Cannock Chase Council set to invest £2.3m in leisure improvements
More than £2m is set to be invested in improving facilities at three leisure and sports sites in Cannock Chase.
New studios, a soft play facility and padel tennis courts are among the facilities set to be created.
Cannock Chase Council’s cabinet approved the £2.3m spend on the Chase and Rugeley leisure centres and Cannock Park Golf Course at a meeting on Thursday (October 9).
The decision follows the procurement of a new leisure contract which will start from April 2026.
Council deputy leader David Williams, who also Community Wellbeing Portfolio Leader, said: “We are serious about leisure provision and investing in infrastructure. Most projects will be delivered between April and October 2026, with the exception of the sprinkler system (at Cannock Park Golf Course), which will be delivered earlier to take advantage of the quieter winter period.
“These proposals are designed to fill gaps in the market and make better use of our leisure centres. The alternative is declining facilities that cannot compete with facilities in neighbouring authorities.”
More than £1m is earmarked for improvements to Chase Leisure Centre, including £467,000 towards two new padel tennis courts. Changes to the reception area, costing around £240,000 will involve a new counter, creation of a café space and installation of new toilets.
A further £410,000 will be spent on a new soft play area in the main sports hall and two new party rooms will be created at a cost of £150,000. Around £221,000 will be used to convert a meeting room into a studio.
Around £400,000 is set to be invested in the new irrigation system at Chase Park Golf Course. And more than £400,000 has been earmarked towards Rugeley Leisure Centre, where a squash court will be transformed into a new spin studio, the ground floor fitness gym size will be increased and football changing rooms will be transformed into a studio.
A report to Thursday’s cabinet meeting said: “The planned investment into Rugeley Leisure Centre will alter currently underused changing rooms and toilets to allow for an extension to the 80-station gym to develop the free weights area further, an extremely popular activity within the gym. There are several competing facilities in the area, so this would enhance this popular offering and make it more competitive.
“The funding will also allow the development of a second studio at the centre to allow more fitness and exercise classes to take place, for which there is notable demand; the current timetable is saturated with popular and well attended classes with no space to increase the offer. We have been working closely with the Football Foundation to ensure sufficient and approved facilities continue to be provided within the available changing areas, which meet with their requirements and are compliant for men’s and women’s league games.
“The conversion of squash court two will create a new, dedicated spin studio, enabling an increased offer on the class timetable for popular group cycle and spin classes. Squash court one remains in place for centre users.
“In Cannock it has been identified that there is strong demand for additional soft play facilities, something that Chase Leisure Centre has the space to offer, (and) there is underutilised space available for party rooms which would complement the soft play offer. The aim is to encourage families and children into the centre for informal play and children’s parties, welcoming and inspiring them to become regular participants in the wider leisure offer.
“The council has limited unallocated capital resources available and as such the plan would be to borrow to fund these works. A review will be undertaken of the current capital programme and funding to determine if any resources can be released which would reduce the amount of borrowing required, with a consequential reduction in borrowing costs.”
Councillor Maureen Freeman, Regeneration and High Streets Portfolio Leader, said: “I welcome the report because there are a lot of good things. It’s vitally important for the Cannock area because the whole of Cannock Park is in trust and the golf course is so very important.
“I welcome the range of food and beverage options in the leisure centre – that is a welcome addition. And the play area for children is absolutely brilliant.
“I will mention junior golf – for many years residents have been pushing for junior golf and it’s not been taken up. I hope the new contractor will look at this, that would be a great help.”
