single Walking hours 40-45% of Likely to have children Time Cost segment zero days Student / part time vocational education Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 150

Forename & Sports Most How to increase Participation brief Gender/age/status Motivations Barriers Interested in Participation Profile Segment description

05 Helena Female Gym, Road Losing weight Time Longer opening Very active type. Running, Dance hours Approx. (Career 26-35 Exercise, Body Keeping fit People to go Focused Pump, Yoga with People to go with 30-35% of Females) Single Improving segment zero performance days Full time professional

06 Tim Male Canoeing, Improve Time More free time Very active type. Cricket, Cycling, performance Approx (Settling 26-45 Squash, Skiing, Help with childcare Down Males) Golf, Football Keep fit 25-30% of Single / married segment zero Social days May have children

Professional

07 Alison Female Swimming, Taking children Time Help with childcare Fairly active Badminton, type. Approx (Stay at 36-45 Aerobics, Losing weight Better facilities Home Mums) Pilates, Cycling, 30-35% of Married Exercise Bike Keeping fit segment zero days Housewife

Children Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 151

Forename & Sports Most How to increase Participation brief Gender/age/status Motivations Barriers Interested in Participation Profile Segment description

08 Jackie Female Swimming, Taking children Time Help with childcare Average activity. Dance Exercise, Approx (Middle 36-45 Body Pump, Ice Losing weight Cost Cheaper England Skating (with admissions 45-50% of Mums) Married children), Aqua Lack of segment zero Aerobics interest days. Part time skilled worker, housewife

Children

09 Kev Male Football, Darts, Competition Time More free time Less active Snooker, within group B (Pub League 36-45 Weights, Social Slight cost Cost Team Mates) Fishing, Pool, factor Approx. 50% of Single / married Ten Pin Bowling, Enjoyment (ltd) Facilities segment zero Cricket days May have children Perform

Vocational Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 152

Forename & Sports Most How to increase Participation brief Gender/age/status Motivations Barriers Interested in Participation Profile Segment description

10 Paula Female Swimming, Lose weight Cost Improved Least active type Utility walking, transport within Group B (Stretched 26-35 Aerobics, Ice Take children Lack of Single Mums) Skating childcare Cheaper admission Approx. 60% of Single segment zero Poor Help with childcare days Job seeker or part time transport low skilled Better facilities Lack of interest

11 Philip Male Sailing, Social Time More free time Most active Badminton, within Group C (Comfortable 46-55 Cycling, Gym, Taking children Lack of Help with childcare Mid-Life Jogging, Golf, childcare Approx. 40% of Males) Married Improving segment zero performance days Professional Enjoyment Older children Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 153

Forename & Sports Most How to increase Participation brief Gender/age/status Motivations Barriers Interested in Participation Profile Segment description

12 Elaine Female Swimming, Keeping fit Time Longer opening Reasonably Walking, Aqua hours active type. (Empty Nest 46-55 Aerobics, Step Losing weight Lack of approx. Career Machine, Yoga interest More people to go Ladies) Married Gym Help with injury with 40-45%of segment zero Professional days

Children left home

13 Roger and Joy Male / female Swimming, Keeping fit Poor health Better facilities Participate once Walking, , Bowls, or twice a week (Early 56-65 Sailing, Golf, To help with Lack of Improved Retirement injury interest transport Couples) Retired or part-time Enjoyment Transport Approx 50-55% of segment zero Taking days grandchildren Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 154

Forename & Sports Most How to increase Participation brief Gender/age/status Motivations Barriers Interested in Participation Profile Segment description

14 Brenda Female Swimming, Weight Lack of More free time Sometimes Utility Walking, interest participates (Older 46-55 Dance Exercise, Bring Longer hours Working Aerobics, , Keep grandchildren Time Women) Single / married fit Help with childcare Help with injury (for grandchildren) Approx 60-65% May have children of segment zero days Low skilled worker

15 Terry Male age Fishing, Help with injury Poor health People to go with Some low Shooting, Pool, intensity (Local ‘Old 56-65 Darts, Snooker, Social Lack of participation Boys’) cycling people to go Single / married with

Low skilled worker Cost Approx 65-70% of segment zero Job seeker days Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 155

Forename & Sports Most How to increase Participation brief Gender/age/status Motivations Barriers Interested in Participation Profile Segment description

16 Norma Female Walking, Keep Help with injury Poor health People to go with Lowest fit, Swimming, or disability participation of (Later Life 56-65 Aqua Aerobics Cost Group C Ladies) Single / married

Low skilled worker Approx 75-80% of segment zero Retired days

17 Ralph and Male / female Bowls, Golf, Social Transport Improved Highest Phyllis Walking, Fishing, transport participation of 65+ Swimming Improve Lack of Group D (Comfortable performance and people to go More people to go Retired Married keep fit with with Couples) Retired Enjoyment Approx. 70% of segment zero days Chelmsford Indoor/Built Sports Facility Needs Assessment 156

Forename & Sports Most How to increase Participation brief Gender/age/status Motivations Barriers Interested in Participation Profile Segment description

18 Frank Male 66+ Bowls, Golf, Social Poor health Improved Medium Darts, Pool, transport participation for (Twilight Year Married / single Snooker, Enjoyment group D Gents) Walking, Fishing Cheaper admission Retired

approx. 75-80% zero of segment days

19 Elsie and Male / female Walking, Social Health Improved Lowest Arnold Dancing, Bowls, problems transport participation of 66+ Low-impact Help with injury and Group D (Retirement exercise disability People to go with Home Widowed Singles) Retired Approx. 85% of segment zero days