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Manor Leisure Centre Redevelopment

Community Briefing – February 2026

This is a summary of the full document presented to a Fenland District Council cabinet meeting on 23rd Februry 2026. The full document is linked below.

 Why the redevelopment is needed

The existing Manor Leisure Centre buildings have reached the end of their useful life. A condition survey shows it would cost £4.5m just to keep the ageing facilities running for another decade, with no improvement to what the community can access. The Council is instead progressing a full redevelopment to create a modern, accessible, long‑lasting community hub for Whittlesey and surrounding villages.

 What the new centre will offer

  • Larger, modern gym with new changing rooms

  • Soft play, café and improved reception

  • Flexible hall for classes, events and community functions

  • Community room for meetings, health sessions and older‑adult activities

  • Covered padel courts – the first in Fenland

  • Refreshed and safer skate park

  • Improved accessibility and upgraded changing facilities

  • Continued provision for the rifle range

  • Better integration with Manor Field and outdoor activities

 Benefits for the community

  • A welcoming, modern facility designed for all ages and abilities

  • More opportunities for youth activities, rehabilitation, older‑adult classes and community wellbeing

  • Potential for GP and health‑linked programmes, supporting NHS Core20Plus5 priorities

  • A single, integrated building that is more efficient and easier to navigate

  • A stronger local leisure offer supporting Whittlesey’s economy and community cohesion

 Project cost and funding

  • Total estimated project cost: £18.67m

  • A £2m Sport England grant is being pursued

  • Improved facilities are expected to increase usage and income, helping offset borrowing

  • Some elements (rifle range, kitchen, badminton court) add community value but do not generate income

  • The Council must balance community benefit with wider financial pressures, including a structural deficit of £2.615m

 Timeline

  • April–May 2026 – Planning decision

  • May 2026 – Detailed design and cost certainty

  • June 2026 – Cabinet decision on construction

  • August 2026 – Construction begins; pool closes

  • December 2027 – New centre opens

  • Early 2028 – Old sports hall demolished; new car park built

 Key challenges

  • Rising construction costs and inflation

  • Planning conditions and utility works

  • Managing disruption during construction

  • Ensuring compliance with Sport England requirements

  • Structural risks in the existing pool building

 What happens next

The Council will review final costs, funding and design details in June 2026 before deciding whether to proceed with construction. Some elements could be scaled back if needed to reduce costs.

The complete Fenland District Document is avaiable from the FDC site here