Public Consultation on plans to redevelop Baileys Court Activity Centre

Background

Baileys Court Activity Centre has served residents for many years and continues to provide accommodation for a range of activities including sports clubs, community groups, childcare provision, events and private hire. However, the building has evolved incrementally over time and now presents a number of operational challenges.

The current layout is fragmented, circulation space is inefficient, changing facilities are dated, accessibility provision is limited in places, and parts of the building are no longer aligned with modern expectations for flexible community use. In addition ageing fabric and building services are likely to generate increasing maintenance pressures over time.

For these reasons, feasibility work was commissioned to explore whether the site could be refurbished and reconfigured to create a more sustainable long-term asset for the town.

Summary of Feasibility Proposals

The concept designs indicate that the building could be significantly improved through remodelling and targeted extensions. Across the various options, the proposals consistently seek to create larger and more flexible halls, improved kitchens, better entrance arrangements, upgraded sports changing accommodation and dedicated areas for nursery or childcare activity.

The plans also aim to improve accessibility through modern toilet provision, improved circulation routes and inclusive access. Externally, the visual appearance of the building would be enhanced, creating a more attractive and welcoming public facility.

In practical terms, the proposals seek to turn Baileys Court from an ageing multi-room building with constraints into a modern multi-user community venue capable of wider use and improved income generation.