Planning for Gotherington’s Future Community Facilities
Gotherington Parish Council has submitted a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Infrastructure Fund application to explore the future of community, recreation and sports facilities in the parish. The proposed study would provide evidence to help ensure local infrastructure remains fit for purpose.
Published: 28 September 2026
Gotherington Parish Council has submitted a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Infrastructure Fund application to explore how community, recreation and sports facilities can continue to meet the needs of residents today and in the future.
Gotherington has experienced a lot of growth in recent years, with further development across the wider area increasing demand for community space, sports facilities, youth provision and opportunities for social connection.
To help plan for the future, the Parish Council has applied for funding to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study focused on the Rex Rhodes Building and the wider facilities at Freeman Field.
While the Rex Rhodes Building remains a key part of the project, the study is intended to consider broader questions about the long-term future of community infrastructure across the parish. Existing facilities face challenges including ageing buildings, limited capacity and accessibility constraints, while community needs continue to evolve.
The proposal is supported by evidence from the Gotherington Community Survey 2026, which identified Freeman Field as the heart of community life and highlighted strong support for improving community facilities, supporting young people, promoting wellbeing and creating flexible spaces that can serve all generations.
The purpose of the study is one part of the puzzle of ensuring Gotherington is prepared for the future. While the precise pattern of future growth remains uncertain, planning policy continues to identify the wider area as a location for development. Understanding how community, recreation and sports infrastructure can adapt over the next 10 to 20 years will help ensure the parish is well placed to respond to changing circumstances and opportunities as they emerge.
If funding is secured, the study would assess a range of options, including refurbishment, extension or redevelopment of the existing facility, alongside consideration of wider infrastructure needs. It would provide evidence on community demand, accessibility, sustainability, capacity and long-term value, helping to inform future decisions and strengthen future funding applications.
The full report sets out the background to the application, the evidence gathered so far, the scope of the proposed study and the strategic case for investing in Gotherington’s future community infrastructure.
Read the full CIL Infrastructure Fund Application Update Report below.
