New plan to save Redlands Community Sports Hub
The proposals will go to Dorset Council Cabinet later this year.
Dorset Council is proposing a new plan to keep Redlands Community Sports Hub open - buildings and all.
The plan is to move to a ‘trusted keyholder’ model. This means that the clubs that use the indoor facilities at Redlands would assume most of the responsibilities for delivering their activities, such as opening and closing the buildings when needed, taking on new members and organising bookings.
Active Dorset, a local charity, will take over the lease. Weymouth College will contribute to required repairs (as per their current lease) and Dorset Council will both invest and offer support. This community-led approach puts the facilities in the hands of those who use them the most, and the three organisations will work alongside the Redlands community to make sure there is a smooth transition.
Martin Kimberley, Chief Executive of Active Dorset, commented:
“Active Dorset Charity Trustees are delighted to support all the users, both current and future, and key partner organisations as Redlands enters a new phase of operation. It will take everyone involved to play their full part in the push to embed Redlands as a vibrant and sustainable community hub which delivers high quality sport and informal activity for local residents.
"It has always been recognised how important both the indoor and outdoor facilities at Redlands are to local residents and it is fantastic that Dorset Council have been such excellent partners, in conjunction with Weymouth College and other stakeholders, by proactively seeking a way forward that offers the chance to retain and, in the future, enhance those facilities.
"We are excited to be able to work with the local clubs and their national governing bodies to grow their offers and show that the site can be sustainable. Redlands is an important piece of the local jigsaw that enables residents to live active and healthy lives, and we will do all we can to ensure it is able to thrive and play its part for the long term.”
Rob Cole, Vice Principal (Finance & HR) at Weymouth College, added:
“We are pleased with the Active Dorset proposal and continuation of bookings for this Autumn. The Redlands team and Weymouth College will continue to support Active Dorset and Dorset Council as part of this transition, with booking enquiries expected from the start of next month.”
If the proposals are supported by partners and stakeholders, the decision on the future of the Redlands buildings will go to Dorset Council’s Cabinet later this year.
While this may happen after July (Weymouth College’s desired date to surrender their lease), it's not thought there will be any temporary closure of the indoor services while the paperwork is being worked out; the buildings will operate as they do currently until the new arrangements are formally in place.