Published on:
24
October 2014
A new ten year Leisure Strategy is to be developed for Clackmannanshire to ensure that the future provision of leisure services for local people is planned and developed on a long term basis as part of the Making Clackmannanshire Better programme.
A report to a meeting of Clackmannanshire Council (23 October) heard the results of a review of leisure services which was carried out by an independent expert. This looked at current leisure provision provided by Alloa Leisure Bowl and assessed the potential capacity for leisure provision in general. It also looked at the quantity and quality of provision, whether it is accessible and affordable and how it compares with provision in other areas of Scotland.
The review found that the facilities provides by the Council are of a good standard, and that Clackmannanshire has proportionately more sport and leisure centres and halls for its size and population than do Falkirk and Stirling. Pricing policies are also relatively low compared to other Councils, and while many buildings are old, they are in reasonably good condition and reflect the Council's investment despite budget pressures.
Alloa Leisure Bowl was described as meeting many local needs at affordable prices, however the overall ambience of the building reflects its age and constrains provision. The large majority of users (76%) felt the facility was fit for purpose and 88% thought that it offered good value for money.
Along with the recommendation on the development of a ten year strategy, the review also said that contract with Wasp Leisure for the Leisure Bowl should be extended for five years. This will allow for time to develop the strategy and allow for the market test of a future operator and allow an informed decision to be taken on a replacement or the future of the Leisure Bowl.
The leisure strategy will include a capital plan for investment in facilities and a programme for replacing facilities which are coming to the end of their useful life. The review recommends that there needs to be a clear view on what the Council supports under the banner of leisure, and that provision needs to be repositioned.
The public use of the leisure facilities at the three secondary school needs to be increased, and plans for this will form part of the strategy.
Council leader Gary Womersley said: "The development of a leisure strategy will allow the Council to make strategic decisions to ensure that we continue to provide high quality and accessible leisure opportunities for the people of Clackmannanshire.
"As part of Making Clackmannanshire Better, it is important that we have expert advice to look take the information gained in the review of leisure to help guide this ten year strategy. It will be interesting to see how the strategy develops and I look forward to seeing this in future reports to the Council."