What has happened since the February 2026 briefing?
1. Planning approval has been granted
On 24 June 2026, Fenland District Council's Planning Committee approved the redevelopment plans, subject to various conditions covering drainage, parking, construction impacts, noise, and ecological matters. The approval covered the new leisure centre building, padel courts, skate park relocation, and parking works. [whittlesey...cil.gov.uk], [publicacce...and.gov.uk]
The approved scheme now includes:
- Refurbished 25m swimming pool and learner pool
- New gym and fitness facilities
- Sports hall and studios
- Soft play area
- Café and viewing areas
- Community rooms
- Enhanced rifle range
- Three covered padel courts
- Relocated skate park
- Expanded parking with EV charging. [whittlesey...cil.gov.uk]
2. Costs have increased
The February 2026 community briefing referred to an estimated project cost of £18.67 million. [whittleseynhw.org.uk]
A later Fenland Cabinet report shows the scheme value has increased to approximately £22.9 million, with an estimated net cost to Fenland District Council of £20.4 million.
3. Final construction decision moved later than originally expected
The February briefing anticipated a Cabinet construction decision in June 2026 and a site start in August 2026. [whittleseynhw.org.uk]
However, a July 2026 council notice shows the project was still awaiting a final Cabinet determination after completion of detailed design work (RIBA Stage 4). A key Cabinet decision was scheduled for 14 September 2026 on whether to enter the construction contract and proceed with delivery. [moderngov....and.gov.uk]
What does this mean for Whittlesey residents?
The project appears to have:
- Cleared planning approval, which is a major milestone. [whittlesey...cil.gov.uk], [publicacce...and.gov.uk]
- Reached final business-case and construction-cost review stage. [moderngov....and.gov.uk]
- Not yet reached the point where construction was confirmed in the sources I found. The latest publicly indexed information indicates the final Cabinet approval decision was due on 14 September 2026. [moderngov....and.gov.uk]
So the redevelopment is significantly further along and the latest documents indicate that the decisive "build or do not build" Cabinet approval was the next key step.
The expected September 2026 Cabinet approval for the Manor Leisure Centre redevelopment did not appear on the published Cabinet agenda, and the project's formal decision record is still showed as awaiting determination rather than approved.