As a concept, the SportsHub idea is one that Evolve have had in place for some time. However, each town or city where there is potential for a SportsHub has specific population and sports and recreational needs and aspirations. This influences the size, location and components of any specific SportsHub.
The original ideas for SportsHub MK were drawn up during 2019 and are reproduced in the two concept plans below. We shared these ideas with residents of West Bletchley and the local Parish Councils, firstly in July 2019 at a public exhibition held close to the site, and then shared some suggested revisions to the concept at a Parish Council meeting in October 2019.
In the feedback we received after the July 2019 exhibition, many local people thought that the concept of a SportsHub charity to support grassroots sports in a new and better way was a good idea.
However, there were a number of concerns raised by those that live immediately adjacent to and around the golf course, and by those who are members and/or regular users of the current golf club. The main concerns expressed related to:
In response to local feedback and concerns, we suggested several changes to the original plans:
Since October 2019 we have continued to refine the SportsHub proposal taking into account local concerns and continued engagement with sports organisations and Council. The current SportsHub MK proposal incorporates the following changes:
This has enabled a greater proportion of the site to be left unbuilt, maintaining a golf offer which addresses the ability to play 18 holes, and still providing a multi-sport facility with sufficient commercial development to ensure it remains viable over the long term.