Consultation outcomes on updated proposals for Riverside Leisure Complex facilities

Background

Following the adaptations, the proposals were further consulted upon as part of our wider review of outdoor sporting facilities in Chester-le-Street. See our Leisure transformation consultation page for information about the initial consultation in summer 2022.

What we proposed

Updated proposals at a glance

The table below shows the revised changes to the proposals at a glance:

Chester-le-Street Riverside proposals (PDF, 790 KB)

Updated proposals in more detail

Environmental concerns, particularly the impact of the development on future flood risk and the use of rubber crumb on the 3G pitch surface

The Environment Agency has been made aware of the proposals as a statutory consultee of the original planning application and have not raised any major concerns in relation to the new development. As new 3G surfaces will be permeable, with additional drainage installed and ground levels will remain the same, there will be minimal effect on surface water drainage from the site, pitches will be allowed to flood as before to minimise flood risk to surrounding areas. In addition, we have identified an alternative product to replace the rubber crumb originally specified which is a cork based, natural material which is more environmentally friendly. Fencing and floodlight masts will be designed to ensure minimal visual impact across the site and all floodlighting designed specifically to minimise impact on foraging animals such as bats and reduce light spill towards the River and to nearby residential properties.

Loss of green space for activities such as walking and cycling

The proposed new 3G facilities will be located close to the south-east of the site leaving a substantial grass pitch area and open green space for other activities on the south-west of the site. The perimeter of the site will not be fenced, allowing public access to these areas, and an unrestricted walking route will be retained providing direct east and west access to the river and nature areas.

Anti-social behaviour

Close Circuit TV cameras and increased staffing patrols will be deployed to keep anti-social behaviour (ASB) to a minimum. In addition, revised, robust hire conditions will be introduced to advise users of potential sanctions if they are found to be in breach of anti-social behaviour standards. Following feedback, any CCTV system installed will be carefully aimed at pitch facilities, so as not to disrupt the privacy of nearby residents and plans to install a tannoy as part of ASB measures will not be taken forward.

Improvement of other sporting facilities

In terms of the improvement of other facilities, the proposals have been developed and now includes tennis and netball. The principle of promoting sport, physical activity and wellbeing is still key to the proposals, together with the need to improve sustainability. The overall level of investment available for the Riverside project may need to be increased to assist in the delivery of additional facilities and account for costs due to inflationary pressures in the construction market. Ultimately however, the investment level will have to be capped and reflect the current financial context.

Car parking

The concerns of residents regarding traffic and street parking have been considered and the following principles are being developed for implementation:

• explore free or lower charge parking in the car parks furthest away from housing
• improved car parking signage for the Riverside Complex customers
• improved wayfinding and signage for customers using existing footpath network
• regular enforcement to check and control improper parking in surrounding residential areas
• regular communication with user clubs and customers on polite parking

Fair use of the new facilities

The new facilities will be programmed in such a way as to ensure all clubs and teams have fair access and the programme remains balanced and multi-sport. Early programming with existing and prospective users indicates that for 3G usage in example, that overall occupancy will be around 70%, with the remaining 30%, inclusive of some peak time slots, still available for wider community bookings. A considerable amount of the proposed draft programme is made up of clubs and sports organisations from the immediate area with users from both Chester-le-Street and the wider area participating. All clubs and sports organisations benefiting from the proposed development are managed through common legal structures associated with sports clubs, not-for-profit or charitable purposes.

Have your say

Consultation outcomes

These outcomes conclude the second consultation on proposals for the Riverside, which took place during the Winter period 2022 into 2023 and built on the initial consultation delivered during the Summer 2022.

• 71% of respondents agreed that the proposals for the Riverside would improve the site and encourage greater use.
• Although there was a high percentage of support for the proposals, this needs to be considered against the backdrop of overall feedback and issues raised through the consultation process.
• The focus on football as a key aspect of proposals for the site also received significant feedback.

Proposals for the Riverside have been subject to significant community consultation and engagement. While being deliverable proposals, consultation outcomes showed that the plans attracted various areas of feedback and concern.

On the balance of feedback through consultation, any project taken forward at the Riverside needs to consider wider opportunities for physical activity and community engagement, and target investment to get the most benefit for a broader range of the community. This changes the context considerably from the previous plans and proposals that were consulted on, which were largely based upon self-financing developments at the site.

Given this change in emphasis, it will be necessary to continue to manage the Riverside in its current format for the time-being. We can then proceed to explore future opportunities,  with such developments depending on suitable funding becoming available.