Plans to turn part of Northants leisure centre sports hall into soft play for children confirmed – despite 2,000 residents signing petition against it
Proposals to turn part of a leisure centre in Northamptonshire into a soft play for children has been approved - despite 2,000 residents signing a petition against plans and the local MP fighting against it.
West Northamptonshire Council has confirmed that a reported 60 per cent of the sports hall at Daventry Leisure Centre is to be turned into a soft play area for young children.
In a joint statement with Everyone Active, a WNC spokesman said: “The decision has been made to reduce the amount of sports hall space available and introduce an exciting new soft-play facility.
“This will widen the appeal of Daventry Leisure Centre, increasing visitor numbers and ensuring play opportunities for children, helping to keep them socially and physically active.
“It will also introduce many new visitors to the leisure centre who might go on to take up membership and build the many activities available into their healthy lifestyle choices.
“We are conscious that reduced capacity in the sports hall will affect some regular users. Everyone Active has been and will continue to work with existing users to see where additional sessions or alternative arrangements can be provided which might suit their needs, and in the vast majority of instances this has been possible.”
A WNC spokesman previously said: "The soft play proposal was submitted by Everyone Active as part of the recent leisure tender process, which concluded at the end of last year.
"The aim is to broaden the appeal of Daventry Leisure Centre and ensure it offers activities for a wide range of ages and users as well as being financially viable. Badminton is not being removed entirely and there will continue to be provision alongside any soft play offer.”
However, at the time of writing (March 31), nearly 2,000 angry punters have signed a petition against the plans.
Campaigners’ online petition reads: “Daventry Leisure Centre has long been a cornerstone of our community, providing a space where individuals of all ages can engage in a variety of sports and activities. These are activities that bring people together, fostering a sense of community and promoting a healthy lifestyle for all. However, there's a pressing threat to this vibrant hub of activity - a decision to convert 60% of our beloved sports hall into yet another soft play area.
“Daventry already boasts its fair share of soft play facilities catering to young children. In contrast, quality sports halls like the one we have at Daventry Leisure Centre are rare and irreplaceable. By transforming this vital space, we risk losing not just a venue, but a part of our community spirit. The sports hall accommodates activities that are not only entertaining but also essential in maintaining fitness and well-being among residents of all ages.”
Last week, in one last ditch to stop the plans, local MP Stuart Andrew held a meeting with West Northamptonshire Council, the Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, and Everyone Active to discuss the proposed changes.
Mr Andrew said: “Given the strength of feeling I have received from constituents, I was very robust in my representations on their behalf.
“During this meeting, I was told that the new soft play development, which will involve reducing the size of the sports hall, formed part of Everyone Active’s contract renewal with West Northamptonshire Council and was not open to renegotiation. I was also told that the rationale behind the proposal was largely financial, and that it was intended to help fund wider improvements to the facility.
“Given that this situation formed part of a contract negotiation, I emphasised that there was never an opportunity for these plans to be properly consulted on, which is both wrong and unfair. It was acknowledged during the meeting that, with hindsight, the way this was communicated and handled with users could have been done differently.
“I know this will be disappointing news for many local people, but I ensured their concerns were raised directly and clearly with those responsible.''
Everyone Active is set to take over from Trilogy as West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) leisure centre operator, meaning it will take over the running of Mounts Baths, Danes Camp Leisure Centre and Lings Forum Leisure Centre.