en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Planning Committee of Fenland District Council has approved a £18.7 million redevelopment proposal to transform the Manor Leisure Centre. The next step for the project is to secure support from the Council's Cabinet before it can proceed further.

The redevelopment will consolidate and upgrade the leisure centre at its current site on Station Road. Currently, the centre's facilities are spread across two buildings separated by a car park.

Proposed facilities include a refurbished 25-metre community swimming pool, a learner pool, a gym and fitness suite, studios, a sports hall, a soft play area, a café and viewing area, community rooms, and upgraded rifle shooting range facilities. The scheme also provides three new covered padel courts, a relocated skate park, and an expanded car park with electric vehicle charging points.

A report presented to the Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, 24 June, stated that the proposal would deliver a comprehensive refurbishment and extension of the Manor Leisure Centre, securing the long-term future of an important community facility in a sustainable location in Whittlesey. Significant weight was given to the social, health, and wellbeing benefits of the redevelopment, including improved swimming, fitness, and community facilities, enhanced accessibility, new outdoor leisure opportunities, and wider investment in local leisure infrastructure.

The planning permission is subject to conditions requiring the management of drainage and water supply infrastructure impacts, control of parking and noise during and after construction, and the protection of roosting bats.