Gedling Borough Council has approved further feasibility work for a new multi-use leisure centre in Carlton, moving the Carlton Active project closer to realisation. The facility is planned for the site of the existing Richard Herrod Centre and will replace both that centre and Carlton Forum Leisure Centre. The Carlton Forum site will remain operational until the new centre opens.
A public consultation in May drew responses from over 1,400 residents, with strong support for the development. Proposed features include an 8-lane swimming pool with a teaching pool, a 100-station gym with an assisted exercise suite, studios, community rooms, a café, and a soft play centre. Indoor bowls is not included due to high projected costs, though the council will work with Gedling Indoor Bowls Club on alternative arrangements.
The decision follows a strategic review of leisure facilities across Gedling, which recommended new centres in Carlton and Arnold to accommodate population growth, modernise ageing infrastructure, reduce council expenditure, generate income, and lower carbon emissions. Plans for a new Arnold facility will be addressed separately.
The wider leisure strategy also involves consulting residents on the future operation of Redhill and Calverton centres, which are not council-owned. Any withdrawal from their management would trigger discussions with local partners to secure ongoing service provision.
Cabinet members approved the Carlton Active project proposals on 25 September, endorsing the next steps toward detailed planning and further feasibility assessment.
