Community Use and Access
A long‑term community asset
The Riverside Community Sports Hall has been designed to serve South Wye for generations. By embedding community access into its design, governance and operation, the project ensures that the benefits extend far beyond the school and contribute to a healthier, more connected community.
Principles for community access
Access to the Community Sports Hall will be guided by a clear set of principles that reflect local need and ensure long‑term community benefit:
- Community benefit first – prioritising activities that support health, wellbeing, inclusion and participation
- Accessibility – removing financial, physical and confidence barriers to participation
- Fair and transparent use – clear arrangements for booking and access
- Safeguarding and safety – ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for all users
- Long‑term sustainability – balancing free or subsidised use with responsible management
These principles help ensure the hall remains a community‑focused facility throughout its lifetime.
Who the sports hall is for
The Community Sports Hall is intended to benefit a wide range of users, including:
- Children and young people
- Families and carers
- Community and voluntary groups
- Health and wellbeing providers
- Local sports and activity clubs
Particular emphasis will be placed on inclusive access for:
- Families experiencing disadvantage
- Children with additional needs
- Those less likely to access traditional leisure facilities
Types of community use
Outside the school day, the sports hall will support a variety of community activities, including:
- Community sport and inclusive physical activity
- Health, fitness and wellbeing programmes
- Wraparound childcare and holiday provision
- Parenting programmes and family workshops
- Targeted early‑help and intervention work delivered with partners
- Community events and local group activity
This flexible approach allows the facility to adapt over time as needs, partnerships and opportunities evolve
How the facility will be managed
The Community Sports Hall will operate under a clear governance model designed to protect community benefit in the long term.
- The facility will be owned by a charitable organisation aligned with the project’s community purpose
- Day‑to‑day operation of community sessions will be delivered through a dedicated Community Interest Company (CIC)
- The CIC’s primary purpose will be to improve access to fitness and wellbeing opportunities in South Wye, rather than generate private profit
- Charitable and community use will be prioritised, with any commercial activity used to support sustainability
This structure ensures that community access is legally protected and not dependent on short‑term priorities
Safeguarding and use alongside the school
Safeguarding, security and wellbeing are central to how the sports hall will operate.
- School and community use will be clearly timetabled
- Appropriate supervision and safeguarding arrangements will be in place for all activities
- Access arrangements will ensure the school remains a safe environment during the school day
Clear boundaries and robust procedures ensure that shared use benefits both the school and the wider community
Booking and access arrangements
Detailed booking information, including eligibility, availability and pricing, will be published closer to completion of the build.
The aim will be to:
- Keep access affordable
- Prioritise community and charitable use
- Ensure transparency and consistency in decision‑making
Community partners and groups will be involved in shaping how access works in practice.
