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

Impact of the current economic climate68. The current economic downturn is likely to impact upon the demand for andprovision of sport and active recreation facilities and services. It is anticipatedthat there will be both capital and revenue pressures on all partners, with lessfunding available to achieve desired outputs. It is therefore essential to makethe facilities and services as cost effective and efficient as possible in order toachieve the wider health and regeneration objectives which guide leisure (andeducation) provision.69. Whatever the current economic climate, it is important to retain the long termvision of the networks which are required and to strive to achieve these evenif the timescales are potentially longer. As part of the vision, the long termnetwork of leisure facilities and green spaces which are required by the Citymust be identified as these are essential elements in the long term planningand regeneration process for <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent.70. Specific factors which could impact upon the demand and provision offacilities and services are likely to include:• Greater focus by many people on cheap/free activities at the expense ofthose which are more costly. Therefore more demand for low cost andeasily accessible facilities and activities e.g. community centres, greenspaces, grass pitches, walking and cycling routes;• More uptake of free swimming programmes;• Less demand for ‘expensive’ private/commercial facilities, and possibleloss of some such facilities in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent;• Greater demand for casual/pay and play use from those shifting from thecommercial sector, but possible reduction in demand from others whereactivities are considered ‘expensive’;• Reduction in the number of migrant workers (and their families), possiblyleading to a falling population;• Pressures to close some public facilities, especially those which are themost net expensive to operate;• Reduced ability to fund new facilities;• Less funds available from development as property values fall.Nortoft Partnerships Ltd <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Page | 54Sport & Physical Activity Strategy 2009 – 2016October 2009