Transforming Leisure in Gedling
Frequently Asked Questions
What projects make up the Leisure Transformation Programme, and what is the overall aim of the programme?
The Leisure Transformation Programme is Gedling Borough Council’s strategic plan to modernise and future-proof the borough’s leisure and wellbeing services. It is focused on improving access, increasing participation, and supporting long-term community health and sustainability.
The programme is made up of several key projects:
- Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre - A proposed new facility on the current Richard Herrod Centre site, designed to provide modern leisure, health, and community spaces in one location. This facility is currently going through feasibility and business case development. It aims to better serve local residents with improved gym, swimming, community and wellbeing provision.
Ambition Arnold - A regeneration scheme focused on the north end of Arnold, around the current library, Bonington Theatre and Arnold Leisure Centre. The ambition is to create a more connected, accessible and modernised community hub that brings together cultural, leisure and library services. This includes reviewing the current building usage, developing a shared vision for the space, and working towards a long-term plan that supports both economic regeneration and improved resident experience.
In addition to progressing these two projects, we are also beginning a review of our Strategic Plan for Leisure Services across Gedling Borough. This includes a full refresh of our Strategic Outcomes Planning Model (SOPM).
The SOPM is a nationally recognised framework used by councils, supported by Sport England, to guide investment and decision-making in leisure and community facilities. It helps us understand:
- Current and future needs of residents
- Gaps in access or provision
- Opportunities to align services with health and wellbeing priorities
- What facilities are required and where
Reviewing our SOPM is an essential first step in any major transformation programme. It ensures that future decisions are based on up-to-date data, community need, and clear strategic outcomes. This review will inform how we prioritise future projects, ensure fairness across the borough, and demonstrate value to funding partners.
Together, these projects and the strategic review will shape the next generation of inclusive, accessible and sustainable leisure services for Gedling residents.
Why do we need a new Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre?
In July 2024, Cabinet approved the development of a pre-construction feasibility study to assess the potential for a new Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre to be built on the current Richard Herrod site. This study is now well underway and will result in a set of detailed design proposals and a full business case.
The current Carlton Forum Leisure Centre is not owned by Gedling Borough Council and is managed under a joint use agreement with Nottinghamshire County Council and Redhill Academy Trust. It is over 50 years and at the end of its life and ongoing asset maintenance will prove increasingly costly and difficult in the years ahead.
There is a considerable financial subsidy to the Council in providing the two facilities across Carlton Forum and Richard Herrod. The Council has identified the need for financial sustainability across its leisure sites as part of the SOPM to support its 5 Year Medium Term Financial Plan and to fulfil its statutory obligations to balance its finances.
This business case will help the Council assess the long-term benefits of building a new facility - including how it can improve health and wellbeing, increase community access to services, reduce carbon footprint, and ensure our leisure offer remains financially sustainable into the future.
Once complete, the design and business case will be submitted to Cabinet for approval - expected in December 2025 or January 2026. If Cabinet approves the project, a decision will also be made at that time on whether to move forward with construction.
If given the go-ahead, construction - which may involve either a full rebuild or a phased refurbishment and development - could begin at some point during 2026. These timelines are still to be confirmed and will depend on the outcome of the feasibility work and Cabinet’s final decision.
The ambition is to create a modern, inclusive, and accessible facility that can support sport, fitness, wellbeing, and community activity for many years to come.
What stage is the Carlton Leisure, Wellbeing & Community Centre project currently at?
The Carlton project is currently at the feasibility and business case development stage.
We began by completing an initial assessment using the Strategic Outcomes Planning Model (SOPM) - a nationally recognised approach for aligning leisure provision with community health, wellbeing, and inclusion outcomes. While the original SOPM supported the case for significant transformation, including redevelopment of the Richard Herrod site, we are now revisiting this work to ensure it still reflects current performance, community need, and strategic priorities.
Since the SOPM was first produced, the Gedling Leisure service has significantly improved, with rising participation, stronger financial performance, and greater community impact. As a result, we are reviewing and refreshing the SOPM to make sure our decisions are based on the most up-to-date evidence and insights.
This process is being supported by early design and planning work, including site surveys, cost planning, architectural feasibility, and technical assessments. We have appointed professional consultants to lead this work and help develop a robust and realistic vision for what a future facility could look like.
Over the coming months, we will be developing a detailed business case, which will evaluate the financial, operational, and social benefits of a new facility. A critical part of this process will include community consultation, stakeholder engagement, and workforce involvement, all scheduled to take place in summer 2025.
In parallel, we are also reviewing potential operational models for the new facility and exploring future management options for the wider Gedling Leisure portfolio. This includes looking at how services could be delivered in the most efficient, sustainable and impactful way - whether directly by the Council, through a new delivery model, or in partnership with other organisations. This work is a normal and responsible part of long-term planning and is focused on ensuring best value for residents and the long-term success of leisure in the borough.
A final decision on whether to proceed to construction has not yet been made. That decision will be informed by the business case, consultation feedback, and formal approval by the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and elected Members. We currently aim to bring forward a recommendation on the facility mix and delivery model by January 2026.
What Facilities will be included in The Carlton, Leisure & Wellbeing Centre?
At this stage, no final decisions have been made about the exact facilities that will be included in the proposed new centre. The final mix will be shaped by the ongoing business case, detailed opportunity analysis, and the outcomes of planned community, stakeholder, and workforce consultation. However, the current proposed facilities being explored through the feasibility and design work include:
- A modern gym and fitness suite
- A main swimming pool and learner pool
- Group exercise studios, including an assisted exercise studio to support inclusive fitness and rehabilitation
- A bowls rink (subject to feasibility and demand assessment)
- Multipurpose community rooms
- Wellbeing spaces for outreach services, mental health support, or referral-based programmes
- A welcoming reception area and café
- Accessible changing facilities
- Improved parking and site access
The final layout, scale and offer will be based on:
- What the local community needs and will use
- What is financially viable and sustainable
- What delivers the greatest impact for health, inclusion, and community benefit
- Input from the people who know our services best - including you
Your insight, along with public and stakeholder consultation planned for summer 2025, will play a key role in shaping the final recommendations.
We expect to present proposals for the facility mix as part of the business case by January 2026, ahead of any final Cabinet decision.
What is happening with the Richard Herrod Centre and why are bookings being stopped on 26th April 2026?
- The Richard Herrod Centre will continue to operate as normal for now, but new customer bookings will not be taken beyond 26th April 2026.
This is an operational planning decision made by the Council’s Senior Leadership Team to support the feasibility and business case work currently underway for the proposed Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre, which could be developed on the same site.
Stopping bookings at this point allows the Council to:
- Avoid short-notice cancellations for customers if construction goes ahead
- Prepare for any early site surveys or technical works that may be required
- Align with the end of the Gedling Indoor Bowls Club lease, for consistency
- Provide staff, customers and user groups with clear timelines and expectations
Importantly, this is not a closure of the Centre, and no decision has been made yet about whether construction will go ahead. The Centre will remain open and operating, and your role remains secure. Any future changes would be subject to formal Cabinet approval and full staff consultation.
What will happen to the activities and groups that currently use the Centre?
- We understand how important the Richard Herrod Centre is to the many clubs, community groups, and regular users who rely on its facilities. If redevelopment of the site goes ahead, the Council is committed to ensuring these groups are supported throughout the transition.
In the event that the site needs to be temporarily closed for construction, the Council will:
- Work proactively with each group to understand their specific needs (e.g. space, accessibility, equipment)
- Identify suitable alternative venues across the Gedling Leisure portfolio and the wider community, where this is possible
- Offer practical relocation support to minimise disruption to activities and memberships
- Provide regular updates to ensure all users feel informed and supported
In particular, we recognise the long-standing presence of the Gedling Indoor Bowls Club at the site. We are already in active discussions with the club’s committee and exploring options for temporary accommodation should a redevelopment proceed. This includes reviewing potential alternative indoor bowls provision and liaising with Bowls England to ensure continuity of the sport in the borough during the transition period.
Long term, the project team is also reviewing how bowls can be incorporated into the design of the new Carlton Centre, subject to feasibility, demand, and available space.
This approach reflects our commitment to continuity, fairness, and inclusion for all user groups, while recognising any future facility must be financially viable in order to succeed.
What will happen to Carlton Forum Leisure Centre during this time?
- Carlton Forum Leisure Centre will remain open and continue operating as normal throughout the planning and potential construction of the new Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre.
There are currently no plans to close or reduce services at Carlton Forum while the Richard Herrod site is under review. The Council is committed to maintaining business continuity across the leisure portfolio, and Carlton Forum plays a key role in providing ongoing access to sport and fitness in the area.
If the new centre is approved and construction goes ahead, Carlton Forum will continue to operate until the new facility is fully built and ready to open - ensuring no gap in service delivery for customers, clubs or the community.
What is the timeline for key decisions for The Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre.
- Summer 2025: Community, stakeholder, and staff consultation.
- Late 2025: Finalisation of feasibility work and business case.
- January 2026: Cabinet decision on whether to proceed with the project.
Post-Jan 2026: If approved, detailed planning for construction and workforce transition would begin.
What is Ambition Arnold?
Ambition Arnold is a long-term regeneration project led by Gedling Borough Council to transform the north end of Arnold town centre, with a focus on the area surrounding Arnold Leisure Centre, Arnold Library, and the Bonington Theatre.
The goal of the project is to create a modern, inclusive, and accessible cultural and wellbeing hub, where residents can access leisure, learning, entertainment, and community services all in one connected location. It forms part of the Council’s broader commitment to invest in local places, improve community outcomes, and deliver high-quality services in buildings that are sustainable and fit for the future.
What facilities are being considered for redevelopment under Ambition Arnold?
The current vision includes the redevelopment and co-location of several key public services across two core sites:
Arnold Leisure Centre:
A new or refurbished leisure centre is proposed, featuring:
- A main swimming pool and learner pool
- A 130-station gym
- 3 group exercise studios
- A community space
- A café and modernised reception area
Bonington Theatre:
A separate cultural venue designed to support both live and screen entertainment, including:
- A 225-seat theatre
- 2 cinema screens
- Community space
- Food and beverage offer (e.g. café/bar) to enhance the visitor experience
The ambition is to take a phased approach, with the Bonington Theatre redevelopment planned as the first stage, followed by a wider transformation of the leisure centre once funding is secured.
All services — including the existing Arnold Leisure Centre — will remain open and operational until any new facilities are complete, ensuring business continuity and ongoing public access.
When is this happening?
No decisions have been finalised yet. The project is currently in the feasibility and visioning phase. Any future redevelopment would depend on:
- The outcome of detailed feasibility and site studies
- The availability of external and internal capital funding
- Cabinet and elected Member approval
- Full consultation with staff, users, partners, and stakeholders
- The Council is also exploring external funding opportunities to support phased delivery.
What stage is Ambition Arnold at now?
The project is in the early strategic planning phase. Initial work has been completed to assess the site potential, how services could be brought together, and how to phase the development. Work is ongoing to shape the overall vision, delivery strategy and funding model.
Consultation with the public on this initial work will commence on 27 May 2025 for 4 weeks. The feedback from this consultation will shape the final outline plans for future facilities in Arnold Town Centre. These plans once agreed by the Council are then available to use when the opportunity arises for future funding bids to support facility development in Arnold.
Ambition Arnold - How can I have my say?
The Council is encouraging all residents, businesses, and stakeholders to take part in shaping the future of Arnold.
For more information on Ambition Arnold and to take the survey, please visit: www.gedling.gov.uk/ambitionarnold
What projects make up the Leisure Transformation Programme, and what is the overall aim of the programme?
The Leisure Transformation Programme is Gedling Borough Council’s strategic plan to modernise and future-proof the borough’s leisure and wellbeing services. It is focused on improving access, increasing participation, and supporting long-term community health and sustainability.
The programme is made up of several key projects:
- Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre - A proposed new facility on the current Richard Herrod Centre site, designed to provide modern leisure, health, and community spaces in one location. This facility is currently going through feasibility and business case development. It aims to better serve local residents with improved gym, swimming, community and wellbeing provision.
Ambition Arnold - A regeneration scheme focused on the north end of Arnold, around the current library, Bonington Theatre and Arnold Leisure Centre. The ambition is to create a more connected, accessible and modernised community hub that brings together cultural, leisure and library services. This includes reviewing the current building usage, developing a shared vision for the space, and working towards a long-term plan that supports both economic regeneration and improved resident experience.
In addition to progressing these two projects, we are also beginning a review of our Strategic Plan for Leisure Services across Gedling Borough. This includes a full refresh of our Strategic Outcomes Planning Model (SOPM).
The SOPM is a nationally recognised framework used by councils, supported by Sport England, to guide investment and decision-making in leisure and community facilities. It helps us understand:
- Current and future needs of residents
- Gaps in access or provision
- Opportunities to align services with health and wellbeing priorities
- What facilities are required and where
Reviewing our SOPM is an essential first step in any major transformation programme. It ensures that future decisions are based on up-to-date data, community need, and clear strategic outcomes. This review will inform how we prioritise future projects, ensure fairness across the borough, and demonstrate value to funding partners.
Together, these projects and the strategic review will shape the next generation of inclusive, accessible and sustainable leisure services for Gedling residents.
Why do we need a new Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre?
In July 2024, Cabinet approved the development of a pre-construction feasibility study to assess the potential for a new Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre to be built on the current Richard Herrod site. This study is now well underway and will result in a set of detailed design proposals and a full business case.
The current Carlton Forum Leisure Centre is not owned by Gedling Borough Council and is managed under a joint use agreement with Nottinghamshire County Council and Redhill Academy Trust. It is over 50 years and at the end of its life and ongoing asset maintenance will prove increasingly costly and difficult in the years ahead.
There is a considerable financial subsidy to the Council in providing the two facilities across Carlton Forum and Richard Herrod. The Council has identified the need for financial sustainability across its leisure sites as part of the SOPM to support its 5 Year Medium Term Financial Plan and to fulfil its statutory obligations to balance its finances.
This business case will help the Council assess the long-term benefits of building a new facility - including how it can improve health and wellbeing, increase community access to services, reduce carbon footprint, and ensure our leisure offer remains financially sustainable into the future.
Once complete, the design and business case will be submitted to Cabinet for approval - expected in December 2025 or January 2026. If Cabinet approves the project, a decision will also be made at that time on whether to move forward with construction.
If given the go-ahead, construction - which may involve either a full rebuild or a phased refurbishment and development - could begin at some point during 2026. These timelines are still to be confirmed and will depend on the outcome of the feasibility work and Cabinet’s final decision.
The ambition is to create a modern, inclusive, and accessible facility that can support sport, fitness, wellbeing, and community activity for many years to come.
What stage is the Carlton Leisure, Wellbeing & Community Centre project currently at?
The Carlton project is currently at the feasibility and business case development stage.
We began by completing an initial assessment using the Strategic Outcomes Planning Model (SOPM) - a nationally recognised approach for aligning leisure provision with community health, wellbeing, and inclusion outcomes. While the original SOPM supported the case for significant transformation, including redevelopment of the Richard Herrod site, we are now revisiting this work to ensure it still reflects current performance, community need, and strategic priorities.
Since the SOPM was first produced, the Gedling Leisure service has significantly improved, with rising participation, stronger financial performance, and greater community impact. As a result, we are reviewing and refreshing the SOPM to make sure our decisions are based on the most up-to-date evidence and insights.
This process is being supported by early design and planning work, including site surveys, cost planning, architectural feasibility, and technical assessments. We have appointed professional consultants to lead this work and help develop a robust and realistic vision for what a future facility could look like.
Over the coming months, we will be developing a detailed business case, which will evaluate the financial, operational, and social benefits of a new facility. A critical part of this process will include community consultation, stakeholder engagement, and workforce involvement, all scheduled to take place in summer 2025.
In parallel, we are also reviewing potential operational models for the new facility and exploring future management options for the wider Gedling Leisure portfolio. This includes looking at how services could be delivered in the most efficient, sustainable and impactful way - whether directly by the Council, through a new delivery model, or in partnership with other organisations. This work is a normal and responsible part of long-term planning and is focused on ensuring best value for residents and the long-term success of leisure in the borough.
A final decision on whether to proceed to construction has not yet been made. That decision will be informed by the business case, consultation feedback, and formal approval by the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and elected Members. We currently aim to bring forward a recommendation on the facility mix and delivery model by January 2026.
What Facilities will be included in The Carlton, Leisure & Wellbeing Centre?
At this stage, no final decisions have been made about the exact facilities that will be included in the proposed new centre. The final mix will be shaped by the ongoing business case, detailed opportunity analysis, and the outcomes of planned community, stakeholder, and workforce consultation. However, the current proposed facilities being explored through the feasibility and design work include:
- A modern gym and fitness suite
- A main swimming pool and learner pool
- Group exercise studios, including an assisted exercise studio to support inclusive fitness and rehabilitation
- A bowls rink (subject to feasibility and demand assessment)
- Multipurpose community rooms
- Wellbeing spaces for outreach services, mental health support, or referral-based programmes
- A welcoming reception area and café
- Accessible changing facilities
- Improved parking and site access
The final layout, scale and offer will be based on:
- What the local community needs and will use
- What is financially viable and sustainable
- What delivers the greatest impact for health, inclusion, and community benefit
- Input from the people who know our services best - including you
Your insight, along with public and stakeholder consultation planned for summer 2025, will play a key role in shaping the final recommendations.
We expect to present proposals for the facility mix as part of the business case by January 2026, ahead of any final Cabinet decision.
What is happening with the Richard Herrod Centre and why are bookings being stopped on 26th April 2026?
- The Richard Herrod Centre will continue to operate as normal for now, but new customer bookings will not be taken beyond 26th April 2026.
This is an operational planning decision made by the Council’s Senior Leadership Team to support the feasibility and business case work currently underway for the proposed Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre, which could be developed on the same site.
Stopping bookings at this point allows the Council to:
- Avoid short-notice cancellations for customers if construction goes ahead
- Prepare for any early site surveys or technical works that may be required
- Align with the end of the Gedling Indoor Bowls Club lease, for consistency
- Provide staff, customers and user groups with clear timelines and expectations
Importantly, this is not a closure of the Centre, and no decision has been made yet about whether construction will go ahead. The Centre will remain open and operating, and your role remains secure. Any future changes would be subject to formal Cabinet approval and full staff consultation.
What will happen to the activities and groups that currently use the Centre?
- We understand how important the Richard Herrod Centre is to the many clubs, community groups, and regular users who rely on its facilities. If redevelopment of the site goes ahead, the Council is committed to ensuring these groups are supported throughout the transition.
In the event that the site needs to be temporarily closed for construction, the Council will:
- Work proactively with each group to understand their specific needs (e.g. space, accessibility, equipment)
- Identify suitable alternative venues across the Gedling Leisure portfolio and the wider community, where this is possible
- Offer practical relocation support to minimise disruption to activities and memberships
- Provide regular updates to ensure all users feel informed and supported
In particular, we recognise the long-standing presence of the Gedling Indoor Bowls Club at the site. We are already in active discussions with the club’s committee and exploring options for temporary accommodation should a redevelopment proceed. This includes reviewing potential alternative indoor bowls provision and liaising with Bowls England to ensure continuity of the sport in the borough during the transition period.
Long term, the project team is also reviewing how bowls can be incorporated into the design of the new Carlton Centre, subject to feasibility, demand, and available space.
This approach reflects our commitment to continuity, fairness, and inclusion for all user groups, while recognising any future facility must be financially viable in order to succeed.
What will happen to Carlton Forum Leisure Centre during this time?
- Carlton Forum Leisure Centre will remain open and continue operating as normal throughout the planning and potential construction of the new Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre.
There are currently no plans to close or reduce services at Carlton Forum while the Richard Herrod site is under review. The Council is committed to maintaining business continuity across the leisure portfolio, and Carlton Forum plays a key role in providing ongoing access to sport and fitness in the area.
If the new centre is approved and construction goes ahead, Carlton Forum will continue to operate until the new facility is fully built and ready to open - ensuring no gap in service delivery for customers, clubs or the community.
What is the timeline for key decisions for The Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre.
- Summer 2025: Community, stakeholder, and staff consultation.
- Late 2025: Finalisation of feasibility work and business case.
- January 2026: Cabinet decision on whether to proceed with the project.
Post-Jan 2026: If approved, detailed planning for construction and workforce transition would begin.
What is Ambition Arnold?
Ambition Arnold is a long-term regeneration project led by Gedling Borough Council to transform the north end of Arnold town centre, with a focus on the area surrounding Arnold Leisure Centre, Arnold Library, and the Bonington Theatre.
The goal of the project is to create a modern, inclusive, and accessible cultural and wellbeing hub, where residents can access leisure, learning, entertainment, and community services all in one connected location. It forms part of the Council’s broader commitment to invest in local places, improve community outcomes, and deliver high-quality services in buildings that are sustainable and fit for the future.
What facilities are being considered for redevelopment under Ambition Arnold?
The current vision includes the redevelopment and co-location of several key public services across two core sites:
Arnold Leisure Centre:
A new or refurbished leisure centre is proposed, featuring:
- A main swimming pool and learner pool
- A 130-station gym
- 3 group exercise studios
- A community space
- A café and modernised reception area
Bonington Theatre:
A separate cultural venue designed to support both live and screen entertainment, including:
- A 225-seat theatre
- 2 cinema screens
- Community space
- Food and beverage offer (e.g. café/bar) to enhance the visitor experience
The ambition is to take a phased approach, with the Bonington Theatre redevelopment planned as the first stage, followed by a wider transformation of the leisure centre once funding is secured.
All services — including the existing Arnold Leisure Centre — will remain open and operational until any new facilities are complete, ensuring business continuity and ongoing public access.
When is this happening?
No decisions have been finalised yet. The project is currently in the feasibility and visioning phase. Any future redevelopment would depend on:
- The outcome of detailed feasibility and site studies
- The availability of external and internal capital funding
- Cabinet and elected Member approval
- Full consultation with staff, users, partners, and stakeholders
- The Council is also exploring external funding opportunities to support phased delivery.
What stage is Ambition Arnold at now?
The project is in the early strategic planning phase. Initial work has been completed to assess the site potential, how services could be brought together, and how to phase the development. Work is ongoing to shape the overall vision, delivery strategy and funding model.
Consultation with the public on this initial work will commence on 27 May 2025 for 4 weeks. The feedback from this consultation will shape the final outline plans for future facilities in Arnold Town Centre. These plans once agreed by the Council are then available to use when the opportunity arises for future funding bids to support facility development in Arnold.
Ambition Arnold - How can I have my say?
The Council is encouraging all residents, businesses, and stakeholders to take part in shaping the future of Arnold.
For more information on Ambition Arnold and to take the survey, please visit: www.gedling.gov.uk/ambitionarnold