Consultation on updated proposals for Riverside Leisure Complex facilities
Feedback from the initial conversation provided considerable insight on the proposals, many of which were strongly supported. However, some aspects attracted further questions and having reviewed the detail, the proposals have been adapted in response,
Background
See our Consultation on Riverside Leisure Complex facilities page for information about the initial consultation.
What we are proposing
Updated proposals at a glance:
Original proposal Revisions following feedback from consultation in June and July 2022
Double 3G artificial grass pitch Reduced number of floodlights, cork crumb to replace rubber crumb, retained access to remaining grass pitches and riverside walks.
Improved athletics track Unchanged – supported in the initial round of consultation.
Floodlighting options to improve the facilities for both athletics and football on centre pitch Floodlighting improvements to support both athletics and football, which the council will consider further following the outcome of this consultation.
Former tennis courts not previously included Refurbish former tennis court into multi-use court (supporting tennis and netball).
Chester-le-Street Riverside proposals
Updated proposals in more detail
Environmental concerns, particularly the impact of the development on future flood risk and the use of rubber crumb on the 3G pitch surface.
The Environment Agency has been made aware of the proposals as a statutory consultee of the original planning application and have not raised any major concerns in relation to the new development. As new 3G surfaces will be permeable, with additional drainage installed and ground levels will remain the same, there will be minimal effect on surface water drainage from the site, pitches will be allowed to flood as before to minimise flood risk to surrounding areas. In addition, we have identified an alternative product to replace the rubber crumb originally specified which is a cork based, natural material which is more environmentally friendly. Fencing and floodlight masts will be designed to ensure minimal visual impact across the site and all floodlighting designed specifically to minimise impact on foraging animals such as bats and reduce light spill towards the River and to nearby residential properties.
Loss of green space for activities such as walking and cycling
The proposed new 3G facilities will be located close to the south-east of the site leaving a substantial grass pitch area and open green space for other activities on the south-west of the site. The perimeter of the site will not be fenced, allowing public access to these areas, and an unrestricted walking route will be retained providing direct east and west access to the river and nature areas.
Anti-social behaviour
Close Circuit TV cameras and increased staffing patrols will be deployed to keep anti-social behaviour (ASB) to a minimum. In addition, revised, robust hire conditions will be introduced to advise users of potential sanctions if they are found to be in breach of anti-social behaviour standards. Following feedback, any CCTV system installed will be carefully aimed at pitch facilities, so as not to disrupt the privacy of nearby residents and plans to install a tannoy as part of ASB measures will not be taken forward.
Improvement of other sporting facilities
In terms of the improvement of other facilities, the proposals have been developed and now includes tennis and netball. The principle of promoting sport, physical activity and wellbeing is still key to the proposals, together with the need to improve sustainability. The overall level of investment available for the Riverside project may need to be increased to assist in the delivery of additional facilities and account for costs due to inflationary pressures in the construction market. Ultimately however, the investment level will have to be capped and reflect the current financial context.
Car parking
The concerns of residents regarding traffic and street parking have been considered and the following principles are being developed for implementation:
• explore free or lower charge parking in the car parks furthest away from housing
• improved car parking signage for the Riverside Complex customers
• improved wayfinding and signage for customers using existing footpath network
• regular enforcement to check and control improper parking in surrounding residential areas
• regular communication with user clubs and customers on polite parking
Fair use of the new facilities
The new facilities will be programmed in such a way as to ensure all clubs and teams have fair access and the programme remains balanced and multi-sport. Early programming with existing and prospective users indicates that for 3G usage in example, that overall occupancy will be around 70%, with the remaining 30%, inclusive of some peak time slots, still available for wider community bookings. A considerable amount of the proposed draft programme is made up of clubs and sports organisations from the immediate area with users from both Chester-le-Street and the wider area participating. All clubs and sports organisations benefiting from the proposed development are managed through common legal structures associated with sports clubs, not-for-profit or charitable purposes.
Have your say
• fill in an online survey about the updated Riverside proposals
• pick up a paper copy at Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre or Riverside Leisure Complex
• come along to one of our drop-in sessions:
• Tuesday 10 January 2022 from 9.00am to 11.00am at Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre
• Tuesday 10 January 2022 from 4.00pm to 6.00pm at Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre
• Wednesday 11 January 2022 from 4.00pm to 6.00pm at the Riverside Leisure Complex
The closing date for comments is 5.00pm on Wednesday 11 January 2023.
What happens next
We will consider all of the comments from the consultation and use them to help create the final proposals for Riverside Leisure Complex. Once the plans have been finalised, we will share these with you.