Major Planning Applications Approved for New Leisure Project
- Rivermead and Palmer Park planning applications approved with construction beginning on both sites this summer.
- Next step in delivering modern new leisure facilities for Reading – including a new leisure centre and two brand new swimming pools
PLANS to deliver new leisure facilities for Reading have been given the go-ahead with the approval last night (31 March) of two major planning applications.
The applications for both Rivermead and Palmer Park were considered at Reading Council’s Planning Committee on 31 March.
Now the planning applications have been approved, construction will begin on both sites this summer. The existing leisure centre at Rivermead will remain open until the new centre is finished so there will be facilities for people to use throughout the project.
The aim is to deliver the new facilities by early 2023.
The Council’s chosen leisure provider, Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) – who currently manage Rivermead Leisure Centre on behalf of the Council – will operate the new leisure facilities on the Council’s behalf once they are opened.
The planning applications provided a detailed view of the new facilities, which are set to include:
A modern new-build leisure centre at Rivermead, offering:
- A 25m 8-lane competition pool with 300 spectator seats
- A combined teaching and diving pool with moveable floor
- Splash pads
- A 6-court sports hall with 250 spectator seats
- A 120-station gym with 3 studios
- A café/ info hub and soft play
At Palmer Park, in addition to the refurbishment of the existing stadium building, there will be:
- A modern new 25 metre, 6-lane community pool
- A 100-station gym with three studios
- An activity zone for children with party rooms,
- And a new café and information hub.
There will also be improvements at South Reading and Meadway leisure centres.
Frances Martin, Reading Council’s Executive Director for Economic Growth & Neighbourhood Services, said: “The approval of the leisure project planning applications marks an important next step for this major project. We can now continue to work towards delivering modern new leisure facilities – including a new leisure centre and two brand new swimming pools – delivered in partnership with our leisure provider, Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL).
“Despite the challenges of the past year, we are continuing to press forward in providing the leisure facilities a town of our size and status deserves, as well as achieving a good balance for Reading’s communities and for families. Now more than ever it is vital to inspire the communities we serve to lead healthier, more active lives and to offer targeted activities to help reduce health inequalities.
“You can find out more information on the Council’s website at www.reading.gov.uk/newleisure ”
Paul Shearman, GLL partnership manager for Reading said: “The approval of the leisure planning applications is great news. Staying fit and mentally healthy has become even more important during the Coronavirus pandemic. It is well documented that regular physical activity can not only help maintain a healthy body weight and lower blood pressure but also alleviate depression; which we have sadly seen cases increase as a result of lockdown and reduced social interactions. We look forward to offering welcoming environments to exercise and socialise in for the whole community.”
View the full planning reports here: https://democracy.reading.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=143&MId=4514
The planning applications for these major projects can be viewed at: https://www.reading.gov.uk/planning/search-planning-applications/
(search planning reference numbers: 201734 and 201735)
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