NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY & ACTION PLAN

2015 - 2020 Contents

Confirmation of Organisation and Governing Body Sign Off 3

PART 1: INTRODUCTION 4

PART 2: KEY ISSUES TO ADDRESS 5

PART 3: PLAYING PITCH SCENARIOS 8

PART 4: STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK 9

PART 5: AIMS 11

PART 6: STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS 12

PART 7: SPORT SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS 27

PART 8: ACTION PLAN 29

PART 9: DELIVER THE STRATEGY AND KEEP IT ROBUST AND UP TO DATE 64

APPENDIX 1: STRATEGIC CONTEXT 67

APPENDIX 2: FUNDING PLAN 72

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 2 Nottingham City Playing Pitch Strategy 2015 – 2020

In compliance with Sport England’s new guidelines for the development of Playing Pitch Strategies, the following Organisations and National Governing Bodies of Sport have agreed the Strategy and Action Plan and have signed an agreement in confirmation

Organisations Sport England Sport Nottinghamshire

National Governing Bodies of Sport Football Association England & Wales Cricket Board Rugby Football Union England Hockey Lawn Tennis Association Rugby Football League

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 3 Part 1: Introduction

This is the Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS) for 1.1: Structure may not currently be in place to implement it, potential partners and Nottingham. Building upon the preceding The Strategy has been developed possible sources of external funding from research and analysis of playing will be identified. Assessment Report it provides a clear, strategic pitch provision and usage within framework for the maintenance and improvement of Nottingham to provide: The recommendations that come out of this strategy must be translated existing outdoor sports pitches and ancillary facilities • A vision for the future into local plan policy so there is a between 2015 and 2020. improvement and prioritisation of policy mechanism to support delivery playing pitches (including ancillary and secure provision/investment The PPS covers the following playing protection and provision of sports facilities). where the opportunity arises. pitches and outdoor pitch sports: facilities and the Infrastructure • A series of strategic Delivery Plan and S106 and CIL There is a need to build key recommendations which provide • Football pitches schedules; partnerships between the City a strategic framework for the Council, National Governing • Cricket pitches • Informing land use decisions in improvement, maintenance, Bodies of Sport (NGBs), Sport • Rugby union pitches respect of future use of existing development and, as appropriate, England, schools, further education rationalisation of the playing pitch • Rugby league pitches outdoor sports areas and playing providers, community clubs and fields (capable of accommodating stock. private landowners to maintain and • Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs) pitches) across the City; improve playing pitch provision. In • A series of sport by sport including sand based/filled, water these instances, the potential for recommendations which provide based and 3G • Providing a strategic framework the City Council to take a strategic a strategic framework for sport for the provision and management lead is more limited (except in terms • Tennis courts led improvements to provision. of outdoor sports across the City; of Section 106 Agreements). This • Bowling greens • Supporting external funding bids • A prioritised area-by-area action document will provide clarity about and maximise support for outdoor plan (where action is deemed the way forward, and allow key sports facilities; necessary). organisations to focus on the key The Strategy is capable of: issues that they can directly influence • Providing the basis for on-going The Strategy and Action Plan and achieve. • Providing adequate planning monitoring and review of the use, recommends a number of priority guidance to assess development distribution, function, quality and projects for Nottingham, which should proposals affecting playing fields accessibility of outdoor sport. be implemented from 2015 to 2019. It and to inform the review of the is outlined to provide a framework for Local Plan to shape policy, inform improvement and, although resources

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 4 Part 2: Key Issues to Address

Using the key issues identified in theA ssessment Report, the following priorities are identified for each sport and provide the context for the development of the recommendations made within the Strategy. 2.1 Football grass pitches 2.2 Football 3G pitches • Poor pitch quality with 26% (37 pitches) rated as • There are five full size 3G pitches in Nottingham; of poor quality. City Council sites which contain one these one is currently not available for community or more poor quality pitches include Bulwell Hall use (University Park Sports Centre). Three are FA Park, Melbourne Park, Southglade Park, Victoria registered or with the ability to become registered Embankment and Woodthorpe Grange Park. for use for competitive football fixtures.

• Spare capacity equating to 159 match equivalent • There are three in progress or proposed in sessions as actual per week. Nottingham; Forest Recreation Ground (in progress), Victoria Embankment (proposed) and Lenton Lane • There is the need for one additional match session (proposed). (or 0.5 adult pitches) to accommodate total future adult demand. • Based on the size and structure of the population, the FPM estimates there to be unmet demand of • There is a shortfall of youth pitches available to meet 1.25 AGPs predominantly for football and is due current demand (10 pitches) and future demand predominantly to a lack of capacity. The new AGP at (11.5 pitches). This is largely due to the amount Forest Recreation Ground would therefore appear to of latent demand expressed by clubs who would address the identified unmet demand modelled. be able to field more teams if more pitches were available to them. • On the basis there are 323 teams playing in Nottingham, the FA recommends a need for five • There are sufficient mini pitches available to service full size 3G pitches to service training resulting in current and future demand. a current shortfall of one 3G pitch. This is further • In addition to this there is displaced demand reiterated through local demand, although pricing is equating to 36 adult teams (18 pitches), 35 youth also a key factor for clubs. teams (17.5 pitches) and 24 mini teams (12 pitches) • There is growing future demand for some age having to access football pitches outside of groups to play on 3G pitches, particularly at youth Nottingham. level where there is a shortfall of grass pitches.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 5 2.3 Cricket slit drainage is required across all pitches with • Three standard quality AGPs; the Forest medium impact but does require the Club to Recreation Ground and Southglade Leisure • Eleven pitches were assessed as average quality replace these slits on an approximate 4/5 year Centre. and three pitches were assessed as poor quality. basis. • Fernwood School and Bulwell Academy AGPs • Minimal actual spare capacity on grass pitches • Available spare capacity is all located at both have spare capacity, predominately at equating to a total of two pitches in the peak education sites and equates to a total of six weekends and could accommodate further period (Saturday) and no actual spare capacity match sessions per week (across North and hockey usage. expressed in Central Area. Central areas). • The two AGPs at Highfields Sports Club are both • Overplay equating to 17 match sessions per • There are a number of clubs located close to the operating at capacity and as such Highfields season at Wollaton Village Sports Association Nottingham boundary but located outside of the Hockey Centre reports demand for a second and Lee Westwood Sports Centre. City which may offer some spare capacity. water based AGP at the site. • There is a shortfall of one pitch (natural wickets) to meet future demand across Nottingham. However, spare capacity in North and South 2.5 Rugby league 2.7 Tennis (expressed at West Indian Cavaliers Cricket Club (0.5 pitches)) and Carrington Sports Ground (0.5 • Nottingham Outlaws RLFC use Highfields Playing • There are a total of 117 tennis courts provided pitches) suggests that overall in Nottingham there Fields (University of Nottingham) for all senior in Nottingham across a range of sites including are enough grass pitches to service current and competitive fixtures and a rugby union pitch at private sports clubs, parks and schools. Bluecoats Beechdale Academy for all training future demand. • Nottingham Tennis Centre is a key site which and junior fixtures. • In addition, there is unmet demand for at least produces high demand. • There is a need for the Club to access a site with two additional pitches to service LMS at peak • 84% are categorised as being available for more than one pitch and currently has to travel time (Tuesday) to accommodate an additional six community use (either used competitively or outside of the Area to achieve this. teams. available for recreational use). • The Club is trying to identify a permanent home • Limited availability of indoor training facilities, • Of the provision that is available for community ground that can be accessed throughout the year particularly during winter months. 65 courts (66%) are assessed as good quality, by all teams for both competitive fixtures and with 16 courts (16%) assessed as standard training. quality and the remaining 17 courts (17%) 2.4 Rugby union assessed as poor quality. • Overplay (resulting from training demand, 2.6 Hockey • There are six tennis clubs located in Nottingham; midweek and floodlit) on grass rugby union Magdala LTC, Mapperley Park Tennis Club, pitches by Nottingham Moderns RFC equates to • There are currently seven full sized sand based Nottingham Castle LTC, The Park Tennis Club, a shortfall in South Area of six match sessions AGPs and one full sized water based AGP Wollaton Village Tennis Club and David Lloyd. per week. that are suitable to accommodate Hockey in Nottingham. All are floodlit but only six are • The LTA, with partners, is currently updating its • Although pitch quality is assessed as overall available for community use. citywide tennis plan which will aim to increase good quality at Nottingham Moderns RFC, tennis participation. according to the non-technical site assessments

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 6 2.8 Bowls • There are 13 flat bowling greens in Nottingham provided across 10 sites. Of these, nine greens are provided by the City Council across six sites. • In general the quality of greens across Nottingham is assessed as good with 30% clubs reporting that the quality of their home green has got ‘slightly better’ from the previous season, and 18% (two clubs) reporting that quality has got ‘much better’ since the previous year • Analysis of club membership shows that demand has generally decreased or remained constant over the previous three years; membership numbers have remained static at 46% of clubs. There has been a decline in demand at some clubs with 46% of clubs reporting a decrease in membership. • It is evident that there is spare capacity across greens in Nottingham to accommodate more play. • Future population increases will not result in an increase in demand for provision and future demand expressed by clubs can be accommodated on existing provision. • Current and future demand for bowling greens is being met by provision in Nottingham.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 7 Part 3: Playing Pitch Scenarios

3.1 Football 3.2 Cricket RFC. In addition there are quality and changing room access issues at these sites. Scenario testing: improving pitch quality is one way Scenario testing: addressing overplay to increase the capacity at sites. Given the cost of Securing access to floodlit provision either additional doing such work and the continued maintenance Most overplay is recorded in the South Area at Lee grass pitches or an AGP would address the required (and associated costs) alternatives need Westwood Sports Centre by 15 matches per season. remaining shortfalls. to be considered that can offer a more sustainable It is highly likely that some level of overplay (such as model for the future of football. The alternative to the 2 matches per season at Wollaton Village Sports If the Club can secure access to the new AGP at grass pitches is the use of AGPs for competitive Association) can be sustained on current pitches Lee Westwood Sports Centre (Nottingham Trent matches and this is something that the FA is given the high standard of pitches and ensuring that University) for training, some of the demand could supporting, particularly for mini football. maintenance levels are appropriate to current usage. be accommodated in the short term as it is more In addition, increasing the number of wickets at Lee likely that this will be occasional use on a short term This is a long term solution and the piloting work is still Westwood Sports Centre would relieve overplay. If basis potentially when the weather is inclement due under way nationally to determine the sustainability this can be achieved there would be no requirement to high usage by the University and a lack of regular of such a scheme. However, as an indication, the for additional pitches to be found in the Area. capacity. The long term solution would be to secure following presents a scenario which shows how access to new AGP provision which comes on board many full size 3G pitches would be required to 3.3 Rugby union in the Area, for example, the proposed 3G pitch at accommodate the different types of football in The Embankment to serve both football and rugby. Nottingham. This is not to say that there is a current Scenario testing: improving pitch quality shortfall in provision but is an example of how, if 3.4 Rugby league programmed effectively, existing provision could be If slit drainage was carried out across all pitches used to accommodate competitive football fixtures. at Nottingham Moderns RFC this would increase pitch capacity by an additional 1.5 match sessions Scenario testing: securing of tenure Four 3G pitches could accommodate all mini per week. This is considered to have a medium If access to Bluecoat Beechdale Academy and/ football in Nottingham (67 mini teams). Five 3G impact and requires the Club to replace these slits or Highfields Playing Fields was lost due to lack pitches could accommodate all youth 9v9 football in on an approximate 4/5 year basis. There would of security of tenure, there would be a shortfall of Nottingham (35 mini teams). However, in order to also remain a shortfall of 4.5 match sessions per week pitches to accommodate Nottingham Outlaws RLFC. accommodate all youth 11v11 football (71 teams) a to accommodate training demand (midweek and The Club requires a minimum of 3.5 match equivalent further 18 3G pitches would be required. floodlit). sessions per week (based on its seven teams) to accommodate all its competitive and training needs Ten 3G pitches could accommodate all adult 11v11 Scenario testing: access to additional (most training takes place at the AGP at the Forest Saturday football (37 teams) and 17 3G pitches could pitches Recreation Ground). In addition, it often requires accommodate all adult 11v11 Sunday football (68 access to a site with two pitches and has to travel teams). Available spare capacity (at education sites) is not ideally located to be used by Nottingham Moderns outside of Nottingham to use an alternative site.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 8 Part 4: Strategic Framework

4.1 Context Producing a Playing Pitch Strategy for Nottingham City will determine clear priorities and pathways for The updated PPS will offer a strategic approach to the future of playing pitches across the City. It will the provision and protection of sports facilities. identify its future contribution and ambition in its It will, through the protection of existing open support, promotion and delivery of outdoor sport, space, sports and recreational land and buildings physical activity & active recreation. protect existing sites from development unless an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly There are a number of related strategies developed shown them to be surplus to requirements. It will by the Council which have been adopted or are in also include a playing pitch analysis, which will the process of being developed, which are used to guide the future provision and management of new inform this study: and existing sports pitches in the Nottingham area in the context of national policy and local sports • Breathing Space Strategy 2010 – 2020 development criteria. • Sport and Physical Activity Strategy At strategic level it will link and underpin in more 2014 – 2017 detail the City’s approach as a Core City towards • Playing Pitch Strategy 2010 fulfilling our national and corporate targets. It will help to inform Sport England (East Midlands) long term with regional planning and also help provide facilities to enable National Governing Bodies to deliver their working outcomes as outlined in their Whole Sport Plans.

It will assist in positioning ourselves locally, regionally and nationally in attempting to secure relevant funding and help address identified priorities.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 9 4.2 City of Football

During the development of this Strategy, Nottingham was awarded the first City of Football and will receive £1.6million of National Lottery funding over the next two years. Its aim is to transform football participation across the city and tackle the challenges in retaining and growing the numbers of people who play the sport. It will create new football partnerships; develop new technologies; encourage more people to play, especially 14 to 25 year olds, women and girls and people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. It is likely that this initiative will result in an increase in demand to play competitive football; however, the extent of this should be reviewed and applied within this Strategy when it is refreshed and updated (see Part 9).

4.3 Vision

Therefore, this study has been developed on the basis of the above strategic drivers in order to ensure that it reflects the Council’s wider ambitions. A vision has been set out to provide a clear focus with desired outcomes for the Nottingham Playing Pitch Strategy:

“By 2019 Nottingham will be serviced by a viable stock of Council owned/managed sites supported by a complementary network of community and private outdoor sports facilities that make outdoor sport accessible to people from the whole community”

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 10 Part 5: Aims The following Strategy aims are based on the key issues emerging from the Assessment Report. It is recommended that the following are adopted by the Council and its partners to enable it to achieve the overall vision of the Strategy:

AIM 1: To protect the existing supply of sports facilities where it is needed for meeting current or future needs

AIM 2: To enhance outdoor sports facilities through improving quality and management of sites

AIM 3: To provide new outdoor sports facilities where there is current or future demand to do so

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 11 Part 6: Strategic Recommendations

The recommendations for the Strategy have been Recommendation a – Protect • The development is for alternative sports facilities where there is sports and recreational provision, developed via the combination of information a need to do so through local the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss. gathered during consultation, site visits and planning policy Protect the existing supply of analysis. They reflect key areas to be addressed Based on the outcomes of the sports facilities where it is needed playing pitch strategy enhance local over its lifetime. However, implementation must be for meeting current or future planning policy and emphasise the needs. The majority of facilities considered in the context of financial implications and requirements of the National Planning from the assessment report justify Policy Framework (NPPF paragraph the need for some proposals to also meet planning protection. Local plan policies should 73) and highlight Sport England’s protect facilities and the scope to considerations. statutory consultee role on planning legally safeguard long term use of applications that affect playing field strategically important sites to the land. AIM 1: To protect the existing supply of community such as the strategic sports facilities where it is needed for NPPF paragraph 74 states that sites and key centres identified existing open space, sports and in recommendation d should be meeting current or future needs recreational buildings and land, considered. For example, through the including playing fields, should not be Fields in Trust programme built on unless: (www.fieldsintrust.org). Recommendations: • An assessment has been Where there is no need to protect facilities and the assessment shows a. Protect sports facilities where there is a need to do so undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, scope for rationalisation, the following through local planning policy. buildings or land to be surplus to should be considered as a first stage requirements; or when making any decisions about b secure tenure and access to sites for high quality, disposal: development minded clubs, through a range of solutions and • The loss resulting from the Is the facility surplus to partnership agreements. proposed development would be • replaced by equivalent or better requirements not only now but provision in terms of quantity and also in the future? c maximise community use of outdoor sports facilities where quality in a suitable location; or there is a need to do so.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 12 • Could the facility be used for another type of • All negotiations and mitigation packages should The following should be considered when assessing sport for which there is a deficit? be raised and discussed in partnership with the the suitability of conversion of former school playing relevant NGB and Sport England through the fields for community use: • Can current users be sufficiently accommodated Playing Pitch Strategy Steering Group. at another appropriate site taking into • Location and willingness of LA/club or other party consideration access, cost and locality? For further information please refer to Sport England’s to take on ownership/lease /maintenance Playing Fields Policy - ‘A Sporting Future for the Size • Consideration as to the quality of the facilities Playing Fields of England’ Policy Exception E4 • (including ancillary facilities). which can be found at: www.sportengland.org/ • Quality media/123579/policy-exception-4.pdf • The long term sustainability of the facility. • Physical accessibility In terms of mitigation it is important, where possible • The level of current use and the impact on the • History of community access and appropriate for a particular sport, that this takes spatial distribution of facilities across Nottingham • Availability of ancillary facilities of closing a facility. place in an area that is accessible to the playing field that is lost to avoid a scenario where a redundant It may be appropriate to dispose of some existing playing field is lost in an area which has deficiencies playing field sites (that are of low value i.e. one/ and is replaced on the other side of the authority. two pitch sites with no changing provision) to generate investment towards creating bigger better Furthermore any potential school sites which become quality sites (Strategic Sites) in order to develop the redundant over the lifetime of the Strategy may offer hierarchy of sites (see recommendation e). potential for meeting community needs on a localised basis. Where schools are closed their playing fields The following criteria should be established as the may be dedicated to community use to help address basis for negotiations to mitigate the loss of playing any unmet community needs. Closed school playing field provision: fields should be considered in the first instance for becoming community playing fields for meeting • Ensure that where playing fields are lost through the needs identified in the Strategy before being alternative development or closure, that the type considered for other uses. of provision of the same or improved standard is provided to meet demand identified.

• Where pitches are lost due to redevelopment of the site, compensatory re-provision or an equivalent or better contribution for re-investment into new pitches will be sought as appropriate in an alternative accessible location.

• Where opportunities exist to additionally increase pitch quality (and therefore pitch capacity to accommodate more matches) this should be a priority (please refer to the action plan to identify quality deficiencies in the appropriate area).

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 13 Recommendation b – Secure tenure There are a number of sites in and access to sites for high quality, Nottingham where security of tenure Recommended criteria for lease of sport sites to development minded clubs through for the club/user needs to be secured clubs/organisations (on private or industrial playing fields a range of solutions and partnership for example). This also often refers to Club Site agreements education sites where formal community Clubs should have Clubmark/FA Sites should be those identified Local sports clubs should be supported use agreements are not in place. NGBs Charter Standard accreditation as ‘Club Sites’ (recommendation by partners including the Council, can often help to negotiate and engage award. d) for new clubs (i.e. not those NGBs or the County Sports Partnership with schools, particularly academies with a City wide significance) but (CSP) to achieve sustainability across a where the local authority may not have Clubs commit to meeting which offer development potential. range of areas including management, direct influence. For further information demonstrable local demand and For established clubs which have membership, funding, facilities, on this, please refer to Objective g. show pro-active commitment to proven success in terms of self- volunteers and partnership working. For In addition there are a number of developing school-club links. management ‘Key Centres’ are example, support club development and examples in Nottingham where long Clubs are sustainable, both in also appropriate. encourage clubs to develop evidence of term leases could be put into place for a financial sense and via their business and sports development plans the continued use of a site. Each club As a priority, sites should acquire internal management structures to generate an income through their should be required to meet service and/ capital investment to improve in relation to recruitment and facilities. All clubs could be encouraged or strategic recommendations. However, (which can be attributed to the retention policy for both players to look at different management models an additional set of criteria should be presence of a Clubmark/FA and volunteers. such as registering as Community considered, which takes into account Charter Standard club). Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC)1. Clubs the quality of the club, aligned to its Ideally, clubs should have already should also be encouraged to work Sites should be leased with the long term development objectives and identified (and received an with partners locally whether volunteer intention that investment can be sustainability. agreement in principle) any match support agencies or linking with local sourced to contribute towards funding required for initial capital businesses. In the context of the Comprehensive improvement of the site. investment identified. Spending Review, which announced As well as improving the quality of An NGB/Council representative public spending cuts, it is increasingly Clubs have processes in place well-used, local authority sites, there should sit on a management important for the Council to work with to ensure capacity to maintain are a number of sites which have poor committee for each site leased to voluntary sector organisations in order sites to the existing, or better, quality (or no) ancillary facilities. It is a club. that they may be able to take greater standards. recommended that security of tenure levels of ownership and support the should be granted to the clubs playing wider development and maintenance of on these sites (minimum 25 years as facilities. To facilitate this, the Council recommended by Sport England and should support and enable clubs to NGBs) so the clubs are in a position to generate sufficient funds to allow this. apply for external funding to improve the ancillary facilities.

1 www.cascinfo.co.uk/cascbenefits 2 englandhockey.co.uk/page.asp?section=1143§ionTitle=The+Right+Pitches+in+the+Right+Places

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 14 The Council can further recognise the value of Clubmark/ Recommendation c – Maximise In order to maximise community use of FA Charter Standard by adopting a policy of prioritising community use of outdoor sports educational facilities it is recommended the clubs that are to have access to these better quality facilities where there is a need to do so to establish a more coherent, structured facilities. This may be achieved by inviting clubs to apply relationship with schools. The ability to access for season long leases on a particular site as an initial Schools & Community Access good facilities within the local community is trial. vital to any sports organisation, yet many clubs To enable the initiation of effective activities struggle to find good quality places to play The Council should establish a series of core outcomes and programmes in identified areas of our and train. In Nottingham pricing policies at to derive from clubs taking on a lease arrangement to communities and as part of the partnership facilities can be a barrier to access at some of ensure that the most appropriate clubs are assigned to work to develop key sports with NGBs there the education sites but physical access and sites. As an example outcomes may include: needs to be a plan for developing facilities in resistance from schools, especially academies, schools. This will enable there to be a direct to open up 3G provision is also an issue. • Increasing participation. response to findings in the Building on Success report and the Access to Schools Project A large number of sporting facilities are located • Supporting the development of coaches and volunteers. undertaken by Sport England whereby the on education sites and making these available City needs to look at how it can help address to sports clubs can offer significant benefits • Commitment to quality standards. the current pressures that our current sports to both the school/college and the local clubs. facility stocks face by looking at our school and The Council and other key partners must • Improvements (where required) to facilities, or as a community facilities in order to meet identified work with schools and colleges to develop minimum retaining existing standards. current and future demand. an understanding of the issues that restrict In addition, clubs should be made fully aware of the or affect community access. Support should In order to better link access to indoor sports be provided, where appropriate, to address associated responsibilities/liabilities when considering provision within schools and access to outdoor leases of multi-use public playing fields. underlying problems. Consideration should sports, prioritisation for the seven schools be given to a centralised booking system for identified below should be given specific community use of schools and colleges to support to see what opportunities exist for minimise administration and make access Community Asset Transfer these schools to absorb more demand/ easier for the users. usage in order to reduce the used capacity at The Council should continue to work towards adopting Nottingham City Council playing fields: It is not uncommon for school pitch stock a policy which supports community management and not to be fully maximised for community use, ownership of assets to local clubs, community groups • Farnborough especially in relation to 3G provision. Even and trusts. This presents sports clubs and national Top Valley on established community use sites, access governing bodies with opportunities to take ownership of • to outdoor sports facilities to the community their own facilities; it may also provide non-asset owning • Bluecoat Academy is limited. The Assessment Report identified sports clubs with their first chance to take on a building. several issues relating to the use of school • Bulwell Academy facilities: The Sport England Community Sport Asset Transfer Toolkit is a bespoke, interactive web based tool that • Nottingham University Samworth Academy • Many sites are underutilised, especially for provides a step by step guide through each stage of Big Wood Academy competitive play for football. the asset transfer process: www.sportengland.org/ • support__advice/asset_transfer.aspx • Ellis Guilford

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 15 • Community use is limited and often based on It is recommended that a working group, led by a informal agreements between individual schools partner from the education sector but supported by and clubs. a range of other sectors including sport and leisure is established to implement the strategic direction • There is no strategic guidance as to which clubs in relation to the increased/better use of school are allocated the use of playing pitch facilities (i.e. facilities. Broadly speaking, its role should be to: in accordance with a strategic need). • Better understand current community use, • There are a number of school sites where a practices and issues by ‘auditing’ schools. community use agreement is in place but it is not clear whether the agreement is being upheld. • Ensure community use agreements are upheld. • There are management issues inherent in • Identify and pilot one school/club formal developing, implementing and managing community use agreement with a view to rolling community use agreements. Advice and out the model across the area. guidance can be obtained from Sport England’s Schools toolkit and Sports organisations toolkit. • Ensure that funding to improve the quality of the (www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning) facilities is identified and secured. • As part of any agreement secure a management arrangement for community access, which does Where appropriate, it will be important for schools to not rely on existing school staff structures. negotiate and sign formal and long-term agreements that secure community use. This needs to be • Ensure that pitch provision at schools is sufficient examined against these issues: in quality and quantity to be able to deliver its curriculum. Once this has been achieved • The analysis provides a clear indication of the provision could contribute to overcoming future pitch requirements and provides a basis for deficiencies in the area. partners to negotiate.

• Community use should not impact on the needs of schools to deliver curricular and extracurricular Although there are a growing number of academies activities. and college sites in Nottingham, which the Council has no control over the running of, it is still important Sport England has also produced guidance, online to understand the significance of such sites and resources and toolkits to help open up and retain attempt to work with the schools where there are school sites for community use and can be found opportunities for community use. In addition, the at: www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning/ relevant NGB has a role to play in supporting the accessing-schools/ Council to deliver the strategy and communicating with schools where necessary.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 16 Recommendation d – Improve etc. In terms of ancillary facilities, good pitch quality quality refers to access for disabled people, sufficient provision for referees, There are a number of ways in which juniors/women/girls and appropriate it is possible to increase pitch quality provision of showers, toilets and car including, for example, addressing parking. overplay and improving maintenance. These are explored in more detail Standard quality refers to pitches that below. have, for example, adequate grass cover, minimal signs of wear and tear, Addressing quality issues goalposts may be secure but in need of minor repair. In terms of ancillary Priority in the short term (given limited facilities, standard quality refers to resources) should be directed to adequately sized changing rooms, overplayed, poor quality sites. storage provision and provision of This standard, based on an achievable toilets. target using existing quality scoring to Poor quality refers to pitches that have, provide a baseline, should be used to for example, inadequate grass cover, identify deficiencies. Hence investment uneven surface and damage. In terms should be prioritised to those sites of ancillary facilities, poor quality refers AIM 2: To enhance outdoor sports which fail to meet the proposed quality to inappropriate size of changing rooms, standard (using the site audit database, facilities through improving quality and no showers, no running water and old provided in electronic format). The dated interior. management of sites Strategy approach to these outdoor sports facilities achieving these Please refer to the Sport England/ standards should be to enhance quality NGB quality assessments. Sites played Recommendations: and therefore the planning system beyond capacity may require remedial should seek to protect them. action to help reduce this. d improve quality For the purposes of the Quality For improvement/replacement of AGPs Assessments, this Strategy will refer to refer to Sport England and the NGBs e adopt a tiered approach (hierarchy of provision) for the pitches and ancillary facilities separately ‘Selecting the Right Artificial Surface for management and improvement of sites as Good, Standard or Poor quality. In Hockey, Football, Rugby League and Nottingham, for example, some good Rugby Union’ document for a guide as f. Work in partnership with stakeholders to secure funding quality sites have poor quality elements to suitable AGP surfaces: i.e. changing rooms or a specific pitch. www.sportengland.org/facilities- planning/tools-guidance/design-and- g enhance the approach to securing developer contributions Good quality refers to pitches that have, cost-guidance/artificial-sports-surfaces/ for example, good grass cover, an even surface, are free from vandalism, litter

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 17 Addressing overplay In order to improve the overall quality of the playing pitches stock, it is necessary to ensure that pitches are not overplayed beyond recommended weekly carrying capacity. This is determined by assessing pitch quality (via a non-technical site assessment) and allocating a weekly match limit to each. Each NGB recommends a number of matches that a good quality pitch should take:

Sport Pitch type No. of matches Football Adult pitches 3 per week Youth pitches 4 per week Mini pitches 6 per week Rugby Union* Pipe and slit drained and a good level of maintenance 3.5 per week (D3/M2) Pipe drained and a good level of maintenance (D2/M2) 3.25 per week Natural (adequate) drainage and a good level of 3 per week maintenance (D1/M2) Rugby League Senior 3 per week Cricket One grass wicket 5 per season One synthetic wicket 60 per season

* Please note that the RFU believes that it is most appropriate to base the calculation of pitch capacity upon an assessment of the drainage system and maintenance programme afforded to a site.

There are also a number of sites that are poor quality but are not overplayed. These sites should not be overlooked as often poor quality sites have less demand than other sites but demand could increase if the quality was to increase. Improving pitch quality should not be considered in isolation from maintenance regimes.

Whilst it works both ways in so much as poor pitch condition is a symptom of pitches being over played, potential improvements may make sites more attractive and therefore more popular.

There is also a need to balance pitch improvements alongside the transfer of play to alternative pitch sites. Therefore work with clubs to ensure sites are not overplayed on beyond their capacity and encourage clubs to transfer matches to alternative venues which are not operating at capacity.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 18 Increasing pitch maintenance Recommendation e – Adopt a tiered approach Sport and physical activity can have a profound effect (hierarchy of provision) for the management on people’s lives, and plays a crucial role in improving Standard or poor grass pitch quality may not just and improvement of sites community cohesion, educational attainment and be a result of poor drainage. In some instances self-confidence. However, one of sport’s greatest ensuring there is appropriate maintenance for the To allow for facility developments to be programmed contributions is its positive impact on public health. level/standard of play can help to improve quality within a phased approach the Council should It is therefore important to lever in investment from and therefore increase pitch capacity. Each NGB can adopt a tiered approach to the management and other sectors such as health through, for example, provide assistance with reviewing pitch maintenance improvement of playing pitch sites and associated the PCT. regimes. facilities. Please refer to Part 7: Action Plan for the Sport England research suggests the following: For example, the FA has recently introduced a Pitch proposed hierarchy. Advisor Scheme and has been working in partnership Economic impact: with the Institute of Groundmanship (IOG) to develop In 2010, sport and sport-related activity a Grass Pitch Maintenance service that can be Recommendation f – Work in partnership with • contributed £20.3 billion to the English economy utilised by grassroots football clubs with the simple stakeholders to secure funding aim of improving the quality of grass pitches. The key – 1.9% of the England total. Partners, led by the Council, should ensure that principles behind the service are to provide football • The contribution to employment is even greater clubs with advice/practical solutions on a number appropriate funding secured for improved sports – sport and sport-related activity is estimated to of areas, with the intention of improving the club’s provision is directed to areas of need, underpinned support over 400,000 full-time equivalent jobs, playing surface. by a robust strategy for improvement in playing pitch 2.3% of all jobs in England. facilities. In relation to cricket, maintaining high pitch quality is Health impact: the most important aspect of cricket. If the wicket is In order to address the community’s needs, to target poor, it can affect the quality of the game and can, priority areas and to reduce duplication of provision, • Physical activity, including sport, is linked to in some instances, become dangerous. The ECB there should be a coordinated approach to strategic reduced risk of over 20 illnesses, including recommends full technical assessments of wickets investment. In delivering this recommendation the cardiovascular disease and some cancers. and pitches available through a Performance Quality Council should maintain a regular dialogue with local Standard Assessment (PQS). The PQS assesses partners and through the Playing Pitch Steering • Taking part in regular sport can save between a cricket square to ascertain whether the pitch Group. £1,750 and £6,900 in healthcare costs per meets the Performance Quality Standards that are person. Some investment in new provision will not be made benchmarked by the Institute of Groundsmanship. Social and cultural impact: Please note that PQS assessments are also available by the Council directly. It is important, however, that the Council therefore seeks to direct and lead for other sports. • Published studies show the positive effects of a strategic and co-ordinated approach to facility sport on education include improved attainment, development by education sites, NGBs, sports clubs lower absenteeism and drop-out, and increased and the commercial sector to address community progression to higher education. For instance, needs whilst avoiding duplication of provision. young people’s participation in sport improves Please refer to Appendix Two for further funding their numeracy scores by 8 per cent on average information which includes details of the current above non-participants. opportunities, likely funding requirements and Other studies have found that sport programmes indicative project costs. •

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 19 aimed at youths at risk of criminal The City Council is currently considering behaviour can enhance self-esteem the opportunities of introducing a CIL and reduce reoffending. regime and if this is taken forward, consideration will be given to the inclusion of Open Space within the Recommendation g – Enhance the R123 list. The outcome of this work will also need to inform how S106 approach to securing developer contributions are managed in light of contributions the pooling restrictions that are to be imposed from April 2015. Nottingham City Council’s Land and Planning Policies (LAPP), Development The following planning policy objectives Plan Document, Local Plan Part 2, should be implemented to enable the Preferred Option has emerging policies above to be delivered: (Section 5 DM48-50 & DM56) both on the protection of open space (including • Planning consent should include formal playing fields) and for creation appropriate conditions and/or of new open space and developer be subject to specific planning contributions in general. obligations. Where developer contributions are applicable, It is important that this strategy a Section 106 Agreement or informs emerging policies and any equivalent must be completed supplementary planning documents by specifying the amount and timing of setting out the approach to securing the Contribution(s) to be paid using sport and recreational facilities through the existing SPG as a starting point new housing development. The for negotiation. guidance should form the basis for negotiation with developers to secure • Where justified, contributions contributions to include provision and/ will also be secured towards or enhancement of appropriate playing maintenance on new pitches. fields and its subsequent maintenance. Where appropriate, all new or Section 106 contributions or CIL • improved playing pitches on (Community Infrastructure Levy) could school sites should be subject to also be used to improve the condition community use agreements. For and maintenance regimes of the pitches further guidance please refer to in order to increase pitch capacity to Sport England: accommodate more matches and help www.sportengland.org/facilities- deliver the Action Plan. planning/planning-for-sport/ planning-tools-and-guidance/ community-use-agreements/

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 20 Recommendation h – Rectify identified for cricket both now and in quantitative shortfalls in the the future. current pitch stock There may be a requirement to protect The Council and its partners should some senior football pitches as this work to rectify identified inadequacies provides the flexibility to provide senior, and meet identified shortfalls as junior or mini pitches (through different outlined in the Assessment Report line markings/coning areas of the and the sport by sport specific pitch). However, further work should be recommendations. undertaken on this as an action for the Council/NGBs. Furthermore the It is important that the current levels re-designation of adult pitches that of grass pitch provision are protected, are not currently used may lead to maintained and enhanced to secure a deficiency of adult pitches in the provision now and in the future. For medium to longer term as younger most sports the future demand for players move up the ages. It is likely provision identified in Nottingham can that for some sports, particularly be overcome through maximising use of football, the provision of new pitches existing pitches through a combination and facilities will be required in the of: future to support the predicted upcoming demand. • Improving pitch quality in order to improve the capacity of pitches to Unmet demand, changes in sport accommodate more matches. participation and trends, and proposed housing growth should be recognised AIM 3: To provide new outdoor sports • The re-designation of pitches for and factored into future facility planning. which there is an oversupply. Assuming an increase in participation facilities where there is current or future and housing growth occurs, it will • Securing long term community use demand to do so at school sites. impact on the future need for certain types of sports facilities. Sports • Working with commercial and development work also approximates private providers to increase usage. unmet demand which cannot currently Recommendations: be quantified (i.e., it is not being While maximising the use of existing suppressed by a lack of facilities) but pitches offers scope to address the h rectify quantitative shortfalls in the current pitch stock. is likely to occur. The following table quantitative deficiencies for most highlights the main development trends sports, new or additional cricket in each sport and their likely impact i identify opportunities to add to the overall stock to squares on public or private fields, as on facilities. However, it is important accommodate both current and future demand. well as improving existing wickets is to note that these may be subject to required to meet the levels of demand change.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 21 Furthermore, retaining some spare capacity allows some pitches to be rested to protect overall pitch quality in the long term. Therefore, whilst in some instances it may be appropriate to re-designate a senior pitch where there is low demand identified a holistic approach should be taken to re-designation for the reasons cited. The site- by-site action planning will seek to provide further clarification on where re-designation is suitable.

Likely future sport-by-sport demand trends

Sport Future development trend Strategy impact Football City of Football’s aim is to transform football participation across the city It is likely that this initiative will result in an increase and tackle the challenges in retaining and growing the numbers of people in demand to play competitive football; however, the who play the sport. It will create new football partnerships; develop new extent of this should be reviewed and applied within this technologies; encourage more people to play, especially 14 to 25 year olds, Strategy when it is refreshed and updated. women and girls and people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. The needs of the game changed significantly from the 2013/14 season with Consider re-allocating leases to Charter Standard clubs the implementation of the FA Youth Development Review. As a result, pitch with a large number of teams. demands changed. This could also see changes in the seasonal demand of pitches (youth football). Demand for senior football is likely to be sustained or decrease slightly based Sustain current stock but consideration given to on current trends and the move to small sided football. reconfigure pitches. An increase in women’s and girls’ football following £2.4m investment over A need to provide segregated ancillary facilities and the the next two years (2014-2016) from Sport England to increase the number of potential need for more pitches. women and girls taking part in football sessions. Cricket Demand for additional cricket pitches to accommodate unmet SAC demand Access to additional cricket pitches and consideration of as well as club demand and midweek leagues. alternatives to grass wickets. Women’s and girls’ cricket is a national priority and there is a target to Support clubs to ensure access to segregated changing establish two girls’ and one women’s team in every local authority over the and toilet provision and access to good quality cricket next five years. pitches to support growth. Rugby Union The Rugby World Cup (2015) is predicted to see a further increase in the Clubs are likely to field more teams in the future, and demand for rugby provision. therefore have a demand for more pitches. It is important, therefore, to work with the clubs to maintain the current pitch stock and to support facility development where appropriate.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 22 Rugby league Increase current levels of participation. Sustain current pitch stock.

The RFL has plans to expand its Play Touch Rugby League programme and establish PTRL sites in Nottingham. PTRL can be played on natural turf or artificial turf surfaces. The RFL also plans to extend its 9-a-side offer. The RFL will feed its plans into the Action Plan once available and will work with the Council to identify any suitable and available sites. AGPs Demand for 3G pitches for football continues to increase. It is likely that future Ensure that access to provision is maximised where demand for the use of 3G pitches to service competitive football, particularly demand requires and that community use agreements are mini and youth will result in some reduced demand for grass pitches. in place.

Provision of 3G pitches which are IRB compliant will help to reduce overplay as Utilise Sport England/NGB guidance on choosing the a result of training on rugby pitches. correct surface: www.sportengland.org/media/30651/ Selecting-the-right-artificial-surface-Rev2-2010.pdf Tennis The LTA is currently updating its citywide tennis plan which will aim to increase The priority areas for delivery are those indicating high tennis participation and to establish potential new and existing venues which latent demand. The key to delivery is through local may be used to deliver tennis. opportunities which may involve taking non-traditional forms of the sport to communities that have not traditionally engaged in tennis. Schools engagement will also be a key area for development, which means establishing the level of existing activity in schools.as well as in non-traditional venues such as leisure centres and community centres. Bowls Participation likely to remain constant or slightly increase if clubs increase Increased maintenance of greens will be required. members as many are keen to do.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 23 Recommendation i - Identify opportunities to add to the overall pitch stock to accommodate both current and future demand

The Council should use, and regularly update, the Action Plan within this Strategy for improvements to its own pitches whilst recognising the need to support partners. The Action Plan lists improvements to be made to each site focused upon both qualitative and quantitative improvements as appropriate for each area.

LAPP (Land and Planning Policies) sites

Nottingham City Council’s Land and Planning Policies (LAPP), Development Plan Document, Local Plan Part 2, Preferred Option outlines site allocations and development management policies in accordance with the Core Strategy.

The following LAPP sites either previously accommodated or currently accommodate playing pitches:

Preferred Site name Analysis Pitch Status Proposed development Option Site ID area type LA24 Chingford Playing North Football Open Space A proportion of the site should be retained as provision for semi-natural Fields open space. This could be incorporated into multi-purpose green space.

Nearby parks and open spaces have capacity for future increases in demand for pitches. LA25 Clifton West South N/A Open Space / Proposed uses – residential with a proportion of the site retained as Agricultural open space as set out in the Development Principles.

Future increases in demand for pitches in the area to be addressed via new community use agreements or increases in the quality and capacity of existing pitches. LA31 Fairham South N/A Education & Proposed uses - residential with a proportion of the site retained as Comprehensive School Open Space open space. Existing playing fields offer opportunities for provision of improved green space and biodiversity with careful consideration to the character of the existing landscape.

Future increases in demand for pitches in the area to be addressed via new community use agreements or increases in the quality and capacity of existing pitches.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 24 LA36 Former Eastglade North N/A Vacant / Open Proposed uses - residential with a proportion of the site retained as Primary and Nursery Space open space – subject to the development of a community sports School hub site in the north of the City, currently proposed at LA41 Former Padstow School Detached Playing Fields (Beckhampton Road). LA37 Former Haywood North N/A Vacant Proposed uses - residential with a proportion of the site retained as School Site open space – subject to the development of a community sports hub site in the north of the City, currently proposed at LA41 Former Padstow School Detached Playing Fields (Beckhampton Road). LA39 Former detached Henry North N/A Open Space Proposed uses - residential Mellish School Playing Fields LA40 Former Padstow School North N/A Open Space / Proposed uses - residential with a proportion of the site retained as Former School open space – subject to the development of a community sports hub site in the north of the City, currently proposed at LA41 Former Padstow School Detached Playing Fields (Beckhampton Road). LA41 Former Padstow School North N/A Open Space Site allocated for creation of a community sports hub site via the Detached Playing Fields creation of a Sports Association. (Beckhampton Road) LA42 Former Padstow School North N/A Open Space Proposed uses - residential with a proportion of the site retained as Detached Playing Fields open space - subject to the development of a community sports (Ridgeway) hub site in the north of the City, currently proposed at LA41 Former Padstow School Detached Playing Fields (Beckhampton Road). LA43 Haywood Detached North N/A Open Space Proposed uses - residential with a proportion of the site retained as Playing Fields open space - subject to the development of a community sports hub site in the north of the City, currently proposed at LA41 Former Padstow School Detached Playing Fields (Beckhampton Road). LA47 Lortas Road North N/A N/A Proposed uses - residential with a proportion of the site retained as open space - subject to the development of a community sports hub site in the north of the City, currently proposed at LA41 Former Padstow School Detached Playing Fields (Beckhampton Road). LA49 Melbury School Playing North N/A Open Space Proposed uses - residential - with a proportion of the site retained as Fields open space. Nearby parks and open spaces, including redeveloped Harvey Hadden Sports Complex (Bilborough Park), have capacity for future increases in demand for pitches.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 25 In addition to the above, a lapsed site is any site where the last known use was as a playing field more than five years ago (these fall outside of Sport England’s statutory remit but still have to be assessed using the criteria in paragraph 74 of the National Planning Policy Framework). A site falling under Sport England’s statutory remit of being used within the last three years is referred to as disused.

Site ID Site name Analysis area Pitch type Status Future Potential KKP 42 Colwick Racecourse South Football Lapsed – no changing facilities - no 8 adult pitches current demand KKP 48 King George V North Football Lapsed – no changing facilities - no 3 adult pitches Playing Fields current demand N/A Wollaton Park Central Central Lapsed None KKP 44 Hempshill Lane North Football Lapsed – no current demand 1 adult & 1 junior pitch Broxtowe Country North Football Lapsed – no current demand 1 adult pitch Park

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 26 Part 7: Sport Specific Recommendations

• Work with schools to maximise 3G pitches FOOTBALL access to secondary schools and academies to address latent, • Ensure that existing 3G pitches Maximise use of sites (both grass and 3G) and displaced or future demand and are FA registered and maximise to develop school-club links. their use to allow for future back seek to focus future investment in multi-pitch and to back programming of mini/ • Consider the future value of youth matches at peak times. hub sites. lapsed sites, where appropriate, reinvest into the development of • Support the future investment central venue sites and hub sites. of existing or new full size 3G FA priorities Grass pitches pitches to allow for competitive • Where appropriate, develop use. • To provide one full size 3G pitch • Where pitches are assessed as partnership and/or lease at Victoria Embankment and standard or poor quality, review arrangements with large, • Ensure that sinking funds are in in line with the Masterplan for maintenance regimes to ensure it sustainable, development-minded place to maintain 3G pitch quality the area improve the ancillary is of an appropriate standard to clubs to manage their own in the long term. facilities. sustain/improve pitch quality. ‘home’ sites thus facilitating club development. • To review leases across the • Transfer play on sites which are Lenton Lane sites and consider played to capacity or overplayed the formation of one Association to alternative venues which are to manage/operate the site as a not operating at capacity or whole. are not currently available for community use. • To develop the Lenton Lane sites as a hub including provision of at • Work to accommodate displaced, least one 3G pitch to support a latent and future demand on sustainable model. sites which are not operating at capacity or are not currently • To find a resolution to finding a available for community use. suitable and sustainable site to accommodate Bilborough Town • Consider reconfiguring pitches in FC. order to meet current and future demand.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 27 CRICKET RUGBY HOCKEY OTHER SPORTS Protect current levels Work towards meeting Maximise access to Maximise access to existing of provision and meet overplay and increase the existing provision provision and work towards unmet demand for quality of pitches and and work towards improving the quality of provision. access to additional ancillary facilities as improving the pitches for LMS. required. quality of existing provision.

• Work with clubs to address quality Rugby Union • Work with England Hockey Tennis issues on those pitches assessed to ensure priority hockey as average and poor quality. • Improve pitch quality through sites are protected and • Address tennis demands through the LTA investing in slit drainage across all their quality is sustained/ City-wide Tennis Plan which will aim to • Utilise spare capacity in North pitches and replace these slits on an improved. increase tennis participation and to establish and South areas to accommodate approximate 4/5 year basis. potential new and existing venues which future demand from Central Area. • Address demand for may be used to deliver tennis. • Address overplay at Nottingham an additional pitch at • Address overplay on grass wickets Moderns RFC through securing Highfields Sports Centre • Improve court quality and prioritise through ensuring that maintenance access to floodlit training areas through supporting the investment to sites which are available for levels are appropriate to current which are either dedicated grassed Club to applying for public/community use. usage and where possible areas or through access to an funding. increasing the number of wickets International Rugby Board (IRB) • Ensure clubs can access the appropriate on squares. compliant AGP. • Ensure that sinking funds standard of courts to allow LTA competitions are in place to maintain to be played. • Seek to improve access to schools • To work with neighbouring AGPs quality in the long or provide new artificial pitches authorities to explore options to term. Bowls to meet unmet demand from Last meet shortfalls of provision within Address spare capacity and maximise the Man Stands (LMS). Nottingham. Work with providers • • availability of bowling greens for pay and to maximise access to play in order to raise the profile of the game, • Work with clubs to improve access Rugby League AGPs to accommodate increase levels of membership and the to indoor training facilities during both hockey training and Work to secure long term access revenue generated by sites. the winter months. • competitive play. to a site to meet the needs of Nottingham Outlaws RLFC. • Support clubs which plan to attract younger people through hosting events such as • In the short term, maximise spare family days as well as establishing links with capacity at education sites to local primary schools and girl guides. address current and future demand. • Where demand exists, ensuring that quality is sustained or improved. NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 28 Part 8: Action Plan

Recommendation e - Adopt a In the context of developing a tiered model Introduction approach to the management of sports facilities tiered approach (hierarchy of Nottingham has a large number of multi-team provision) to the management junior clubs which place a great demand on the pitch stock. There are therefore a number of sites The site-by-site action plan list seeks and improvement of sites which are still owned and maintained by the local to address key issues identified in the authority, but are actually booked by the clubs for To allow for facility developments to be accompanying Assessment Report. It the entire season. The sites are then recognised programmed within a phased approach the Council as the ‘home ground’ of the club. Such sites are provides recommendations based on should adopt a tiered approach to the management fundamentally different from those which can be current levels of usage, quality and future and improvement of playing pitch sites and hired on a regular basis because they are, in effect, demand, as well as the potential of each associated facilities. ‘allocated’ to a certain club and management site for enhancement. Nottingham has a number of ‘key centres’, responsibility, in terms of allocating teams to It should be reviewed in the light of which are sites that are considered to be the pitches, is transferred to the individual club. staff and financial resources in order most popular and therefore need to be of a high to prioritise support for strategically standard in order that they can accommodate a sufficient number of matches per week. This significant provision and provision that applies mostly to football pitch hire. However, the other providers are less likely to make. Council should extend this provision model to Recommendation e across explains recognise the supply and demand issues identified the hierarchy of priorities on the list. It is throughout the Assessment Report (i.e. current imperative that action plans for priority levels of overplay) and the investment necessary projects should be developed through the to improve sites based on current levels of usage. implementation of the strategy. The identification of sites is based on their strategic importance in a City-wide context (i.e. they The Council should make it a high priority accommodate the majority of play). In addition to to work with NGBs and other partners to this, there are a number of sites which have been identified as accommodating both senior and compile a list of actions based on local junior matches, sometimes concurrently. Not only priorities, NGB priorities and available could such sites require a mixture of mini, youth funding. and senior pitches, but they also require split-level ancillary facilities, in order to maximise their usage at all times.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 29 Proposed tiered site criteria

Strategic sites Key centres Club or education sites Reserve sites Strategically located in the City. Strategically located within the Services the local community. Services the local Priority sites for NGB. analysis area. community. Accommodates three or more grass Accommodates two or more grass Accommodates more than one pitch. Likely to be single-pitch site. pitches. Including provision of an pitches. AGP. Single or multi-sport provision. Single or multi-sport provision. Single or multi-sport provision. Supports informal demand Could also operate as a central Could also operate as a central and/ or training etc. venue. venue. Management control remains within Management control remains Club either has long-term lease/hires the pitch Management control the local authority/other provider within the local authority or with for the entire season or owns the site. remains with the local or with an appropriate lease an appropriate club on a lease Management control remains within the local authority or existing arrangement through a committee or arrangement. authority/other provider or with an appropriate management body. education owned. lease arrangement through a committee or education owned. Maintenance regime aligns with NGB Maintenance regime aligns with NGB Standard maintenance regime either by the club Basic level of maintenance guidelines. guidelines. or in house maintenance contract. i.e. grass cutting and line marking as required. Good quality ancillary facility on site, Good quality ancillary facility on site, Appropriate access changing to accommodate No requirement for with sufficient changing rooms and with sufficient changing rooms and both senior and junior use concurrently (if access to changing car parking to serve the number of car parking to serve the number of required). accommodation. pitches. pitches.

Strategic Sites

Strategic sites are of City wide importance where users are willing to travel to access the range and high quality of facilities offered and are likely to be multi sport. These have been identified on the basis of the impact that the site will have on addressing the issues identified in the assessment.

The financial, social and sporting benefits which can be achieved through development of strategic sites (also known as hub sites) are significant. Sport England provides further guidance on the development of community sports hubs at: http://www.sportengland.org/facilities__planning/planning_tools_and_guidance/sports_hubs.aspx

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 30 Key centres have the potential to be leased to a suitable club. • Options to assist community groups to gain Such sites will require some level of investment, funding to enhance existing provision. Although key centres are more community focused, either to the pitches or ancillary facilities, and it is some are still likely to service a wider analysis area anticipated that one of the conditions of offering a • Negotiation with landowners to increase access (or slightly wider). However, there may be more of a hire/lease is that the club would be in a position to to private strategic sites. focus on a specific sport i.e. a dedicated site. source external funding to improve the facilities. • Football investment programme/3G pitches From a football perspective, these sites already seek Reserve sites could be used as overspill for development with The FA. to accommodate the growing emphasis on football neighbouring sites and/or for summer matches/ venues catering for youth football (especially mini- competitions, training or informal play. They are soccer) matches. The conditions recommended for most likely to be single-pitch sites with no ancillary mini and youth football are becoming more stringent. facilities. Action plan This should be reflected in the provision of a unique tier of pitches for mini and youth football solely that In addition to above, potential surplus sites are those Partners can ensure player safety, as well as being maintained which are to be considered for disposal and which The column indicating Partners refers to the main more efficiently. It is anticipated that both youth and release reinvestment for further up the hierarchy. organisation that the Council will liaise with in mini-football matches could be played on these sites. helping to deliver the actions. The next stage in the Initial investment could be required in the short term development of the action plan will be to agree a and identified in the Action Plan. Management and development Lead Partner to help deliver the actions. Additionally, it is considered that some financial The following issues should be considered when Site hierarchy tier and priority level investment will be necessary to improve the ancillary undertaking sports related site development or facilities at both Strategic sites and Key Centre enhancement: Within the action plan projects have been allocated sites to complement the pitches in terms of access, according to their associated hierarchy together with flexibility (i.e. single-sex changing if necessary), • Financial viability. a priority level (High, Medium and Low). quality and that they meet the rules and regulations of local competitions. • Security of tenure. High priorities have borough wide importance and have been identified on the basis of the impact Club/education sites refer to those sites which are • Planning permission requirements and any that the site will have on addressing the key issues hired to clubs for a season, or are sites which have foreseen difficulties in securing permission. identified in the assessment. been leased on a long-term basis. Primarily they are Adequacy of existing finances to maintain sites with more than one pitch. The level of priority • Medium priorities have analysis area importance and existing sites. attached to them for Council-generated investment have been identified on the basis of the impact that the site will have on addressing the issues identified may be relatively low and consideration should be • Business Plan/Masterplan – including financial given, on a site-by-site basis, to the feasibility of package for creation of new provision where in the assessment. a club taking a long-term lease on the site (if not need has been identified. Low priorities have local or club specific importance already present), in order that external funding can be and have been identified on a site by site basis as sought. • Analysis of the possibility of shared site management opportunities. issues appertaining to individual sites but that may It is possible that sites could be included in this tier also contribute to addressing the issues identified in which are not currently hired or leased to a club, but • The availability of opportunities to lease sites to the assessment. external organisations.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 31 Timescales CENTRAL The action plan has been created to be delivered Football over a ten year period. The information within the Assessment Report, Strategy and Action Plan Summary of pitches required to meet current and future demand will require updating as developments occur. The timescales relate to delivery times and are not priority based. Pitch type Actual spare Demand (match sessions per week) Timescales: (S) -Short (1-2 years); (M) - Medium (3-5 capacity years); (L) - Long (6+ years). (match sessions) Aim Overplay Strategic Latent Total Future Total reserve demand (current) demand (future) Each action seeks to meet at least one of the three (20%) aims of the Strategy; Enhance, Provide, Protect. Adult 8.5 3 2 - 3.5 1 2.5 Youth 1 --- 1 1 0 Mini 10.5 - 2 - 8.5 2 6.5

• No demand for additional football pitches. • Overplay on adult pitches can be accommodated on spare capacity. • Some spare capacity is retained for strategic reserve in order to protect quality and accommodate latent and future demand. Cricket • No peak time capacity. • Potential future demand in the area for development of Last Man Stands. Rugby Union • Spare capacity at Fernwood School which is unused as there is no local demand for community use. Hockey • The two AGPs at Highfields Sports Club are both operating at capacity and as such Highfields Hockey Centre reports demand for a second water based AGP at the site.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 32 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 1 Basford Mill Cricket Club One poor quality cricket pitch with Seek options to secure ECB Club High Medium Protect Cricket Club unsecured community use (unable the long term security of to obtain lease from the NHS the site and subsequent Trust). Non-turf wicket requires replacement of the non replacing. turf wicket. 8 Djanogly City Football/ School One youth football 11v11 pitch, Work with the school ECB Education Medium Short Protect Academy Cricket/ one cricket and one AGP all to overcome access Nottingham AGP unavailable for community use. All issues for community (Haydn good quality. The cricket pitches use, particularly in Road Sports have previously been used, relation to the cricket Ground) however, clubs reported that it pitch which could meet was too expensive for regular use. future demand. 11 Fernwood Football School One adult and two mini pitches all No current local NCC Education Low Long Protect School available but unused of standard/ demand for community good quality. use. Consider future Rugby One good quality senior pitch potential to open up with available changing and spare for community use capacity. depending on strategic need. Cricket Wollaton Cricket Club and Consider as potential ECB High Short Nottinghamshire County Cricket additional site for LMS. Board is working with the school to ‘adopt a wicket’.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 33 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 12 Greenwood Football Club NCC owned and leased to Develop as a hub site FA Strategic High Medium Protect Meadows Greenwood Meadows FC. including provision of ECB and Football Club at least one 3G pitch to NCC Provide One adult (overplayed) and one (Lenton Lane support a sustainable mini football pitch (capacity) Site) model. Consider with poor quality changing reconfiguration of site accommodation. to optimise pitch use as Latent and future demand a central venue. reported for adult and youth Review leases across teams. the sites and consider 29 The Brian Football Cricket Bilborough Pelican FC lease from the formation of one Wakefield Club Trust (Notts Unity Casuals CC). Association to manage/ Sports Two adult (good) and one mini operate the site as a Ground (standard) pitch all with spare whole. (Lenton Lane capacity. site) Cricket One good quality pitch with artificial wicket. No spare capacity on the grass wickets. 33 The Ron Football Club NCC owned and leased to Steel Sports Dunkirk FC. Ground One adult, one mini and two youth (Lenton Lane pitches, all good quality. Some site) spare peak capacity on adult pitch all others no capacity. Dunkirk FC has been granted planning permission for a half sized 3G artificial pitch to service training demand, however, no funding acquired. 70 Pelican Colts Football Club NCC owned and leased to Pelican JFC Colts JFC. Two adult, one youth (Lenton Lane and two mini pitches all of good Site) quality with some spare peak capacity. Site is leased from the Council.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 34 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 13 Grove Farm - Football University 16 adult pitches of good quality Protect for University University Education Low Long Protect University of with spare capacity retained to use as a priority and Nottingham preserve quality. reserve spare capacity Cricket Three good quality cricket pitches in order to protect with no spare capacity. Only one quality. pitch is used for community use the remaining are retained for University use. Rugby Four good quality senior pitches with no community use due to accommodating university fixtures. 15 Highfields Football NCC Two adult (overplayed) and three Ensure long term NCC High Short Protect Park Sports mini pitches, all standard quality. security of the site FA and Ground Wollaton Youth FC is in talks with is agreed in order Enhance NCC over acquiring a long term to progress site lease in order to proceed with development aspirations. development aspirations for the Seek options to improve site. quality to accommodate overplay and/or ensure appropriate maintenance is applied to sustain current levels of play. Football NCC Previously Notts County Training Link use of this site to NCC High Long Protect Ground and adjoins Highfields Highfields Park and FA Park. Four good quality adult tie in pitch use into pitches with no community use. long term security for Council proposes to bring two Wollaton Youth FC and pitches into community use development of site (for use by Wollaton Youth FC to accommodate all – to accommodate overplay its teams serviced by at Highfields) and to convert standalone changing remaining area into tennis courts provision in the long to meet additional demand from term. Nottingham Tennis Centre.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 35 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 69 Highfields Football University Five adult football pitches and Protect for University University Club Low Long Protect Park Football one cricket pitch. All good use as a priority and Pitches quality and used to capacity for reserve spare capacity University teams so unavailable in order to protect for community use. quality. 16 Highfields Football/ Club 1 full size AGP with use currently Support the Club EH Education High Medium Enhance Pitches - cricket by the University only. to explore funding University of The water pitch was laid in 2002 opportunities to Nottingham 12 – 14 yrs old needs replacing, it refurbish the water will last one more season. based pitch. Both pitches are operating at Explore the further capacity and as such Highfields use of this pitch by Hockey Centre reports demand community teams. for a second water based AGP at the site. 45 Highfields AGP Club Two full size AGPs, one water Explore options to EH Key Centre Medium Medium Provide Hockey based (standard), one sand based invest in a second NCC Sports Club (good). water based AGP The water pitch was laid in 2002 which could be 12 – 14 yrs old needs replacing, it located on the shale will last one more season. pitch area located on neighbouring Both pitches are operating at Highfields Park. capacity and as such Highfields Club Hockey Centre reports demand Retain spare capacity Low Long Protect for a second water based AGP at in order to protect the site. quality.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 36 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 27 Radford Football NCC One good quality adult pitch with Develop as a hub site FA Club High Medium Protect Football Club minimal peak capacity. Long term and seek options to NCC and lease from NCC. improve quality and/ Enhance Two standard quality adult pitches or ensure appropriate with peak capacity. maintenance is applied in order to maximise use. Explore options to develop more grass pitches at the site. 30 The Forest Football NCC New 3G pitch provided with Strategic Protect Recreation Club changing improvements under and Ground way to support it. Enhance AGP - One full size sand based AGP Ensure appropriate EH Medium Long hockey which has had fencing upgraded. pitch maintenance Home ground to Sikh Union is applied in order (Nottingham) Hockey Club. to sustain and/ or increase current usage. Cricket One standard quality pitch currently Consider as potential ECB High Short unused for competitive fixtures but additional site for heavy casual use. LMS. New non-turf pitch is due to be installed. The pitch, which will form an integral part of Nottingham City Council’s Forest Restoration Plan, will be supplemented by a fully enclosed two bay practice net facility with non-turf wickets. Main cricket pavilion refurbished.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 37 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 39 Wollaton Football Club One standard adult pitch no spare Ensure appropriate FA Key Centre Low Long Protect Village Sports NCC capacity. pitch maintenance and Association is applied in order to Enhance sustain current usage. Provide Cricket One good quality pitch with Ensure appropriate ECB Low Long artificial wicket. Grass wickets pitch maintenance slightly overplayed by 2 matches is applied in order to per season. sustain current usage/ overplay. Tennis Three hard courts (two floodlit) Ensure sinking fund is LTA Medium Medium standard quality. Wollaton Village LTC in place for the future reports that the quality of its courts refurbishment of the had been deteriorating and as a result tennis courts. money was spent on them, however, they are still not good quality and need resurfacing again. 40 Woodthorpe Football NCC One adult (poor) and one mini Potential future NCC Medium Long Grange (standard) pitch with some spare reserve site in relation capacity on the mini pitch. Poor to the development quality changing. Main user of a hub site at Forest Sherwood FC which uses a range Recreation Ground of other sites to accommodate all where teams could teams. also be transferred to play. 59 Nottingham Tennis NCC One of the largest tennis centres in Retain and protect. NCC Reserve High Long Protect Tennis Centre the UK and is a high profile facility for LTA both tennis in the area and for the LTA as a whole. 56 Valley Road Tennis/ NCC Three hard and two grass courts Sustain quality and NCC Strategic Medium Long Protect Park bowls all of good quality. Two good seek to maximise use. quality bowling greens with some spare capacity, however, multiple clubs operating across the site.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 38 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 61 Lenton Bowls University Two good quality bowling greens Sustain quality and NCC Key Centre Low Long Protect Recreation with some spare capacity, seek to maximise use. Ground however, multiple clubs operating across the site. 86 University AGP NCC One sand filled and one 3G AGP Explore future University Club Medium Short Protect Park Sports both good quality. Exclusive to potential use of the 3G FA Centre University of Nottingham use only pitch to satisfy future and, therefore, unavailable for demand for increased community use. competitive use of AGPs. 102 Lenton Abbey Tennis/ NCC Two poor quality hard surface Consider alternative NCC Education Low Long - Park bowls tennis courts and one disused uses for the site. bowling green. N/A Wollaton Park Football Lapsed site which previously No plans to reinstate NCC Reserve Low - - contained football pitches. sporting provision at the site due to its heritage importance

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 39 NORTH Hockey Football • No demand in the Area for additional pitches to service hockey. Spare capacity for more hockey Summary of pitches required to meet current and future demand available at Bulwell Academy. Rugby league

Pitch type Actual spare Demand (match sessions per week) • Accommodation required for league matches capacity and training with changing facilities (match sessions) Overplay Strategic Latent Total Future Total reserve demand (current) demand (future) (20%) Adult 21.5 6 4 - 10 1.5 8.5 Youth 3 5 1 - -3 1.5 -4.5 Mini 11 - 2.5 - 8.5 2 6.5

• Overplay on adult and youth pitches. • Some spare capacity is retained for strategic reserve in order to protect quality and accommodate latent and future demand.

• Shortfall of youth pitches can be addressed by increasing pitch quality. Cricket • There is actual spare capacity of 0.5 pitches at West Indian Cavaliers Cricket Club. • Some sites unavailable for community use due to poor quality i.e. Top Valley Academy and Trinity School. • Potential demand in the area for development of Last Man Stands. • Shortfall of one cricket pitch to meet future demand across Nottingham. Rugby Union • Three available schools sites which are unused due to lack of demand in the Area coupled with poor quality pitches.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 40 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 2 Bilborough Football College One standard adult pitch which Seek options to FA Education Medium Medium Enhance College is slightly overplayed. Used by improve quality Bilborough Town FC youth teams. to accommodate overplay and/or ensure appropriate maintenance is applied to sustain current levels of play. 3 Bilborough Football NCC Previously used by Bilborough Work with the FA to NCC Key Centre High Short Protect Park Town FC. Site currently being determine users for the redeveloped to provide three adult site including the option and two mini pitches with user yet as a homeground for to be determined. Pitches will be Bilborough Town FC. ready for use during the 2015/16 Discussions also taking season. place about relocating to a new development at Padstow Detached Playing Field. Harvey Rugby NCC Pitch located in the centre of If appropriate secure NCC High Short Protect Hadden League the athletics track which has future use of the RFL Sports accommodated American pitch for Nottingham Complex Football and rugby league Outlaws RLFC or look (Nottingham Outlaws). to tie in use with use at Bilborough Park. If not suitable work with Rugby League to identify a new site in the North of the City. Other possible sites include Parks & Open Spaces which are not currently used for formal sport e.g. King George V playing fields.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 41 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 4 Bulwell Hall Football NCC Three poor quality adult pitches Improve pitch quality NCC FA Key Centre Medium Medium Enhance with minimal peak time capacity. and investigate whether this site could accommodate all Bilborough Town FC teams on one site. This would require remarking of one adult pitch to youth. Two adult teams would need to be transferred to Bilborough College. 9 Ellis Guilford Football Education One adult, one youth and one No current local NCC Education Low Long Protect Sports mini pitch with some spare peak demand for community Centre capacity (good/standard quality). use. Consider future Available but unused. potential to open up Cricket One poor quality non turf wicket for community use unavailable for community use depending on strategic due to quality issues. need. 19 Mill Street Football Club Five adult and one mini pitch Seek options to secure FA Club High Long Protect Playing Field (good/standard quality) with tenure of the site for and minimal spare capacity. Site Bulwell FC in order to Enhance is owned by Basford Utd and allow the Club to apply Bulwell FC has a12 month verbal for funding for facilities agreement for its use, however, improvements should it is unsecured. The facilities do it be promoted in the not meet the requirements for the future. division above the one in which Bulwell FC currently plays. If they were to get promoted funding for facility improvement would be difficult to acquire without any form of tenure.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 42 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 22 Nottingham Football Education One adult pitch with no No current local demand NCC Education Low Long Protect Girls' community use. for community use. Academy Consider future potential to open up for community use depending on strategic need. 23 Nottingham Football Education One adult, one youth and two No current local NCC Education Low Long Protect Girls High mini pitches of standard quality demand for community School with minimal spare capacity. use. Consider future Tennis Seven hard courts of good quality potential to open up but no community use. for community use depending on strategic need. 24 Nottingham Football/ Education Two youth football pitches and No current local NCC Education Low Long Protect High School cricket four cricket pitches overmarked demand for community in summer. No spare capacity for use. Consider future community use. potential to open up for community use depending on strategic need. 26 Nottingham Football University One adult pitch with no Work with the School to NCC Education Low Long Protect University community use. Half size 3G maximise community Samworth pitch which has some reported use of the 3G pitch and Academy community use. explore options to link this with availability of the grass pitch for community use.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 43 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 28 Southglade Football NCC Six adult (overplayed) and two Develop as a hub NCC Strategic High Medium Protect Leisure mini pitches all poor quality. site and seek options FA and Centre to improve quality EH Enhance to accommodate overplay and/or ensure appropriate maintenance is applied to sustain current levels of play. (28 AGP One sand dressed and one 3G Maximise use of the 3G Medium Long cont) AGP. Pitch was laid in 2006 and pitch to accommodate is assessed as standard quality, competitive football although there are reported fixtures. issues with regard to the quality Ensure sinking fund of floodlights. Homeground to is put in place for the Redhill Ladies Hockey Club. future replacement/ refurbishment of the sand carpet and address floodlighting issues to ensure hockey use continues at the site. 34 Top Valley Football Education Three standard quality adult No current local NCC Education Low Long Protect Academy pitches with no community use. demand for community use. Consider future potential to open up for community use depending on strategic need. Cricket Two standard quality non turf Consider as potential ECB High Short wickets with no community use additional site for LMS. but potential if quality was to be improved.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 44 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 35 Trinity School Football/ Education Two standard quality adult pitches Consider as potential ECB Education High Short Protect Cricket with no community use and one additional site for LMS. standard quality non turf wicket with potential for community use. Investigate further community use with the Trinity have an agreement with a school Gaelic Football team to play at the site. 36 Vernon Park Football NCC Four adult, one youth and two Retain current levels of NCC Key Centre Low Long Protect mini football pitches, all of which play and spare capacity FA are used by various teams in order to protect/ including AFC Vernon Youth (long sustain pitch quality. term lease due to be finalised). Three adult pitches are assessed as standard quality with the remaining pitches assessed as good quality. Vernon Park is the only City Council site with football pitches that are assessed as good quality. Two adult pitches available in the peak period. Tennis Four floodlit tennis courts Sustain court quality NCC Low Long assessed as good quality. One and seek to maximise of a number of park sites aiming use. to increase participation via the Cardio Tennis programme. Bowls One flat bowling green used by Sustain green quality NCC Low Long Vernon Park Bowling Club and and seek to maximise Nottingham Western Bowling use. Club. It is reported that the quality has improved due to the maintenance and quality of the Council’s green keeper.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 45 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 38 West Indian Cricket Club One pitch (eight grass wickets) Ensure the long term ECB Key Centre High Short Protect Cavaliers assessed as good quality. 0.5 lease is secured Cricket Club pitches actual spare capacity in order to explore available on Saturday. funding opportunities to The Club is in the process of upgrade the changing negotiating a long term lease with accommodation. the Council. Adequate changing provision which the Club has aspirations to upgrade. (38 Football One standard adult football pitch Further explore local FA Medium Medium cont) with no community use. Spare demand for use. capacity identified and available in the peak period. 41 Bulwell Tennis NCC One tennis court assessed as Consider for self- NCC Club Low Medium Protect Forest good quality. management and link to management of the tennis/ball court. Seek to maximise use. Bowls One flat bowling green used by Bulwell Forest Bowling Club. The Club reports that the quality has increased and suggests that the change is due to additional maintenance being completed. 44 Hempshill Football NCC Lapsed site which previously Consider site feasibility NCC Club Medium Medium Provide Lane contained football pitches. to accommodate youth FA football pitches to meet shortfalls. Alternatively no requirement to be retained for pitch provision.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 46 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 48 King George Football NCC Lapsed site which previously Consider site feasibility NCC Club Medium Medium Provide V Playing contained football pitches. to accommodate youth FA Fields football pitches to meet shortfalls. Alternatively no requirement to be retained for pitch provision. 50 Nuthall Tennis NCC Three courts assessed as poor Consider future NCC Reserve Low Long Protect Recreation quality. potential of the site. Use for summer Bowls Derelict bowling green. matches/competitions, training or informal play.

60 Strelley Tennis NCC One court assessed as poor Consider for self- NCC Club Low Medium Protect Recreation quality. management and link Ground to management of the Bowls One flat green used by Russell tennis/ball court. Seek Bowling Club. The Club report to maximise use. that the quality of the bowling green has improved extensively due to a good grounds keeper. 52 Mapperley Tennis Club Four floodlit courts assessed as Sustain court LTA Club Low Long Protect Park Tennis good quality. quality and ensure Club maintenance is appropriate to sustain investment made.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 47 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 71 Bluecoat Football School Two standard adult football Consider future NCC Education Low Long Protect Beechdale pitches that are available for potential to open up Academy community use with spare for community use capacity but not used. Clubs depending on strategic report being priced out of using need. the pitches. Rugby One poor senior rugby pitch that Explore opportunities to RFL Medium Medium is used by Nottingham Outlaws formalise use of the site NCC RLFC for training and u16s for the Club and explore competitive fixtures. opportunities to remark a football pitch to rugby to meet future demand. AGP Half size sand filled AGP that is Maximise use linked available for community use and to community use of used. the rugby pitch for non contact training or touch rugby events. 18 Melbourne Football NCC Key site with eight adult, one Seek options for NCC FA Strategic High Medium Enhance Park youth and one mini pitch all investment across poor quality. The youth pitch the site to improve is overplayed. Poor quality both pitch quality changing. Used by various teams and changing room but Aspley Park FC and Karimia provision. Youth FC are key users.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 48 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 72 Bulwell AGP Education Full size sand filled AGP laid in Consider potential to EH Education High Medium Protect Academy 2010 and is assessed as good increase hockey use FA quality. Although suitable for for competitive fixtures. hockey, there is currently no If no demand, consider hockey use. Spare capacity is future change of available during the weekend. surface to 3G to meet football need. Tennis Four floodlit courts assessed as No current local LTA Low Long good quality that are available for demands but consider community use but unused. future potential to open up for community use depending on strategic need. 101 Bluecoat Football Education One adult football pitch assessed Consider future NCC Education Medium Medium Protect Academy as standard quality. Available for potential to open up FA (Aspley site) community use but not used. for community use. RFU Spare capacity identified and School would be happy available in the peak period. to develop community Rugby One adult rugby pitch assessed use but reports that as standard quality. Available for cost is an inhibiting community use but not used. factor. Cricket would Spare capacity identified and require investment to be available in the peak period. brought back into use. Cricket Poor quality non turf wicket unfit for purpose. No actual spare capacity for community use due to poor quality. Tennis 2 MUGS’s both accommodate 4 tennis / 3 netball courts assessed as good quality with fencing but no floodlighting

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 49 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier Bluecoat Football One adult and one 9v9 football Consider future Academy pitch assessed as good quality potential to open up for (Wollaton but on a slight slope. Heavily community use. School site) used by the school but capacity would be happy to at weekends. No secured develop community use community use of the site but but reports that cost is some unofficial use takes place. an inhibiting factor Area is overmarked in the summer with rounders and athletics track. Cost appears to inhibit formal use. Changing rooms are good quality and have been refurbished and are available for community use if required. Tennis One tarmac tennis / netball court which is new and good quality land Former N/A NCC LAPP site with two adult pitches Part of site to be NCC Education Medium Medium Protect adj Henry Mellish and one youth 9v9 pitch, all developed for school LA38 School assessed as poor quality and pitches subject to Playing overplayed. Used by Bulwell community use Fields Rangers FC. agreement. LA36 Former N/A NCC Proposed uses - residential with No requirement to NCC - -- - Eastglade a significant proportion of the site be retained for pitch Primary and retained as open space. provision subject to Nursery community sports School hub being created in the north of the city, currently proposed at LA41 Former Padstow School Detached Playing Field (Beckhampton Road).

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 50 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier LA40 Former N/A NCC Proposed uses - residential with a No requirement to NCC - -- - Padstow proportion of the site retained as be retained for pitch School open space. provision subject to community sports hub being created in the north of the city, currently proposed at LA41 Former Padstow School Detached Playing Field (Beckhampton Road). LA41 Former N/A NCC Proposed uses - community sport Site to be developed NCC ECB Club High Medium Provide Padstow hub to accommodate a School The site (5.12ha) is large enough community sports hub Detached to accommodate a number of to meet the needs of Playing pitches from different sports. the wider area. Fields (Beckhampton Road) LA42 Former N/A NCC Proposed uses - residential. No requirement to NCC - -- - Padstow be retained for pitch School provision subject to Detached community sports Playing hub being created in Fields the north of the city, (Ridgeway) currently proposed at at LA41 Former Padstow School Detached Playing Field (Beckhampton Road).

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 51 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier LA43 Haywood N/A NCC Proposed uses - residential. No requirement to NCC - -- - Detached be retained for pitch Playing provision subject to Fields community sports hub being created in the north of the city, currently proposed at at LA41 Former Padstow School Detached Playing Field (Beckhampton Road). LA47 Lortas Road N/A NCC Proposed uses – residential. No requirement to NCC - -- - Public open spaces to be be retained for pitch provided on-site. provision. LA49 Melbury N/A NCC Proposed uses – residential. No requirement to NCC - -- - School be retained for pitch Playing provision. Nearby Fields parks and open spaces including redeveloped Harvey Hadden Sports Complex have capacity for future increases in demand for pitches.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 52 SOUTH Football Summary of pitches required to meet current and future demand

Pitch type Actual spare Demand (match sessions per week) capacity (match sessions) Overplay Strategic Latent Total Future Total reserve demand (current) demand (future) (20%) Adult 2 6 0.5 - -1.5 2 -3.5 Youth 1 --- 1 0.5 0.5 Mini 8 - 1.5 - 6.5 1 5.5

• Shortfall of adult football pitches due to overplay as a result of poor quality pitches. Improving pitch quality will address shortfalls.

• Minimal spare capacity on youth pitches should be retained to protect quality. • Potential oversupply of mini pitches in the Area. Cricket • There is actual spare capacity recorded at Carrington Sports Ground. • Lee Westwood Sports Centre (Nottingham Trent University) is overplayed by 15 matches per season. Rugby Union • Shortfall of senior rugby pitches to accommodate at least three match sessions a week. • Improving pitch quality and securing access to floodlit areas for training will address shortfalls. Hockey • Demand in the Area is catered for through Lee Westwood Sports Centre (Nottingham Trent University).

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 53 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 5 Carrington Football Club Three pitches (one adult, one Ensure appropriate FA Key Centre Low Long Protect Sports youth 9v9 and one mini 7v7) all pitch maintenance Ground assessed as good quality. Pitches is applied in order to are used by numerous teams sustain current usage. including Sherwood FC. The mini and youth pitches have no spare capacity during the peak period and the adult pitch is overplayed. Cricket One pitch assessed as good Retain spare capacity ECB Low Long quality with eight grass wickets and ensure appropriate and one non turf wicket. The pitch pitch maintenance is used by a number of teams is applied in order to from West Indian Cavaliers CC. sustain current usage. With regard to grass wickets, 0.5 pitches actual spare capacity is on Saturday. All junior play occurs on the non-turf wicket and no spare capacity is available at peak time (midweek). 6 Charnwood Football Education Three adult pitches assessed Reduce usage to NCC Education Medium Medium Protect Football as good quality. Pitches are ensure pitches are FA Centre overplayed by three match not overplayed and equivalents per week. Various apply appropriate pitch users with Clifton Aces Youth FC maintenance is applied and Central College Nottingham in order to sustain FC main users. quality. If pitch quality is improved at Clifton Playing Fields transfer play here. AGP Full size 3G AGP that is available Ensure sinking fund Low Long for community use and used. is in place for future refurbishment. Maximise future use to accommodate competitive fixtures. NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 54 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 7 Clifton Football NCC Nine adult football pitches all of As a priority NCC Strategic High Medium Enhance Playing which are assessed as standard improve the quality and Fields quality. Minimally overplayed by of three pitches Protect 0.5 matches per week. to accommodate overplay and/or ensure appropriate maintenance is applied to sustain current levels of play. Cricket Two cricket pitches, each with Improve pitch quality NCC Medium Medium six grass wickets and a non turf in order to sustain high wicket. Both standard quality. levels of use and being Lack of capacity with at least one, played to capacity. sometimes two, clubs using the cricket pitches every weekend. Tennis Eight tennis courts (three of which Explore opportunities NCC Low Long are floodlit) that are assessed to improve quality and LTA as poor quality. Key provision maximise participation. servicing very south of the City and is the only provision in Clifton. Bowls Two flat bowling greens used by Sustain quality and NCC Low Long Clifton Bowling Club with spare seek to maximise use capacity available. through pay and play opportunities. 10 Farnborough AGP Education Half size sand filled AGP. Maximise use as a EH Education Low Short Protect School training venue for FA Technology hockey and as required College football.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 55 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 20 Norman Football Club Five pitches (two adult, one youth Retain spare capacity in FA Key Centre Medium Medium Enhance Archer 9v9, two mini) assessed as good order to protect/sustain and Memorial quality (with the exception of quality. Explore options Protect Ground the mini 5v5 which is poor). All to improve the quality of pitches have peak spare capacity. the mini pitch. The site is home to Clifton All Support the Club Whites FC and the Club has 27 to seek funding to years remaining on a lease from upgrade the car NCC. The Club is trying to secure parking. Additional play funding to upgrade the car park to on the pitches can be accommodate a disabled team. sustained.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 56 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 21 Nottingham Football Education Three adult size pitches all poor Seek options to NCC Education Medium Short Protect Academy quality, two over marked to improve quality and FA Enhance (Ransom provide one 9v9 and two mini develop community Road Site) 7v7 pitches. Pitches are used for use. community use and to capacity due to poor quality. No changing available for football bookings. Cricket Small cricket pitch containing a Retain for school use. School Low Long non-turf wicket with mini football pitches and athletics track over marked. AGP One sand filled AGP containing Maximise use as EH Medium Short two 5-a-side size pitches, a training venue FA floodlit and fenced and recently for hockey and, as refurbished. Used by football required, football. clubs for training in the evenings but with spare capacity. Tennis Also four tennis courts located Explore local demand LTA Low Short at the school site which are for community use. adequate quality and could be made available for community use if required. Nottingham Football One 11v11 and one 9v9 pitch Retain for school use School Low Long Protect Academy good quality no issues as this and maintain as good (Greenwood was a new facility 3 years ago. quality. Road Site) No community use and pitches are used to capacity for school matches. School wants to protect pitches for own use. Cricket Good quality non turf wicket located between the two football pitches. Athletics track marked out around the cricket pitch in summer.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 57 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier AGP Small sand based AGP marked Maximise use as a EH Medium Short as one 7v7 pitch and 2 5-a-side training venue for FA pitches. Good quality enclosed hockey and as required and floodlit. Used three nights a football. week for football training but has spare capacity and unused at weekends. Nottingham AGP Concrete AGP (was previously Retain for school use School Low Long Enhance Academy sand) marked with two netball and consider future (Sneinton courts and 5-a-side football. No upgrade to sand if Boulevard community use as no reported demand exists. Site) demand. 17 Lee Football University Two adult football pitches Protect for University University Key Centre Medium Long Protect Westwood assessed as good quality. Used to use as a priority and Sports capacity to accommodate BUCS reserve any spare Centre fixtures. capacity in order to (Nottingham Rugby Two senior rugby union pitches protect quality. Trent Union assessed as good quality. Used to University) capacity to accommodate BUCS fixtures. Rugby One senior rugby league pitch League assessed as good quality. Used to capacity to accommodate BUCS fixtures. Cricket Two good quality cricket pitches, Explore opportunity University Medium Medium each with six grass wickets. In to extend pitches by ECB addition to hosting BUCS fixtures, a total of three grass the pitches are also used by wickets in order to Clifton Village Cricket Club and accommodate overplay. are overplayed by 15 matches per season.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 58 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier AGP Two full size AGPS both assessed Ensure sinking funds University Medium Medium as good quality. are in place for the RFU future refurbishment/ One sand filled AGP, re-laid replacement of carpets. in 2012, is unavailable for community use (as used to Maximise programming capacity for University fixtures) of the 3G pitch but does currently host South to accommodate Nottingham HC for competitive competitive football fixtures. fixtures and where possible accommodate The new 3G (also IRB compliant) training for Nottingham is available for community Moderns RFC. use and will host a significant number of teams from the Young Elizabethan League as of the 2014/2015 season. FIFA level tested and on FA register for competitive use. 25 Nottingham Rugby Club Two senior rugby pitches and one Secure access to RFU Club High Long Enhance Moderns Union mini rugby pitch. All of which are the new AGP at Lee and RFC assessed as good quality (M3/ Westwood Sports Protect D1) although drainage could be Centre (Nottingham improved. Trent University) for training to address Senior pitches are overplayed shortfall/overplay. by five match equivalents per week and the mini pitch is In the longer term, also overplayed by one match invest in slit drainage equivalent per week. across all pitches to maximise future pitch capacity.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 59 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier 37 Victoria Football NCC Six adult pitches (one youth 9v9 Retain spare capacity NCC Strategic High Medium Protect Embankment and one mini 7v7) all assessed and develop as an FA as poor quality. Youth and mini iconic hub site including pitches have spare capacity provision of one full size identified with pitches available 3G pitch. in the peak period. Wilford Lions Seek options to improve Youth FC is a key user. grass pitch quality to accommodate Adult pitches are overplayed by overplay and/or ensure 1.5 match sessions per week. appropriate maintenance Also has poor quality changing is applied to sustain provision. current levels of play. As part of the Masterplan improvements and the desire for an iconic facility on the site, investigate the need to improve/provide changing facilities to support the existing pitches and potential new 3G AGP. Ensure that the delivery of the Master Plan on the site improves the football offer at the Embankment, including the development of a 3G AGP football pitch. This alongside improved ancillary facilities which meet with iconic funding standards will transform the Embankment into an sustainable key hub site for football in the City

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 60 Site Site Sport Manage- Current status Recommended Partners Site Priority Timescales Aim ID ment actions hierarchy tier Cricket Three pitches all assessed as Ensure appropriate ECB High Short good quality. Important site for maintenance is applied NCC cricket within Nottingham. As part to sustain current levels of the City Council’s Masterplan of play. to regenerate the area, two new As part of the non-turf pitches were installed Masterplan for the site in 2013 and the existing non- invest in a new pavilion turf pitch was also refurbished. and support a potential Available for community use 4th artificial wicket on and used as LMS site. No spare the site. capacity at peak time. 42 Colwick Football NCC Lapsed site which previously No requirement to NCC - -- - Racecourse contained football pitches. be retained for pitch provision at present. 47 K.K Sports AGP Private Two half size sand filled AGPs. Maximise use as EH Club Low Short Protect and Leisure a training venue FA Centre for hockey and, as required, football. 51 Sycamore Football NCC One standard quality youth No current local NCC Reserve Low Medium Protect Park 9v9 pitch which is available but demand for competitive currently unused. use. Use for summer matches/competitions, training or informal play. 55 Wilford Bowls Club Privately owned site with one flat Sustain quality and Club Club Low Long Protect Social Club bowling green. Used by Wilford seek to maximise use. Bowling Club and spare capacity identified. 53 Magdala Tennis Club Private club site with two hard Explore funding LTA Club Medium Medium Enhance Tennis Club courts (standard quality) and opportunities to and three artificial grass courts (poor improve court quality in Protect quality). Of the five courts, four order to maximise use. are floodlit.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 61 Strategic recommendations action plan

Strategic issues Recommendation Actions Partners Priority Timescales Aim Opportunity to inform the review of Protect sports facilities where Enhance local planning policy and NCC, SE Medium Medium Protect the Local Plan to shape policy, inform there is a need to do so through develop criteria for disposal of sites protection and provision of sports facilities local planning policy. and reinvestment. and the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. A number of priority clubs without security Secure tenure and access to sites Develop criteria for lease of sport NCC, High Short Protect of tenure, for example Bilborough FC and for high quality, development sites to clubs/organisations in the NGBs Nottingham Outlaws RLFC, often resulting minded clubs, through a range first instance teams at Lenton Lane. in displaced demand. of solutions and partnership Continue to work towards adopting Medium Short agreements. a policy which supports community management and ownership of assets to local clubs, community groups and trusts. Identified clubs to agree future site locations are Bilborough FC, Wollaton FC and Nottingham Outlaws RLFC. Many sites are underutilised, especially for Maximise community use of Establish a more coherent, NCC, High Medium Protect competitive play for football. outdoor sports facilities where structured relationship with schools. NGBs, there is a need to do so. SE, CSP Community use at schools is limited and Ensure formal and long-term Medium Medium often based on informal agreements agreements are in place that secure between individual schools and clubs. community use. There are a number of school sites where Establish a working group to High Short a community use agreement is in place implement the strategic direction in but it is not clear whether the agreement is relation to the increased/better use being upheld. of school facilities. Poor quality pitches and courts, for To improve quality. Address pitch quality issues and NCC, Medium Short - Long Enhance example, 26% of grass football pitches are improve ancillary facilities. NGBs rated as poor quality (37 pitches) and 17 Ensure that pitches are not High Short tennis courts (17%) are assessed as poor overplayed beyond recommended quality. weekly carrying capacity.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 62 Strategic issues Recommendation Actions Partners Priority Timescales Aim Increase pitch maintenance High Medium and ensure appropriate level of maintenance for the level/standard of play. No strategic framework for the provision Adopt a tiered approach for the Prioritise investment in key sites NCC, High Short Enhance and management of outdoor sports across management and improvement through a hierarchy of provision. NGBs the City. of sites Develop hub sites to service the High Medium - City as a whole. Long Opportunity to have a coordinated Work in partnership with Establish a coordinated approach NCC, High Short Enhance approach to strategic investment with key stakeholders to secure funding to strategic investment to ensure NGBs, partners. that appropriate funding secured SE, CSP for improved sports provision is directed to areas of need. Opportunity to inform the review of Enhance the approach to Emerging policies should be NCC, SE Medium Medium Provide the Local Plan to shape policy, inform securing developer contributions. reviewed to take account of the protection and provision of sports facilities Playing Pitch Strategy outcomes. and the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and S106 and CIL schedules. Identified shortfalls in provision, for Rectify quantitative shortfalls in Improve pitch quality in order to NCC, Medium Medium - Provide example, a shortfall of youth football the current pitch stock improve the capacity of pitches to NGBs Long pitches, a shortfall of one cricket pitch and accommodate more matches. a shortfall of rugby union pitches. Re-designate pitches for which High Short there is an oversupply. Secure long term community use at High Short - school sites. Medium Work with commercial and private Low Long providers to increase usage. Opportunity to inform Nottingham City Identify opportunities to As a Steering Group, regularly NCC, SE High Medium Provide Council’s Land and Planning Policies add to the overall stock to update the Action Plan to take (LAPP), Development Plan Document, accommodate both current and account of opportunities to increase Local Plan Part 2, Preferred Option future demand. provision in areas of demand. outlines site allocations.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 63 Part 9: Deliver The Strategy and Keep It Robust and Up To Date

Delivery Each member of the steering group should take the lead to ensure the PPS is used and applied The Playing Pitch Strategy seeks to provide guidance appropriately within their area of work and influence. for maintenance/management decisions and The role of the steering group should not end with the investment made across Nottingham in the five years completion of the PPS document up to 2020. However the LAPP will be developed until 2028 and this document deals with the sites that are To help ensure the PPS is well used it should be included in that document. By addressing the issues regarded as the key document within the study area identified in the Assessment Report and using the guiding the improvement and protection of playing strategic framework presented in this Strategy, the pitch provision. It needs to be the document people current and future sporting and recreational needs of regularly turn to for information on the how the Nottingham can be satisfied. The Strategy identifies current demand is met and what actions are required where there is a deficiency in provision and identifies to improve the situation and meet future demand. In how best to resolve this in the future. order for this to be achieved the steering group need to have a clear understanding of how the PPS can be It is important that this document is used in a applied and therefore delivered. practical manner, is engaged with partners and encourages partnerships to be developed, to ensure The process of developing the PPS will hopefully that outdoor sports facilities are regarded as a vital have already resulted in a number of benefits that aspect of community life and which contribute to the will help with its application and delivery. These achievement of Council priorities. may include enhanced partnership working across different agendas and organisations, pooling of The production of this Strategy should be regarded resources along with strengthening relationships as the beginning of the planning process. The and understanding between different stakeholders success of this Strategy and the benefits that are and between members of the steering group and gained are dependent upon regular engagement the sporting community. The drivers behind the PPS between all partners involved and the adoption of a and the work to develop the recommendations and strategic approach. action plan will have also highlighted, and helped the steering group to understand, the key areas to which it can be applied and how it can be delivered.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 64 Monitoring and updating • How the delivery of the recommendations and • Reviews the need to update the PPS along action plan has progressed and any changes with the supply and demand information and required to the priority afforded to each action assessment work on which it is based. Further to It is important that there is regular annual monitoring (e.g. the priority of some may increase following review the group should either: and review against the actions identified in the the delivery of others) Provide a short annual progress and update Strategy. This monitoring should be led by the local • How the PPS has been applied and the lessons paper; authority and supported by all members of, and • learnt reported back to, the steering group. Understanding • Provide a partial review focussing on and learning lessons from how the PPS has been • Any changes to particularly important sites and/ particular sport, pitch type and/or sub area; or or clubs in the area (e.g. the most used or high applied should also form a key component of Lead a full review and update of the PPS quality sites for a particular sport) and other • monitoring its delivery. This should form an on-going document (including the supply and demand supply and demand information, what this may role of the steering group. information and assessment details). mean for the overall assessment work and the key findings and issues As a guide, if no review and subsequent update has Alongside the regular steering group meetings a good been carried out within three years of the PPS being • Any development of a specific sport or particular way to keep the strategy up to date and maintain signed off by the steering group, then Sport England format of a sport relationships may be to hold annual sport specific and the NGBs would consider the PPS and the meetings with the pitch sport NGBs and other Any new or emerging issues and opportunities. information on which it is based to be out of date. • relevant parties. These meetings could look to update the key supply and demand information, if necessary Once the PPS is complete the role of the steering The nature of the supply and in particular the demand amend the assessment work, track progress with group should evolve so that it: for playing pitches will likely to have changed over implementing the recommendations and action plan the three years. Therefore, without any form of review and highlight any new issues and opportunities. Acts as a focal point for promoting the value and update within this time period it would be difficult • and importance of the PPS and playing pitch to make the case that the supply and demand These meetings could be timed to fit with the provision in the area information and assessment work is sufficiently annual affiliation process undertaken by the NGBs robust. • Monitors, evaluates and reviews progress with which would help to capture any changes in the the delivery of the recommendations and action number and nature of sports clubs in the area. Ideally the PPS could be reviewed on an annual basis plan Other information that is already collected on a from the date it is formally signed off by the steering regular basis such as pitch booking records for local • Shares lessons learnt from how the PPS has group. This will help to maintain the momentum and authority and other sites could be fed into these commitment that would have been built up when been used and how it has been applied to a variety of circumstances meetings. The NGBs will also be able to indicate any developing the PPS. Taking into account the time to further performance quality assessments that have develop the PPS this should also help to ensure that • Ensures the PPS is used effectively to input been undertaken within the study area. Discussion the original supply and demand information is no into any new opportunities to secure improved with the league secretaries may also indicate annual more than two years old without being reviewed. provision and influence relevant programmes and league meetings which it may be useful to attend to initiatives pick up any specific issues and/or enable a review of An annual review should not be regarded as a the relevant club details to be undertaken. particularly resource intensive task. However, it • Maintains links between all relevant parties with should highlight: an interest in playing pitch provision in the area;

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 65 The steering group should regularly review and Checklist refresh area by area plans taking account of any improvements in pitch quality (and hence increases in pitch capacity) and also any new negotiations for To help ensure the PPS is delivered and is kept http://www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning/ community use of education sites in the future. robust and up to date, the steering group can refer to planning-for-sport/planning-tools-and-guidance/ the new methodology Stage E Checklist: Deliver the playing-pitch-strategy-guidance/ It is important that the Council maintains the strategy and keep it robust and up to date: data contained with the accompanying Playing Pitch Database. This will enable it to refresh and Stage E: Deliver the strategy and keep it robust and up to date Tick update area by area plans on a regular basis. The accompanying database is intended to be Yes Requires refreshed on a season by season basis and it is Attention important that there is cross-departmental working, Step 9: Apply & deliver the strategy including for example, grounds maintenance and 1 Are steering group members clear on how the PPS can be applied across a range sports development departments, to ensure that of relevant areas? this is achieved and that results are used to inform subsequent annual sports facility development 2 Is each member of the steering group committed to taking the lead to help ensure plans. Results should be shared with partners via a the PPS is used and applied appropriately within their area of work and influence? consultative mechanism. 3 Has a process been put in place to ensure regular monitoring of how the recommendations and action plan are being delivered and the PPS is being applied? Step 10: Keep the strategy robust and up to date 1 Has a process been put in place to ensure the PPS is kept robust and up to date? 2 Does the process involve an annual update of the PPS? 3 Is the steering group to be maintained and is it clear of its on-going role? 4 Is regular liaison with the NGBs and other parties planned? 5 Has all the supply and demand information been collated and presented in a format (i.e. single document that can be filtered accordingly) that will help people to review it and highlight any changes? 6 Have any changes made to the Active Places Power data been fed back to Sport England?

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 66 Appendix 1: Strategic Content

National context • Support local authorities and unlock local The recommendations funding The provision of high quality and accessible Ensure real opportunities for communities within this Strategy community outdoor sports facilities at a local level • is a key requirement for achieving the targets set The vision is for England to be a world leading have been developed out by the Government and Sport England. It is sporting nation where many more people choose via the combination of vital that this strategy is cognisant of and works to play sport. There are five strategic themes towards these targets in addition to local priorities including: information gathered and plans. • Maximise value from current NGB investment during consultation, Sport England: A Sporting Habit for Life (2012- Places, People, Play site visits and analysis. 2017) • Strategic direction and market intelligence They reflect key areas In 2017, five years after the Olympic Games, • to be addressed over Sport England aspires to transforming sport in • Set criteria and support system for NGB 2013- England so that it is a habit for life for more people 17 investment its lifetime. However, and a regular choice for the majority. Launched in January 2012 the strategy sets out how Sport • Market development implementation England will invest over one billion pounds of must be considered National Lottery and Exchequer funding during The aim by 2017 is to ensure that playing sport is a the five year plan period. The investment will be lifelong habit for more people and a regular choice in the context of used to create a lasting community sport legacy for the majority. A specific target is to increase by growing sports participation at the grassroots the number of 14 to 25 year olds playing sport. financial implications level following the 2012 London Olympics. The To accomplish these aims the strategy sets out a and the need for strategy will: number of outcomes: 4,000 secondary schools in England will be some proposals to • See more people starting and keeping a • sporting habit for life offered a community sport club on its site with also meet planning a direct link to one or more NGBs, depending considerations. • Create more opportunities for young people on the local clubs in a school’s area. Nurture and develop talent • • County sports partnerships will be given new • Provide the right facilities in the right places resources to create effective links locally between schools and sport in the community.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 67 • All secondary schools that wish to do so, will be The NPPF states the purpose of the planning system The FA National Game Strategy (2011 – 2015) supported to open up, or keep open, their sports is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable facilities for local community use and at least a development. It identifies that the planning system The Football Association’s (FA) National Game third of these will receive additional funding to needs to focus on three themes of sustainable Strategy provides a strategic framework that sets make this happen. development: economic, social and environmental. A out key priorities, expenditure proposals and targets presumption in favour of sustainable development is for the national game (i.e., football) over a four year • At least 150 further educational colleagues will a key aspect for any plan-making and decision-taking period. The main issues facing grassroots football are benefit from a full time sports professional who processes. In relation to plan-making the NPPF identified as: will act as a College Sport Maker. sets out that Local Plans should meet objectively • Growth and retention (young and adult players) assessed needs. • Three quarters of university students aged 18-24 • Raising standards and behaviour will get the chance to take up a new sport or The ‘promoting healthy communities’ theme identifies continue playing a sport they played at school or that planning policies should be based on robust and • Better players college. up-to-date assessments of the needs for open space, sports and recreation facilities and opportunities for • Running the game • A thousand of our most disadvantaged local communities will get a Door Step Club. new provision. Specific needs and quantitative or Workforce qualitative deficiencies or surpluses in local areas • • Two thousand young people on the margins should also be identified. This information should be • Facilities of society will be supported by the Dame Kelly used to inform what provision is required in an area. Holmes Legacy Trust into sport and to gain new ‘The National Game Strategy’ reinforces the urgent life skills. As a prerequisite the NPPF states existing open need to provide affordable, new and improved space, sports and recreation buildings and land, facilities in schools, clubs and on local authority • Building on the success of the Places People including playing fields, should not be built on unless: sites. Over 75% of football is played on public sector Play, a further £100 million will be invested in facilities. The leisure budgets of most local authorities facilities for the most popular sports. • An assessment has been undertaken, which has have been reduced over recent years, resulting in clearly shown that the open space, buildings or decaying facilities that do not serve the community • A minimum of 30 sports will have enhanced land is surplus to requirements. and act as a disincentive to play football. The loss of England Talent Pathways to ensure young people playing fields has also been well documented and and others fulfil their potential. • The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or adds to the pressure on the remaining facilities to better provision in terms of quantity and quality in cope with the demand, especially in inner city and a suitable location. urban areas. National Planning Policy Framework The growth of the commercial sector in developing • The development is for alternative sports and The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets recreational provision, the needs for which clearly custom built five-a-side facilities has changed the out planning policies for England. It details how these outweigh the loss. overall environment. High quality, modern facilities changes are expected to be applied to the planning provided by Powerleague, Goals and playfootball. system. It also provides a framework for local net for example, have added new opportunities to people and their councils to produce distinct local participate and prompted a significant growth in the and neighbourhood plans, reflecting the needs and In order for planning policies to be ‘sound’ local number of five-a-side teams in recent years. priorities of local communities. authorities are required to carry out a robust assessment of need for open space, sport and recreation facilities.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 68 The FA National Facilities Strategy (2013 – 2015) • On selected sites, new and improved changing • Vibrant domestic game; facilities and toilets The National Facilities Strategy sets out the FA’s long • Enhancing facilities, environments and term vision for development of facilities to support • Continue a small grants programme designed to participation: address modest facility needs of clubs the National Game. It aims to address and reflect the • The focus of this plan is on providing facilities facility needs of football within the National Game. • Ongoing support with the purchase and to sustain participation levels rather than The National Game is defined as all non-professional replacement of goalposts increasing participation; football from Steps 1-7 of the National League System down to recreational football played on open It also commits to: • The Cricket Foundation’s ‘Chance to Shine’ programme has been an outstanding public space. The role of facilities will be crucial in Direct other sources of investment into FA facility • success in reintroducing cricket into state developing the game in England. One of the biggest priorities issues raised from ‘the Big Grassroots Football schools. ECB will prioritise investment in the Communicate priorities for investment across the Survey’ by 84% respondents, was ‘poor facilities’. • programme; grassroots game on a regular basis To further expand club/ school links and The FA’s vision for the future of facilities in England • Work closely with Sport England, the Premier position a cricket club at the heart of a is to build, protect and enhance sustainable football • League and other partners to ensure that community, ECB will provide £1.5 million per facilities to improve the experience of the nation’s investment is co-ordinated and targeted. annum capital improvement grants to local favourite game. It aims to do this by: clubs that make their club facilities available • Building - Provide new facilities and pitches to its local community and to local schools; in key locations to FA standards in order to Grounds to Play – England and Wales Cricket Successful England teams. sustain existing participation and support new Board (ECB) Strategic Plan (2010 – 2013) • participation. ‘Grounds to Play’ continues to focus on the four • Protecting - Ensure that playing pitches and pillars, as identified in the ECB’s previous strategy: The following actions executed during the duration of facilities are protected for the benefit of current Building Partnerships. The pillars are: Building Partnerships provide a strong base for this and future participants. plan. Actions include: Energising people and partnerships to deliver Enhancing - Invest in existing facilities and • • national goals at local level: Streamlining ECB governance pitches, ensuring that participation in the game is • Having streamlined the management of ECB sustained as well as expanded. • • Building participation by more than 20% per and established County Cricket Boards, annum (as measured through ECB focus clubs The Strategy commits to delivering in excess of where feasible, services currently provided and County Cricket Boards) £150m (through Football Foundation) into facility from the centre will be transferred to County improvements across the National Game in line with Boards; • Developing women’s cricket identified priorities: • Enhance asset growth through continuing • Attracting volunteers • Natural grass pitches improved – target: 100 interest free loans to community clubs, expanding NatWest Cricket Force, seeking Expanding cricket’s spectator base A network of new AGPs built – target 100 • • to support corporate or public sector cricket Introducing grants and loans to clubs • A network of refurbished AGPs – target 150 grounds under threat of closure through the • England and Wales Cricket Trust, and seeking • Developing disabilities cricket to expand partnerships for Indoor Cricket;

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 69 This plan therefore influences ‘Grounds to Play’ in the • Increase the provision of changing rooms and The RFL Facilities Trust website areas of facilities and coaches, which is where ECB clubhouses that can sustain concurrent adult and www.rflfacilitiestrust.co.uk provides further investment will be focussed. Partnership funding and junior male and female activity at clubs information on: support will play a key role in the delivery of actions and maintaining the strength of the pillars. • Improve the quality and quantity of natural turf • The RFL Community Facility Strategy pitches and floodlighting • Clean, Dry, Safe and Playable Programme • Increase the provision of artificial grass pitches The Rugby Football Union National Facilities that deliver wider game development • Pitch Size Guidance Strategy (2013-2017) • The RFL Performance Standard for Artificial The RFU National Facility Strategy 2013-2017 Grass Pitches provides a framework for development of high- It is also a high priority for the RFU to target investment in the following: • Club guidance on the Annual Preparation and quality, well-managed facilities that will help to Maintenance of the Rugby League Pitch strengthen member clubs and grow the game in • Upgrade and transform social, community communities around them. In conjunction with and catering facilities, which can support the Further to the 2011 Strategy detail on the following partners, this strategy will assist and support clubs generation of additional revenues specific programmes of particular relevance to and other organisations, so that they can continue pitches and facility planning are listed below and can to provide quality opportunities for all sections of the • Facility upgrades, which result in an increase in be found via the trust link (see above): community to enjoy the game. It sets out the broad energy-efficiency, in order to reduce the running facility needs of the sport and identifies investment costs of clubs • The RFL Pitch Improvement Programme 2013 – priorities to the game and its key partners. It identifies 2017 • Pitch furniture, including rugby posts and that with 470 grass root clubs and 1500 players there Clean, Dry and Safe programmes 2013 - 2017 is a continuing need to invest in community club pads, pitch side spectator rails and grounds • facilities in order to: maintenance equipment

• Create a platform for growth in club rugby England Hockey (EH) participation and membership, especially with a The Rugby Football League Facility Strategy view to exploiting the opportunities afforded by ‘The right pitches in the right places2’ RWC 2015. The RFL’s Facilities Strategy was published in 2011. The following themes have been prioritised: In 2012, EH released its facility guidance which is • Ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of rugby intended to assist organisations wishing to build or clubs, through supporting not only their playing • Clean, Dry, Safe & Playable protect hockey pitches for hockey. It identifies that activity but also their capacity to generate many existing hockey AGPs are nearing the end of revenue through a diverse range of activities and • Sustainable clubs their useful life as a result of the installation boom of partnerships. the 90’s. Significant investment is needed to update • Environmental Sustainability the playing stock and protect the sport against • Geographical Spread inappropriate surfaces for hockey as a result of the In summary the priorities for investment which have • Non-club Facilities met the needs of the game for the previous period 2 http://englandhockey.co.uk/page.asp?section=1143&s remain valid: ectionTitle=The+Right+Pitches+in+the+Right+Places

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 70 rising popularity of AGPs for a number of sports. EH is seeking to invest in, and endorse clubs and hockey providers which have a sound understanding of the following:

• Single System – clubs and providers which have a good understanding of the Single System and its principles and are appropriately places to support the delivery.

• ClubsFirst accreditation – clubs with the accreditation are recognised as producing a safe effective and child friendly hockey environment

• Sustainability – hockey providers and clubs will have an approved development plan in place showing their commitment to developing hockey, retaining members and providing an insight into longer term goals. They will also need to have secured appropriate tenure.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 71 Appendix 2: Funding Plan

Awarding body Description Funding opportunities Big Lottery Fund Big invests in community groups and projects that improve In order to deliver much of the http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/ health, education and the environment Action Plan it is recognised Sport England: Sport England is keen to marry funding with other • Improvement Fund organisations that provide financial support to create that external partner funding • Sportsmatch and strengthen the best sports projects. Applicants are will need to be sought. • Small Grants encouraged to maximise the levels of other sources Although seeking developer • Protecting Playing Fields of funding, and projects that secure higher levels of • Inspired Facilities partnership funding are more likely to be successful. contributions in applicable • Strategic Facilities Fund situations and other local www.sportengland.org/funding.aspx funding/community schemes www.sportengland.org/funding/our- could go some way towards different-funds/strategic-facilities/ meeting deficiencies and/ Football Foundation This trust provides financial help for football at all levels, or improving provision, www.footballfoundation.org.uk/ from national stadia and FA Premier League clubs down to grass-roots local development. other potential/match Rugby Football Foundation - The Grant The Grant Match Scheme provides easy-to-access sources of funding should be Match Scheme grant funding for playing projects that contribute to the investigated. Below is a list of www.rugbyfootballfoundation.org recruitment and retention of community rugby players. current funding sources that Grants are available on a ‘match funding’ 50:50 basis to are relevant for community support a proposed project. Projects eligible for funding include: improvement projects 1. Pitch Facilities – Playing surface improvement, pitch involving sports facilities. improvement, rugby posts, floodlights. 2. Club House Facilities – Changing rooms, shower facilities, washroom/lavatory, and measures to facilitate segregation (e.g. women, juniors). 3. Equipment – Large capital equipment, pitch maintenance capital equipment (e.g. mowers).

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 72 Awarding body Description Besides this scheme providing an important source of funding for potential voluntary and community EU Life Fund LIFE is the EU’s financial instrument supporting sector sites, it may also provide opportunities for http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ environmental and nature conservation projects throughout councils to access this funding, particularly in relation funding/intro_en.htm the EU. to resurfacing artificial sports surfaces. EH Capital Investment Programme (CIP) The CIP fund is for the provision of new pitches and re- surfacing of old AGPs. It forms part of EH’s 4 year Whole Strategic Facilities Fund Sport’s Plan. National Hockey Foundation The Foundation primarily makes grants to a wide range of Facilities are fundamental in providing more www.thenationalhockeyfoundation.com/ organisations that meet one of our chosen areas of focus: people with the opportunity to play sport. The Young people and hockey. supply of the right facilities in the right areas is key • to getting more people to play sport. Sport England • Enabling the development of hockey at youth or recognises the considerable financial pressures that community level. local authorities are currently under and the need • Smaller charities. to strategically review and rationalise leisure stock so that cost effective and financially sustainable provision is available in the long-term. Sport England has a key role to play in the sector, from influencing the local strategic planning and review of sports Protecting Playing Fields Sport England’s ‘Inspired Facilities’ funding facility provision to investing in major capital projects programme will be delivered via five funding rounds of strategic importance. SE launched a funding programme; Protecting and is was launched in Summer 2011 where clubs, Playing Fields (PPF) as part of its Places People Play community and voluntary sector groups and local The Strategic Facilities Fund will direct capital Olympic legacy mass participation programme authorities can apply for grants of between £25k and investment into a number of key local authority and is investing National Lottery funding in £150k where there is a proven local need for a facility projects that are identified through a strategic community sports projects. to be modernised, extended or modified to open up needs assessment and that have maximum impact new sporting opportunities. on growing and sustaining community sport The programme is being delivered via five funding participation. These projects will be promoted as rounds (with up to £2 million being awarded to The programme’s three priorities are: best practice in the delivery of quality and affordable projects in each round). Its focus is on protecting and facilities, whilst demonstrating long-term operational improving playing fields and developing community • Organisations that haven’t previously received a efficiencies. The fund will support projects that bring sport. It will fund capital projects that create, Sport England Lottery grant of over £10k. together multiple partners, including input from the develop and improve playing fields for sporting • Projects that are the only public sports facility in public and private sectors and national governing and community use and offer long term protection the local community. bodies of sport (NGBs). The fund is also designed of the site for sport. Projects are likely to involve to encourage applicants and their partners to the construction of new pitches or improvement of • Projects that offer local opportunities to people invest further capital and revenue funding to ensure existing ones that need levelling or drainage works. who do not currently play sport. sustainability. Sport England has allocated a budget of circa £30m of Lottery funding to award through this fund (2013-17).

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 73 Key features which applications must demonstrate • Offer an enhancement, through modernisation, to • Financial need and project cost. are: existing provision and/or new build facilities • Funding profile (i.e., Who’s providing what? Unit Have a long-term sustainable business plan and overall costs). A robust needs and evidence base which • • attracting public and private investment illustrates the need for the project and the • Technical information and requirements (e.g., proposed facility mix • Show quality in design, but are fit for purpose to planning permission). serve the community need • Strong partnerships which will last beyond the • Targets, outputs and/or outcomes (i.e., the initial development of the project and underpin • Have effective and efficient operating models, situation after the Project/what the Project will the long-term sustainability of the facility combined with a commitment to development achieve) programmes which will increase participation and Multi-sport provision and activity that Evidence of support from partners and • provide talent pathways. • demonstrates delivery against NGB local stakeholders. priorities Background/essential documentation (e.g., Projects will need to demonstrate how the grant will • A robust project plan from inception to community use agreement). • deliver against Sport England’s strategic priorities. completion with achievable milestones and The funding available is for the development of the • Assessment of risk. timescales. capital infrastructure, which can contribute to the costs of new build, modernisation or refurbishment Lottery applications will be invited on a solicited- and purchasing of major fixed equipment as part of Indicative costs only basis and grants of between £500,000 and the facility development. £2,000,000 will be considered. The indicative costs of implementing key elements of

the Action Plan can be found on the Sport England The Strategic Facilities Fund will prioritise projects Funder’s requirements website: www.sportengland.org/facilities- that: planning/tools-guidance/design-and-cost- Below is a list of funding requirements that can guidance/cost-guidance/ • Are large-scale capital developments identified typically be expected to be provided as part of a as part of a local authority sports facility strategic funding bid, some of which will fall directly out of the These costs are broken down into two areas: needs assessment/rationalisation programme Playing Pitch Strategy: and that will drive a significant increase in • Facility capital costs community sports participation Identify need (i.e., why the Project is needed) • • Lifecycle costs and how the Project will address it. • Demonstrate consultation/support from two or more NGBs and delivery against their local • Articulate what difference the Project will make. Facility capital costs priorities Identify benefits, value for money and/or added • Facility capital costs are calculated using estimates • Are multi-sport facilities providing opportunities to value. drive high participant numbers of what it typically costs to build modern sports • Provide baseline information (i.e., the current facilities, including fees and external works. • Are a mix of facility provision (indoor and/or situation). outdoor) to encourage regular & sustained use by Naturally, varying conditions, inflation and regional Articulate how the Project is consistent with a large number of people • adjustments. local, regional and national policy.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 74 Costs are updated regularly in conjunction with information provided by the BCIS (Building Cost Information Service) and other Quantity Surveyors.

The document is often referred to as the Planning Kitbag costs as the figures are often used by Planners and Developers when reviewing potential Planning Contributions to site developments.

Facility life cycle costs

Life cycle costs are how much it costs to keep a facility open and fit-for- purpose during its lifetime.

It includes costs for major replacement and planned preventative maintenance (day to day repairs). The costs are expressed as a percentage of the capital cost.

You should not underestimate the importance of regular maintenance and the expense in maintaining a facility throughout its life.

NOTTINGHAM PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY 2015 – 2020 Nottingham City Council 75