Work begins on £20 million makeover of Spalding’s Castle Sports complex

Work on the Castle Sports Complex’s £20 million makeover is getting underway.

Fencing has been erected around the former BMX track, a Spalding landmark since the early 1980s, which is set to be removed to allow the early phases of construction to begin.

A wellbeing hub – including services for mental health, diabetes, Alzheimer's and dementia support – is planned to replace the now defunct track on the northern part of the site.

“It’s the start of the process of it being removed,” explained South Holland District Council deputy leader Gary Taylor.

“It’s the first stage of the health and wellbeing hub. To clear that part of the site is the first stage, having the BMX track removed.

“It’s a real physical demonstration that work is now taking place.”

In January The Government confirmed the authority’s bid to update its sport facilities had been successful in acquiring £20 million of Levelling Up cash.

Plans include proposals for a new 3G floodlit football pitch, changing pavilion, multi-use games area for a variety of other sports and three new swimming pool facilities, including a large pool, a teaching pool and a splash pad – an area of little standing water which offers safe water play for youngsters.

Additionally, there will be community rooms and space dedicated for use to provide a health and wellbeing hub, as well as an Extra Care housing scheme for the district's older residents on the site of the current pool.

“It’s good to see that work start there,” added Coun Taylor.

“It’s been talked about for years. I remember being in the council chamber when we were trying to come up with ideas about how to replace the swimming pool and Castle Sports and we decided to go further, bolder and be more ambitious – let’s look at a health and wellbeing hub and include modern facilities including soft play and hopefully an outdoor splash pad, Extra Care housing, that and all sorts of extras.

“But we do need to manage expectations. It won’t be built this year or next, but this is the start oft he process.”

Coun Taylor, who is also the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, Leisure Centre Delivery and Spalding Town Improvement, believes the project could offer lifechanging facilities for the district when completed.

“The outcomes are so important. we can talk about it and use fine words but it is all about the outcomes,” he added.

“We do have high expectations and we need to spend this money wisely and get it correct.”