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

Strategic Direction16. The objectives of the Strategy are linked to the formal commitments of theCity and its partners, as set down in the current Local Area Agreements, andas assessed by Government’s performance indicators. The objectives alsodirectly relate to and support the themes and priorities of the SustainableCommunity Strategy, and the Corporate Plan. Key extracts from thesedocuments are given in Appendix 1.17. More important though, is the fact that reaching the committed targets iscrucial to the overall success of the City and its long-term viability. It willrequire a 'cultural shift' of the whole community; a move towards a moreactive lifestyle and a greater commitment to local involvement. This includesvolunteering to support local organisations (such as sports clubs) and themanagement of local places and facilities.18. The achievement of the Strategy's goals will contribute towards the objectivesof an attractive, successful place where people choose to live and work, andtowards strengthening community confidence, the social infrastructure, andpride in the City. The targets are challenging but should be achievable if all ofthe partners work together. Some difficult decisions will need to be made oninvestment priorities, and funding opportunities will need to be maximised.19. A key mechanism underpinning the Strategy is the planning of the facilityrequirements, both for the indoor and outdoor sports facilities and the greenspaces. The planning process can protect important sites, it can provideopportunities for new sites, and enhance existing ones. It prioritises thestrategic and local facility needs and helps to unlock external investment,including developer contributions.20. The Strategy however is designed as a working document to be taken forwardby the Local Authority, as there are still a number of major issues and optionsto be resolved on some sites. Two examples are: the exact mix of sportsfacilities and their potential availability to the community at several of thesecondary school sites, and; the future of the Fenton Manor site/local areaincluding the implications of the proposed school relocation, changes at thecollege, and changes by the university. The decisions will often impact uponprovision, both for the community within the immediate neighbourhood and,where a facility is ‘strategic’, upon the City as a whole.Nortoft Partnerships Ltd <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Page | 8Sport & Physical Activity Strategy 2009 – 2016October 2009