Plans for a modern, sustainable leisure and wellbeing hub for Carlton have taken a major step forward, following the completion of RIBA Stage 2 feasibility assessments and Cabinet approval of the outline business case for a new leisure centre in the borough.
Carlton Active is a once-in-a-generation investment that will replace ageing, high-risk leisure buildings with a single, future-focused facility designed to serve the community for the next 50 years.
The project responds to clear evidence that the current leisure provision is financially unsustainable, energy-inefficient and increasingly at risk of unplanned closure.
The future concept design focuses on affordability, long-term sustainability and inclusive access, bringing together modern swimming facilities, expanded fitness provision, health and rehabilitation spaces, social areas and a family-friendly café, all on accessible, ground-level layouts.
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Informed by Passivhaus principles, Carlton Active will significantly reduce energy use and carbon emissions by replacing two outdated buildings with one modern hub. The centre will form the heart of a wider ‘active spine’, linking indoor and outdoor facilities, sports pitches and local education provision to create a connected wellbeing campus for the borough.
As part of the RIBA Stage 2 process, the Council also carried out additional independent assessments into the potential inclusion of indoor bowls, following a public petition. This work confirmed that including indoor bowls would substantially increase costs and reduce space for higher-demand facilities such as swimming and fitness, undermining both affordability and long-term sustainability. The Council is committed to actively supporting the Gedling Indoor Bowls Club and to understanding the needs of indoor bowls participants, and will explore alternative site feasibility work for indoor bowls while recognising the financial challenge of enabling this.
The project will now move into the next, more detailed design stages, subject to budget approval, to refine costs, further de-risk delivery and develop a Full Business Case for future decision-making.
Councillor Henry Wheeler, Cabinet Member for Lifestyles, Health and Wellbeing, said:
“This is about listening and responding to our residents. Residents have clearly told us that they want leisure provision to change so that it truly reflects and meets the needs of today and tomorrow.
By investing in a modern, accessible and sustainable hub, we can protect essential services, improve health and wellbeing for thousands of residents, and reduce the financial and environmental risks that come with running ageing buildings.
Carlton Active is designed to support older people, disabled residents, families and young people alike — helping more people to be active, connected and to live well for longer.”
