Articles

Gedling Borough Council launches two consultations: the transformation of leisure facilities and the vision for Arnold Town Centre

Date Posted: 1:54 PM on Tue, 27 May 2025

Gedling Borough Council is embarking on a bold and essential programme of transformation to ensure that its services are inclusive, sustainable and fit for the future. At the heart of this vision are two interconnected initiatives: the Leisure Transformation Programme and the Ambition Arnold regeneration, both of which have a consultation being launched today.

Residents and local businesses are being invited to give their views to help shape the future for leisure facilities in the borough and on the vision to improve Arnold town centre.

Leisure Transformation

Our leisure centres are increasingly costly to maintain and require modernisation to meet the current and future needs of our residents. This presents an opportunity to move away from outdated infrastructure and invest in modern, efficient, community-focused facilities that better support the health, wellbeing and connectedness of our residents.

The Leisure Transformation consultation focuses on the proposal to redefine the leisure offer in the Carlton area from the current Carlton Forum Leisure Centre and Richard Herrod Centre into a new, combined, purpose-built Carlton Leisure, Wellbeing and Community Centre on the Richard Herrod site. This new centre is envisioned as a vibrant, welcoming destination that would bring together leisure, health and community services under one roof.

Ambition Arnold

The Council is also developing a bold, long-term vision for Arnold town centre through the Ambition Arnold programme, which includes proposals to transform Arnold Leisure Centre and Bonington Theatre into modern, high-quality facilities that support culture, wellbeing and economic vibrancy. While funding has not yet been secured for this project, the Council is exploring opportunities to attract investment and is seeking the views of local communities to help shape the vision.

Councillor Henry Wheeler said; ‘These consultations are a chance for people to help shape the future. Whether it’s about the plans for Carlton or the vision for Arnold, everyone can have an input.’

‘By working with our local communities, 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.’

People can complete both online surveys by visiting www.gedling.gov.uk/haveyoursay. There will also be a drop-in session at Arnold Library on 5 June from 1-6pm about the Ambition Arnold consultation and stalls at the Arnold Summer Fair in Arnot Hill Park on 21 June from 11am – 5pm, where people can find out more about both consultations and complete the surveys in person. The Leisure Transformation Survey closes on 23 June and the Ambition Arnold Survey closes on 1 July.