 We've been busy over the summer, making some amendments to our plans for the brand new leisure centre which is planned for the edge of Bransbury Park. This will create a new hub, which brings sports, swimming, and healthcare together.
Changes have been carried out which will address Sport England's concerns about the loss of grass football pitches. We've done this by moving the location of the play area, meaning we can accommodate the same number.
We have revised the number of trees that will have to be removed down to 3, and are still proposing to replant 50 new trees and move one other, with a full maintenance package to care for them. There are also some other smaller changes and clarifications being made, following discussions with the local planning authority.
The revised plans will be submitted soon, and a further 21 day re-consultation period with the public will be held. At that point, we should know when the application will go to a planning committee for a decision to be made.
We'll let you know when the amended plans are available to view, so you can take a look. Comments on the existing planning application will still be taken into account.
 Some people have asked us why Bransbury Park is the best location for a new leisure centre. An independent review was carried in November 2021 out on six possible sites in the city. Only two of the locations were available and suitable, and Bransbury Park was the preferred option due to its accessibility and because it limits the loss of green space, replacing the under-used tarmac courts.
In a city-wide sports and leisure facilities consultation in winter 2020, 63% of respondents ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ with opening a new leisure centre at Bransbury Park. More consultation was held in early 2021. 78% of respondents said they were likely to visit a new physical activity and community hub at Bransbury Park. You can read all the reports and consultation documents on our website.
We've also put together a helpful video showing the decision making process, and the big advantages that Bransbury Park has over other locations.
 One of the biggest advantages Bransbury Park has over other locations is how well connected it is. For example, 35,796 residents live within 1.5km radius (around 20 minutes walk) of Bransbury Park, which is double the amount that live within the same distance of the now-closed Eastney swimming pool (17,933). Take a look at the data here.
Bransbury Park is within 10 minutes walking distance of five local schools, who will be able to use the new learner pool which wasn't an option at Eastney swimming pool. It's also on four major bus routes, and is easy to cycle or take a rental e-scooter to. We've plotted this all on a helpful map, which you can download.
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