Page 6 - RNT-C08

The HISTORY of REDDITCH New Town

The Vision - Indoor Facilities
A published survey showed that Redditch was reasonably well provided with voluntary
social organisations in the town, including church and welfare organisations and clubs
and societies covering a wide range of activities. There were also existing commercial
recreational facilities, including two cinemas.

The survey indicated that the cinema, bingo, ten-pin bowling, dancing and the theatre
were the most popular commercially provided facilities and that dancing, bowling and the
theatre were likely to increase in popularity. Ice skating also received many mentions
due perhaps to interest being stimulated by the new rink in Birmingham which was on a
direct bus route from Redditch. A covered swimming pool already existed but the survey
suggested that future demand may make it inadequate. There was also a need for a
multipurpose sports centre including swimming facilities and covered space for sports
such as tennis, netball, squash, etc. to enable participation all the year round.
With the growth of the town, sites would be required, mainly in the central area, for a
variety of social accommodation, the extent depending on demand and on commercial
enterprise and initiative by local authorities and voluntary organisations.
The clubs and societies in the town were in many instances lacking suitable
accommodation; works premises, public houses and church halls were all used and often
the facilities were unsuitable or inadequate. In addition to halls connected with churches,
there would also be a need throughout the town for small halls and meeting rooms for
local clubs and societies of all kinds. It was a feature of the social organisation of new
towns that 'special interest groups' abound; in many cases they would require only a
room to meet in and this accommodation could be provided in conjunction with small
halls holding perhaps 100 where they are situated near the central area and up to 200 -
250 in the areas more remote from the centre.
A primary object should be to provide for the less mobile groups - young wives, children,
the handicapped and the infirm. At the same time by siting these buildings close to the
public transport stops, they could be available for specialist activities for people from all
parts of the town.

Kingsley College, formerly the Leys High School, has a active Leisure centre making the
principle of Dual Use a reality.

Page: 206