Business case for new multi-million pound Melton Sports and Leisure Village gets unanimous approval from councillors

A detailed business case for the ambitious multi-million pound project has now been approved and Melton Council officers have been given the go-ahead to begin a procurement process seeking a consortium which would design, build, operate and maintain the sports and leisure village.

The facility will be developed at the King Edward VII Sports Centre site on Burton Road.

The council is seeking bids from potential operators based on three options:

l Preferred leisure vision option (estimated overall capital cost £11-15 million)

This ‘aspirational’ option would include a main 3G artificial grass pitch, with floodlights, suitable for competitive football and rugby matches, the provision of three rugby grass pitches, including junior pitches, two adult football grass pitches and at least one mini-football grass pitch.

A stand for up to 500 spectators and a main clubhouse, including changing rooms and bar and catering areas flexible for different uses, would also be provided along with an additional 168 proposed parking spaces.

An eight court sports hall would also be built, linked to the clubhouse, with the existing sports centre being considered for other uses such as indoor extreme sports (ie climbing wall, trampolines/jump zone) and indoor 3G artificial grass pitches.

Other facilities would include the development of a ‘trim trail’, providing a 1.3km circuit around the site for runners, joggers and walkers, health and fitness facilities and a children’s play area.

l Stadia enhancement option

This option would provide the same mix of facilities as the preferred leisure vision option but excluding the new eight-court sports hall, relying on the existing sports hall.

l ‘Stand-still’ option

A contract (circa 10 years) for the continued operation of the existing facilities at the King Edward VII Sports Centre site.

Melton Council is also considering the option of developing its ‘aspirational’ sports and leisure village in phases, with some of the key desired facilities being provided initially and others at a later stage subject to funding and if deemed appropriate.

It’s expected the council will select its preferred bidder to deliver the sports and leisure village by February next year, with the contract then being awarded and building work starting by next summer.

Funding for the build of the sports and leisure village will be provided from various sources including the council’s capital receipts, already set aside for this purpose, and grant funding from bodies such as Sport England, The Football Association and other governing bodies.