10/06/2026
There’s hope yet maybe for Gedling IBC
Latest press release:
Community Anger Grows as Further Carlton Active Consultation Opens Following Richard Herrod Centre Closure
Residents across Gedling Borough are being invited to take part in a further public consultation on the proposed Carlton Active development, following the closure and handover of the Richard Herrod Centre (RHC) site to developers.
The consultation comes amid continuing public debate surrounding the loss of the Richard Herrod Centre, a facility that for over 39 years and several generations served as a valued community hub and home to Gedling's only indoor bowls centre. Former users of the centre have expressed concern that consultation on the design and facilities of Carlton Active is taking place after the closure of the Richard Herrod Centre and after indoor bowls provision has already been removed from the borough.
Gedling Borough Council are intent on pressing ahead, whilst there is little opportunity of challenging planning permission through their processes, and are not providing any adequate replacement during closure of the site. This is despite the leader of the Council requesting a report on possible alternative venues for indoor bowls, which to date has not been provided or considered.
Since the closure, social media discussions have attracted significant public engagement, with many residents voicing disappointment over the loss of facilities they believe played an important role in community life.
The Richard Herrod Centre was widely used by residents of all ages and was particularly valued by older people, disabled residents and those seeking opportunities for social interaction, physical activity and community engagement.
Gedling Borough Council have previously accepted an application to have the indoor bowls facility registered as an Asset of Community Value, but campaigners argue that the planned redevelopment represents a net loss of community benefit, with the Council overstating the “equivalence” of the replacement facilities, which do not include any opportunity for team sport.
Among the concerns regularly raised by residents are:
• The loss of a long-established community facility.
• The removal of indoor bowls provision from Gedling Borough.
• The impact on older and disabled residents who relied on the centre.
• Questions regarding accessibility and inclusivity within the proposed replacement development.
• Concerns over whether community needs have been fully reflected in the plans.
• Wider concerns regarding the decision-making process.
One resident said:
“Funding has not yet been secured, but this is not stopping Gedling Borough Council proceeding with demolition as soon as October 2026. It makes no sense to knock down a perfectly good facility before you know you can afford to replace it”
Questions remain around why Gedling Borough Council, are planning to spend tens of millions of pounds, with 50% of the money borrowed, with a payback period of 40 years, on a facility that they will have no responsibility for when they cease to exist in May 2028.
Comments posted on social media illustrate the strength of feeling surrounding the issue.
Another resident wrote:
“You got rid of the best community hub and indoor bowls centre in Nottinghamshire.”
Others described the closure as a significant loss to the local community and questioned why no replacement indoor bowls provision has been included within the current proposals.
A recurring theme within online discussions has been concern over the future of indoor bowls in Gedling. Residents have repeatedly questioned how a team sport that attracted substantial participation and provided accessible opportunities for older and disabled people has been removed without replacement provision being identified within the borough.
A request made by the Leader of the Council for a further report on alternative indoor bowls provision appears to have fallen on deaf ears, and no further contact made by Gedling Borough Council with the Gedling Indoor Bowls Club.
Former users of the facility argue that indoor bowls offered much more than sporting activity. For many participants it provided friendship, routine, support networks and an important means of combating loneliness and social isolation.
Campaigners have also questioned whether Carlton Active can genuinely be described as a facility for everyone if an established and accessible team sport previously enjoyed by hundreds of local residents is no longer available.
The issue continues to resonate strongly with many residents because it extends beyond the loss of a sporting facility. For some, it represents the loss of a community asset that contributed significantly to health, wellbeing and social inclusion.
Other emerging themes from the comments is a perceived loss of trust in the decision-making process. Several contributors criticised not only the outcome but also the judgement behind the project, suggesting that some residents feel community priorities have not been adequately reflected in the plans.
While social media comments should not be viewed as a substitute for formal consultation, the consistency of the concerns expressed suggests there remains significant public interest in the future provision of community and leisure facilities within the borough.
Gedling Borough Council’s consultation provides residents with an opportunity to comment on the proposed Carlton Active development and to raise any concerns they may have regarding the facilities proposed.
Campaigners are encouraging all residents—not only those directly affected by the closure of the Richard Herrod Centre—to participate in the consultation and ensure their views are heard.
A key question that continues to be raised however, by many former users of the Richard Herrod Centre is:
How can a replacement leisure facility be considered fully inclusive if there is no replacement provision for indoor bowls within Gedling Borough?
Residents can view the proposals and submit their comments through the council's consultation process.
