The original estimate/budget was for £13 million, now it appears to have risen to £19 million, for various reasons, including a bigger footprint, and kitchen/cafe.
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Whittlesey’s Manor Leisure Centre is set to undergo a multi-million-pound redevelopment, with the spotlight on costs, financial sustainability, and the addition of a commercial kitchen and café—a feature designed to make the centre a true hub for the community.
The redevelopment, part of the Fenland Inspire! initiative, will see the ageing pool building expanded and modernised while the separate sports hall is demolished. But the project’s financial implications are drawing particular attention, with total estimated costs rising to £18.67 million.
Key Financial Details
- Original project budget: £13.94 million
- RIBA Stage 2 estimate (including contingency and design enhancements): £17.18 million
- Sport England recommended enhancements: £1.489 million
- Potential Sport England grant: £2 million (reducing net cost to £16.67 million)
- Inflation impact: £570,000
- Pre-construction (RIBA Stages 2–4) cost: £1 million
Originally, the project budget was set at £13.94 million, including the replacement of the sports hall, padel courts, and rifle club facilities. However, inflation, enhanced design requirements, and the addition of new amenities have pushed costs significantly higher.
The latest RIBA Stage 2 pre-construction estimates place the total cost at £17.18 million, which includes contingency funds, inflationary adjustments, and expanded event and rifle range spaces. With Sport England’s recommended enhancements added, the total project budget rises to £18.67 million. A £2 million grant from Sport England, if approved, could reduce the final cost to £16.67 million.
Inflation alone is expected to add £570,000 to the budget, reflecting the time lag between the initial costing in December 2024 and the planned construction start in August 2026. Pre-construction work for the RIBA Stages 2–4 is estimated at £1 million, providing detailed designs, planning approvals, and cost certainty before construction begins.
Read the full story by John Elworthy – Click Here.
Ghosted@CTby JE.