great outdoors Archives - Alliance Leisure

Articles Tagged with: great outdoors

Developing the Great Outdoors

Huge community health benefits from active green spaces
Creating innovative, engaging and inclusive destination attractions
Sustainable, revenue-generating spaces

The APSE State of UK Public Parks report, published in 2021, reported that parks budgets had seen a decrease of £690m over the past decade, with declining conditions and more pressure on external sources of income.

However, public satisfaction remained high despite the reductions in budgets and maintenance standards. If Government funding is to continue to fall then parks need to position themselves as self-funding ventures with activities and attractions that increase dwell time, attract new visitors and prompt multiple return visits.

The abundance of green spaces and public parks across the UK makes it possible for most in society to experience these places regularly, but there is a disparity when it comes to the size, scale and type of parks in urban, suburban and rural locations, making accessibility difficult for some. What cannot be denied are the health benefits that green spaces can provide. Whether it’s a family enjoying some quality time on the swings, a local community coming together for a flower show, or a local group of volunteers looking after allotments, outdoor spaces deliver huge benefits, both mentally and physically.

With the PlayStation-generation being brought up in an ever-developing digital world, the concerns over children’s health is something parks can address. There is extensive evidence that proves children are more active when they are outside compared to when they are indoors. Furthermore, when children are outside, they spend more time being active compared to when they are indoors¹. And, it is the parents who play an important role in providing children with outdoor opportunities, particularly when holding a positive attitude towards overall physical activity and recreation/nature². Parents look for different and enticing ways to entertain both themselves and their children in their free time, so parks need to adapt to offer services and attractions that meet these needs.

Other research shows that park access is associated with increased levels of physical activity. Evidence shows that proximity to and use of parks, green space, and tree cover are all correlated with greater levels of physical activity³. A number of successful Levelling Up bids have focussed on public transport schemes to improve the connectivity of local communities with work, education, retail and green spaces. Notably Lancashire County Council was awarded £50m of the funding allocation to improve public transport, walking and cycling routes⁴.

Beyond the connection of parks and physical activity, usage of park services is associated with reductions in various negative health outcomes and illnesses. Spending even 120 minutes in green spaces has been associated with higher levels of reported good health and well-being⁵. Evidence has linked time spent in parks and green spaces with reductions in complications caused by chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease⁶. Further evidence from a large-scale Dutch survey suggests that proximity to green space has a positive effect on self-perceived general physical health, with a larger effect for the elderly, youth, and families with low incomes⁷.

So what are the options for our green spaces? Alliance Leisure have been working with a number of local authorities to scope innovative projects that enhance, retain and diversify the offerings within a park setting. The examples below show this range of developments, from improvements to existing F&B facilities through to large-scale multi-million pound transformations.

Leybourne Lakes Country Park

This project saw a £890k investment in the café building on the edge of one of the lakes in the 230-acre Green Flag award-winning country park. The existing water sports facilities needed modernising and a new destination eco café was also built. Cutting edge carbon-reducing technology was used, including a water source heat pump in the lake alongside solar power panels on the roof. Find out more HERE.

King George’s Playing Fields

Opened in the Spring of 2022, King George’s Playing Fields (KGPF) was a multi-million pound investment on behalf of Brentwood Council, which was part of the council’s 10-year Leisure Strategy. The existing recreation ground had some activity provision already with a 1970s pavilion housing the local golf club. The new facilities included a new 2-storey pavilion comprising of changing facilities, golf clubhouse, meeting rooms, café, soft play facility, TAGactive adventure centre and a sensory room. Outside in the park, a new adventure play area was installed next to a splashpad which is chargeable and brings in new revenue to the park. More details HERE.

Central Park – in construction

This project aims to improve the facilities of the park across four phases in order to have the least impact on park users, with stage one of the project expected to complete in April of this year. Some of the facilities that are being redeveloped include new trees and wildflowers, refurbishment of the tennis courts, and the addition of approximately one mile of new pathways. We have partnered with GLE to utilise soil importation as part of the project and reduce costs. find out more about soil importation HERE.

Wirral Pump Track

Investment in open spaces does not have to run into the millions, as can be seen from this small project in Wallasey on the Wirral. A £94k investment was made by Wirral Council to provide an asphalt pump track to ensure young people in the community had activity facilities on their doorstep. More details HERE.

Parsloes Park – in construction

Due to open in the winter of 2023, the Parsloes Park project involves the demolition and re-building of the sports pavilion to provide a new café, gym, fitness studio, changing facilities, meeting rooms and classroom spaces. The new Hub is being developed next to 16 new grass pitches and 3 full-size 3G pitches. Funding was sourced from multiple partners including the Premier League, Football Foundation and the Council. Read more HERE.

With more local authority planning strategies placing greater emphasis on the importance of parks and greens spaces there are lots of opportunities on the horizon. For more ideas on developing the great outdoors visit our website HERE.

Sources

¹ Tremblay, M, et al. Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12(6), 6475-6505; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120606475

² Lee, EY., Bains, A., Hunter, S. et al. Systematic review of the correlates of outdoor play and time among children aged 3-12 years. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 18, 41 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-021-01097-9

³ Eichinger et al. 2015; Pretty et al. 2005

⁴ https://news.lancashire.gov.uk/news/county-awarded-gbp-50m-levelling-up-fund-for-ambitious-east-lancashire-schemes

⁵ White et al. 2019

⁶ Bowler et al. 2010; NRPA 2015

⁷ Maas et al. 2006

Outdoor spaces in the leisure press:

Outdoor Gyms https://www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk/health-club-management-features/Interview-Georgie-Delaney/35332

Outdoor Exercise https://www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk/health-club-management-features/Industry-insights-Out-the-Box/35159?source=search

Hamilton case study https://www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk/health-club-management-features/Town-planning-Play-full-city/35053?source=search

Inclusive skateparks https://www.paf-media.co.uk/making-skateparks-inclusive

Collaboration during the pandemic https://www.paf-media.co.uk/fields-in-trust-and-parkrun-celebrate-parks-and-green-spaces

Outdoor Play Initiatives https://www.paf-media.co.uk/irish-government-invests-in-outdoor-play

Practical Completion achieved at Hyndburn 3G pitch

Practical Completion has now been achieved for the new FIFA Quality 3G Pitch at Hyndburn Leisure Centre.

This project, procured through the UK Leisure Framework, is our second project with Hyndburn Borough Council and Hyndburn Leisure, with the first being a PSDS project at Hyndburn Leisure centre. The project was delivered by Dura-Sport with consultancy from SSL.

The project was delivered on time, and achieved an amended budget of £340,697 following a request by the council to replace LED lights. This part of the project has not affected the project being delivered on time, and is expected to be completed soon.

The Council and Trust were hands-on for the duration on the project, and helped to make the project a truly collaborative effort between all parties involved.

We are delighted with our new 3G Pitch surface, the new Pitch looks fantastic and has officially achieved FIFA Quality accreditation. Working with Alliance Leisure and its partners was a really smooth process; they helped to form the brief for the project and managed it effectively from initial feasibility to completion.

Ben Caulfield

Scrutiny & Policy Officer, Hyndburn Borough Council

New Leisure and Learning Hub Breaks Ground

This month Alliance Leisure will start work on a multi-million-pound development to improve leisure and learning opportunities for residents in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire. And to mark the occasion, a group of stakeholders, partners and the local community cam together to official break ground at the construction site.

A new 3,000m² Leisure and Learning Hub, made possible by a £14 million investment from Towns Funding, will replace the existing Station Sports Centre, adding a 6 lane, 25 metre swimming pool and changing village, a gym and fitness studio as well as a TAGactive indoor adventure play area and outdoor play facilities. In addition, the site will incorporate a digital inclusion learning centre to enable people of all ages to upskill through access to information and distance learning courses. This will be supported by a series of dedicated meeting rooms and a large café area to encourage social interactions.

The multi-functional community development, designed by lead architects, Pozzoni, will be managed by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure, with ISG named as principle build contractor.

This is an exciting project because of the integration of leisure and education services. Located just behind the High Street in Mablethorpe, with its own dedicated car park, the development offers good accessibility creating a much-needed activity and learning provision for everyone to enjoy. Residents have been calling for an indoor swimming provision for many years so it is fantastic to finally be able to deliver this.

Sean Nolan

Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure

East Lindsey District Council is leading the development with the support of Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council through the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

The Station Sports Centre, currently managed by Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure and Culture, will remain open throughout the construction of the new facility to minimise disruption to the community.

The team at ISG are looking forward to beginning the work on the new Mablethorpe Leisure Centre next month. We are looking forward to engaging with Mablethorpe residents throughout the build and bring regular updates to the community on the progress of their new facilities

Craig Johnson

Project Manager, ISG

Works well underway at Central Park

Works are well underway at our extensive development project at Central Park for Barking & Dagenham Borough.

The project began back in November 2021, and aims to improve the facilities of the park across four phases in order to have the least impact on park users. Stage one of the project is expected to complete in April of this year.

The project will include:

New toddler and child play equipment
Refurbishment of tennis courts
Approximately one mile of new pathways
New trees and wildflowers

A key focus of this project is environmental protection and sustainability. A Tree Protection Plan (TPP) was established early on in the planning stages of the project, and ensures the protection of trees within the park, whilst also contributing to the Council’s commitment to double the borough’s tree canopy by 2040.

As well at the Tree Protection Plan, the majority of the project is being funded by income received from deliveries of environmentally approved clean (inert) soil. As a result of this initiative, significant income will be generated from the importation of the soil, which will be a major boost to this project.

We are delighted to be taking part in a project that offers such fantastic benefits to the local community. By improving the facilities at Central Park, we are confident that more people will feel encouraged to enjoy the space, which in turn will help to promote physical activity outside amongst local residents and beyond.

Ruth Ripsher

Alliance Delivery Manager

Alliance Leisure Hands Over £7 Million 365-Day Activity Hub In Brentwood

Brentwood Borough Council has officially opened a new, all year round activity hub which has transformed an under-utilised recreation ground into an active, accessible, environment that will encourage everyone in the community to move more.

The £7 million scheme to transform King George’s Playing Fields in Brentwood, began in January 2021 and has been delivered by Alliance Leisure, Lead Development Contractor on the UK leisure Framework, owned by Denbighshire Leisure.

The project forms part of the council’s 10-year Leisure Strategy. Running until 2028, the strategy outlines the council’s vision for a high quality, accessible, affordable and financially sustainable sport and leisure provision which delivers a mix of facilities and services that will service the diverse needs of residents both now and in the future.

The transformation of King George’s Playing Fields is an important part of Brentwood Borough Council’s ambitions to future-proof its leisure and recreation facilities. This project is a prime example of how to re-think public leisure provision, creating accessible and financially sustainable facilities that will ensure a successful future for this much loved park, while improving the health and wellbeing of local people.

Ruth Ripsher

Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure

Creating a diverse, sustainable leisure provision

Prior to this investment, the recreation ground already offered a variety of sports and recreation facilities including a children’s play area, skate park, football and rugby pitches, bowls greens, a 1970’s pavilion used by Hartswood Golf Club and a privately-run crazy golf course.

The purpose of the development has been focused on supporting the borough’s anticipated housing growth and the fulfilment of an ambition to increase participation in physical activity, especially amongst young people.

Following consultation with key stakeholders and the wider public, Alliance Leisure, working through the UK Leisure Framework with a dedicated supply chain of leisure specialists, has delivered a mix of facilities, both inside and outside of a new-build pavilion, that balances financial viability for the council with addressing the leisure needs of residents.

Planning for the redevelopment was secured at the end of 2019, but the pandemic meant that construction was delayed. Works finally got underway in January 2021 with most of the development opening to the public on 11th March 2022.

Accessible sport and physical activity for everyone

The project centrepiece is an impressive new pavilion which replaces a building previously occupied mainly by Hartswood Golf Club. Built in the 1970s, the structure required significant work to upgrade the site and transform the provision into a multi-purpose venue that would inspire and engage a much wider segment of the community.

Designed by Saunders Boston Architects and built by ISG, the new building, named the Hartswood Pavilion – is located adjacent to the current pavilion which is due to be demolished now that the new building is complete. It is a two-story structure which has been sunken into the ground reducing its impact on the openness of the green belt and carefully considered composite cladding applied to the building exterior, which ensures it blends into its surroundings, complementing rather than defining the natural environment. The footprint of the new Pavillion is also larger than the original enabling it to serve both the golf club membership and the wider public with an extended range of facilities, including the park’s first indoor play provision.

The high quality, flexible space includes new changing rooms, toilet and showers for local rugby and football teams, a golf clubhouse and Golf Pro Shop, as well as a bar with a terrace providing far reaching views of the golf course, bowls club and surrounds. Other facilities include a flexible, multi-purpose room, a Changing Places facility, a café, a two-storey soft play facility designed and delivered by Play Revolution and a sensory room providing a safe therapeutic space to help individuals regulate, develop and engage their senses as their interact with and explore the environment around them.

The new pavilion also features TAGactive, an indoor immersive game-based obstacle course, also from Play Revolution, which can be enjoyed as an individual or with friends and family. The TAGactive arena features a number of challenges, including net climbs, cargo tunnels and ball pools, all of which have a number of Tags within them which participants must tap with a sensor on their wrist. The more difficult the Tag to reach, the more points achieved.

Driving revenue for a sustainable future

Working through the UK Leisure Framework, the priority, in terms of design and delivery, was to create a destination everyone in the community could utilise both now and in the future. To achieve this, extensive feasibility studies were conducted prior to build, matching facility provision to latent demand. It was also important not to exclude any segments of the community due to accessibility or cost, hence the diverse mix of paid and free facilities supported by services that promote inclusion and access for those living with mobility issues and other disabilities.

Supplementing the indoor provision are external facilities including an adventure play area. Designed by Kompan for children aged eight and above, the facility has a range of challenging structures – the highest of which measures circa 10m – and includes slides, towers and nets. Opening to the public in April 2022, all sessions are 55 minutes long.

Also opening in April 2022 is a new, accessible splash pad. Developed on the footprint of the park’s former paddling pools, which were removed in 2017 for health and safety reasons, the splash pad from Ustigate is supported by a Changing Places facility, new toilets and a kiosk. The new space features nature themed aquatic play structures and a variety of ground water jets such as sidewinders, directional jets and a cylinder spray to provide a wide range of play opportunities.

Both the splash pad and climbing facility are chargeable, while the park’s recently improved junior and toddler play areas are free of charge. The whole area is also served by a network of walking and cycling trails to encourage active travel.

Brentwood Borough Council has invested more than £7m in the development of these facilities so that King George's Playing Fields has activities all year round. The playing fields play a pivotal part in helping our community to improve their health and wellbeing.
We were also committed to providing accessible facilities, such as the new splash pad, introducing two new changing places facilities, a new sensory room as well as brand new soft play and the TAGactive facilities.
In addition to the facilities in the new pavilion building, the Council has also invested in the free outdoor play areas which not only makes for an exciting day out, but also has a huge range of challenging structures and high and lower level areas to be explored by adventurous children.
As the weather starts to warm up, it is going to be great to see families enjoying all these new activities.

Councillor Cliff Poppy

Brentwood Borough Council’s Chair of Community and Health Committee

Moving forwards, the site will be operated by Everyone Active on behalf of the Brentwood Borough Council. Everyone Active is Part of Sports and Leisure Management Ltd and is the longest-established leisure contractor in the UK. Duncan Jefford, Regional Director at Everyone Active, comments: “We’re delighted to be welcomed into the district’s community to continue our partnership with the council by managing the new King George’s Playing Fields alongside The Brentwood Centre.

VIEW MORE OF OUR COMPLETED PROJECTS

Developing the Great Outdoors

The APSE State of UK Public Parks report, published in 2021, reported that parks budgets had seen a decrease of £690m over the past decade, with declining conditions and more pressure on external sources of income.

Leybourne Lakes Country Park

King George’s Playing Fields

Central Park – in construction

Wirral Pump Track

Parsloes Park – in construction

Sources

Practical Completion has now been achieved for the new FIFA Quality 3G Pitch at Hyndburn Leisure Centre.

Ben Caulfield

Sean Nolan

Craig Johnson

Works are well underway at our extensive development project at Central Park for Barking & Dagenham Borough.

Ruth Ripsher

Alliance Leisure Hands Over £7 Million 365-Day Activity Hub In Brentwood

Ruth Ripsher

Councillor Cliff Poppy

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