Leisure Transformation Consultation
Welcome
Gedling Borough Council is embarking on a bold and essential programme of transformation to ensure that its leisure and community services are inclusive, sustainable, and fit for the future. At the heart of this vision are two interconnected initiatives: the Leisure Transformation Programme and Ambition Arnold.
Leisure Transformation
Across the borough, many of our existing leisure facilities are now ageing, increasingly costly to maintain, and unable to meet the expectations of modern communities. These buildings face mounting repair needs, limited accessibility, and growing operational deficits. This presents an opportunity: to move away from outdated infrastructure and invest in modern, efficient, community-focused facilities that better support the health, wellbeing and connectedness of our residents.
A cornerstone of this work is the proposal to redevelop the current Carlton Forum Leisure and Richard Herrod Centres into a new, combined, purpose-built Carlton Leisure and Wellbeing Community Centre on the Richard Herrod site. This new centre is envisioned as a vibrant, welcoming destination that brings together leisure, health and community services under one roof. With space for fitness, wellbeing support, community use and potential health service co-location, the new facility is designed to be sustainable, inclusive and aligned with the Council’s environmental goals and 20-minute neighbourhood principles. It represents a major step forward in delivering the kind of high-quality public service spaces that local people deserve ensuring that residents can access key services and opportunities for healthy living close to home.
This is more than just investment in buildings. It’s about investing in people, places, and possibilities, while ensuring we can secure financial sustainability for both our statutory Council services and our leisure and community facilities. By working in partnership with our residents, we aim to create a future where everyone can access the support, services and spaces they need to live well, stay active, and feel connected to their community.
These consultations are your opportunity to help shape that future. Whether it’s the bold new plans for Carlton, or the transformation of leisure across Gedling, your voice matters. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier and more vibrant borough – for today, and for generations to come.
To take the survey now please click here –Â
Â
In parallel, the Council is developing a bold, long-term visionary masterplan for Arnold town centre through the Ambition Arnold programme. Ambition Arnold is the vision for the town centre. The programme will prioritise accessibility, inclusion, and community pride, aligning with the council’s vision for a vibrant town centre. Ambition Arnold aims to integrate modern leisure and cultural facilities with public realm improvements, enhanced connectivity, and a stronger town centre economy. Central to this vision are proposals to transform the Arnold Leisure Centre and Bonington Theatre into modern, high-quality facilities that support culture, wellbeing and economic vibrancy.
For more information on Ambition Arnold and to take the survey to shape the future of Arnold Town Centre, please visit: