Stoke-on-trent sport and physical activity strategy 2009-2016

RecommendationsF acility list326. A multi-code bowling centre should be established as a super-hub facility whichhas both an indoor flat green (6-8 rinks) and two outdoor crown greens as anintegral part of the site. This may be an extension of an existing outdoor bowlsfacility.327. In principle the objective should be to retain and improve all bowling green sitesin the City, and to replace any lost to other development. However, a full reviewof the existing bowling green provision is needed across the City, with theobjective of exploring in greater detail the options for individual areas and sites;improving those sites which have potential demand, exploring alternativemanagement options, and developing new provision in areas of deficit(particularly in the Eastern area). The research should also review and confirmthe catchment areas of greens.328. Hanley Park has two bowling greens, and although its catchment overlaps withanother green, the importance of bowling in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent means that thesegreens should be retained and improved.Standards of provision and developers’ contributions329. The current standard of provision in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent is 0.19 greens per 1000. Asthere are no guidelines on the standards of provision it is proposed that thecurrent level of provision should be retained until there is a clear justification for areduction or increase. In the interim if sites are proposed to be lost todevelopment (or other uses) an alternative should, in principle, be provided.330. The City Council needs to complete its review of bowls provision by detailedresearch in relation to each site. This should include full consultation with usersand relevant groups of older people across the City. It will be important tounderstand the issues and potential of each site before making decisions aboutthe future. In the interim the priority should be the improvement and/orreplacement of existing facilities.331. It may be appropriate to consider self management by some of the stronger clubswhich could potentially result in a reduction in revenue costs for the Authority.332. The current distribution of bowls sites should be retained as far as possible,based on a walking catchment of 800m (10 minutes), but this catchment areashould be confirmed through the additional research.Nortoft Partnerships Ltd <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Page | 217Sport & Physical Activity Strategy 2009-2016October 2009