Issue - meetings

To receive an update on increasing physical activity in North Kirklees.

Wards affected: all wards

Contact: Martin Gonzalez, Public Health Manager

RESOLVED -

1)    That, in noting the report, approval be given to take the next steps towards developing a new sport and leisure facility.

2)    That approval be given to commission an external options appraisal and feasibility study to determine:

(i)             what should be prioritised as part of any new sport and leisure facility, including facilities, co-location of services;

(ii)            potential site options, including the availability of sites; the capacity and suitability of sites to accommodate new provision; and the accessibility of sites mindful of proposed future housing growth; and

(iii)          the viability of options to be delivered within new capital budgets additional to the existing capital plan.

3)    That the proposed immediate work, using insight from the Brightsparks report to develop targeted opportunities to complement existing provision and support people across North Kirklees to be physically active, be noted.

4)    That it be noted that many factors affect physical activity and agree to keep working with partners to tackle the broader issues that make it harder for people to be active.

5)    That scrutiny be engaged ahead of, and throughout the next steps of the process.

6)    That authority be given to the Service Director Legal, Governance and Commissioning to execute any documents or instruments in relation to these resolutions.

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1), Cabinet received representations from Councillors Scott, Darwan, Lawson and H Zaman).

Cabinet considered an update following the decision in November 2024 to permanently close Dewsbury Sports Centre due to health and safety concerns and financial constraints. The report outlined findings from an independent engagement exercise commissioned to explore barriers and enablers to physical activity in North Kirklees, with a particular focus on Dewsbury and Batley. The Brightsparks research, gathered responses from nearly 1,000 residents and highlighted a strong community desire for a new sport and leisure facility that would be safe, welcoming, and socially inclusive. The research also identified wider factors influencing physical activity, including affordability, safety, accessibility, and cultural relevance.

Cabinet noted that physical activity levels in Dewsbury and Batley remained among the lowest in the district, with significant disparities affecting women, disabled people, and those from deprived communities. Cabinet was informed that the proposed next steps included commissioning an options appraisal and feasibility study to explore the development of a new facility, alongside immediate work to pilot community-based physical activity offers.

RESOLVED -

1)    That, in noting the report, approval be given to take the next steps towards developing a new sport and leisure facility.

2)    That approval be given to commission an external options appraisal and feasibility study to determine:

(i)             what should be prioritised as part of any new sport and leisure facility, including facilities, co-location of services;

(ii)            potential site options, including the availability of sites; the capacity and suitability of sites to accommodate new provision; and the accessibility of sites mindful of proposed future housing growth; and

(iii)          the viability of options to be delivered within new capital budgets additional to the existing capital plan.

3)    That the proposed immediate work, using insight from the Brightsparks report to develop targeted opportunities to complement existing provision and support people across North Kirklees to be physically active, be noted.

4)    That it be noted that many factors affect physical activity and agree to keep working with partners to tackle the broader issues that make it harder for people to be active.

5)    That scrutiny be engaged ahead of, and throughout the next steps of the process.

6)    That authority be given to the Service Director Legal, Governance and Commissioning to execute any documents or instruments in relation to these resolutions.