CCPR Facilities Inquiry

Sport England has given evidence to the CCPR inquiry into facilities, which looks at the current state of community and educational sports facilities. Appearing before the committee, Sport England outlined the need for sport to take a strategic approach to developing new and upgrading existing facilities.

We advised that the simply ‘build it and they will come’ approach is no longer an appropriate way of addressing the challenge of getting more people into sport. If a facility is not being used, perhaps because it’s poorly located, doesn’t offer the right facilities and as a result is operating at a growing deficit – it may be better for a local authority, or other provider, to consider alternative options.

In terms of funding we advised that allocation needs to be prioritised for those facilities which are the product of a robust needs and evidence base and which demonstrate the strategic need for the investment allied with an equally robust business plan to drive participation.

Following this evidence session, CCPR will be publishing a report on the current state of facilities. Sports Policy News will share the results of this report when it becomes available.