Soft-Play Plan Rejected After Concern From Clubs

A plan to turn Harborough Leisure Centre’s sports hall into a children’s soft play facility has been rejected.

Harborough District Council turned down the proposal by its leisure contractor, following concern from clubs who use the space.

They would have had to relocate to the recently revamped sports arena, formally the ‘Dome’, but said the alternative venue would not be suitable and would become too busy.

John Fannon from the Harborough LC Junior Badminton Club has welcomed the decision:

Harborough Leisure Centre

Centre operator Everyone Active said there was strong demand for such a soft-play facility aimed at children under-12 and had earmarked £350,000 to set it up.

However, the council’s cabinet turned down the idea at a meeting last night, saying the sports hall is a well-used and valuable facility, which is needed to ensure that the existing full range of sport can be played at the centre.

Emma Weir is Chair of Market Harborough Youth Netball Club, which would have also been impacted:

HDC has urged Everyone Active to consider alternative options and locations to house the soft-play facility, which would not impact on the sports hall.

Cllr Phil Knowles, leader of the ruling coalition group, met with representatives from concerned clubs who use the sports hall and spoke to HFM after the decision was taken: