Update on plans for South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub on Castle Sports Complex site in Spalding

A series of changes have been made to the £26 million planned upgrade to Spalding’s Castle Sports Complex — and the work is not now due to be finished until late summer 2026.

South Holland District Council has issued an update on its bid to create a new South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub on the Castle site — with changes now made to the application lodged with its own planning department. The council hopes approval can be won for the new scheme — which would bring the existing ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ sides together in one facility — in January.

The tweaks include the introduction of a new ‘running loop’ with 100metre sprint straight — and improved cycling provision including alternative ‘roller’ and ‘rock garden’ features and ‘Go Ride’ circuit markings and bike stands.

Inside, there will now be a ground floor fitness suite and studios on the existing first floor, with changes to the configuration of the four-court sports hall to try to fit in as many activities as possible.

The swimming facilities would be tweaked slightly — with the floor of the main pool becoming fixed profile, rather than flexible, following ground investigation and design work.

Bosses say the changes are as a result of taking feedback on board — and to try to ensure the project wins planning permission.

The new hub is getting £20million UK Government funding, with the rest of the cash coming from the council. The aim is to create a new facility that can address some the area’s health and wellbeing issues — as well as creating new sports and leisure facilities.

Plans were initially submitted in May after a public consultation. Work was due to start this winter and end in the summer of 2026. The council now thinks work could start in April 2025 and that the first phase would end in ‘late summer’ 2026.

Councillor Gary Taylor, South Holland District Council’s project sponsor, said: “I am delighted that we can submit these updated proposals for the new health and wellbeing hub, that bring us a step closer to work getting underway and these fantastic, transformational new facilities becoming a reality for South Holland.

“Global factors and the construction market have changed significantly since the original bid was made, and it is important that we respond to these factors, and the feedback from local and national bodies, to put forward an exciting scheme that delivers a quality new Health and Wellbeing Hub for as many of our residents as possible, and safeguards the district’s access to quality swimming and leisure facilities for many years to come.”

The first phase would include the two new swimming pools, village changing facilities, multi-sport hall, fitness suite, cycle and group exercise studios, health and wellbeing consultation rooms, children’s adventure play area, updated reception and servery area, an outdoor 3G pitch, park run circuit, community garden and improved car parking with electric vehicle charging points, along with necessary remedial works to the bowls hall.

A later phase would then further expand the car parking offer on the site, as well as creating a new outdoor multi-use games area, splash pad and play area.

The existing Castle swimming pool will remain fully operational throughout the works, with the ‘dry side’ of the Centre closing for the construction period, with temporary alternative fitness suite and group exercise class facilities available for members at the Spalding Campus of Boston College throughout the disruption.

Further details of these arrangements is promised in the coming months.

What do you think? Can the plans give Spalding a boost? Let us know your views in the comments below…