Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 - Libraries, Parks and Open Spaces, Sport and Physical Activity, Heritage and Arts - London Borough of ...
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Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Libraries, Parks and Open Spaces, Sport and Physical Activity, Heritage and Arts
Contents Foreword
1. Executive Summary 5 Dear Resident,
“Our leisure
2. Introduction 9
Welcome to Hounslow’s Leisure and Culture Strategy which services and
has been developed with input from service users, members of
the public and partners. facilities provide
3. Hounslow Today 10 Our leisure services and facilities provide an important an important
4. A Changing Landscape 19
contribution to making Hounslow a great place to live, work
and visit. These services can play a significant role in improving
contribution
health and quality of life, providing a cleaner and greener to making
borough and in meeting other corporate priorities including
5. Our Vision 25 employment, education and community cohesion. Hounslow a great
place to live,
6. A Modern Library Service 28 This strategy sets out our high level ambition for provision and
delivery of a leisure and culture offer over the next four years work and visit”
and also helps us in determining options for where and how
7. Diverse Parks and Open Spaces 37 we can make significant savings in the leisure budget.
We are extremely fortunate that Hounslow has such great
8. Support residents to be more active 43 services and facilities and potential to provide high quality
leisure and cultural services for you, your family and your
9. Celebrate Hounslow’s People, Places, community in the future. I am delighted to present our
ambition and plan for how we can make this happen.
Local History, Heritage and Culture 50
10. Conclusion 54
Councillor Ed Mayne
Portfolio holder for Public Health and Leisure
1 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020
2 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 3
5
Vision Executive Summary
Hounslow will be a borough known for its richness of
The provision of leisure and
culture services in Hounslow,
by at least £2.3million (13.4%
of the overall budget), and
The provision
high quality leisure and cultural services where every in this time of austerity, potentially considerably more, of leisure and
presents both opportunities over the next four years.
resident will have the opportunity to take part in leisure and challenges. These services culture services in
are extremely popular and This strategy lays out our
and cultural activities. we value the substantial high-level thinking on how Hounslow, in this
benefits of parks, leisure
centres, libraries, heritage
best to re-shape leisure and
culture services, taking into
time of austerity,
We pledge to: and arts to wider agendas account the future needs presents both
such as; employment, of local residents and the
■ modernise our library service learning, education, health need to deliver services with opportunities
■ enhance our network of parks and green spaces for diverse needs
and wellbeing, economic
development, regeneration
reducing budgets. We will
formally consult with the
and challenges
and community cohesion. public to further develop
■ support residents to be more active and strengthen this strategy
As part of the overall council so that it can subsequently
■ celebrate Hounslow’s people, places, local history, heritage and culture savings programme, the be used to underpin the
budget for leisure and culture development of future
services needs to be reduced savings plans.
Be Inspired Festival, Redlees Park, Isleworth
4 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 5
Executive Summary Executive Summary
Modernise our Support residents
The following priorities underpin library service to be more active
our proposals for future services: ■ The physical and ■ Create a movement
■ Rethinking what our services offer - we will review, virtual library - a modern - engage all sectors to
redesign and prioritise services to ensure they respond service should provide a make every contact
to the current and future needs of local residents and balance of both a physical count and make physical
can be delivered with less budget. This may include and virtual place - that activity popular through
changing what services are offered, addressing gaps can be visited, but also campaigns, education
and shortfalls in services and responding better to be virtually accessible and events which support
what we know about our population, their needs wherever people are. behaviour change.
and lifestyle in the context of on-going changes in
the 21st century such as advancement in technology. ■ Community hubs ■ Think strategically
with services for local and prioritise - provide
■ Ensuring the right services in the right places residents - the service strategic leadership
- we will review and rationalise our facilities and will better respond to the facilitating partnerships
assets so they are community focused, fit for purpose changing landscape and with public, private and
and in the right place to best meet current need. become services and places voluntary sectors to
This includes sharing or co-locating services and that more residents will maximise the sport and
where possible improving or building new facilities use and visit. Hounslow physical activity offer
and assets to the benefit of the community. libraries will retain current in Hounslow. We will
users and will improve Hounslow Canal path also target resources
engaging non-users. and funding for sport
■ Better management - we will reconsider and
negotiate management arrangements for services Residents will be actively Enhance our network of parks and and physical activity
and facilities in order to reduce the amount we pay
for services, whilst minimising any negative impact for
involved and supported
to have a role in shaping
green spaces for diverse needs more strategically.
residents. This can also result in investment in facilities the future library service, ■ Create active
■ Review and redesign participation of parks
and improve service quality through identifying ensuring libraries reflect environments and
parks and open spaces and, where appropriate,
expert and specialist management. Hounslow Council the needs and aspirations provide the right
to provide a range of high explore and formalise
will review its present and future role as a provider, of the local community. facilities in the right
quality spaces which are how residents and
partner or enabler of leisure and cultural services. locations - guide future
safe and welcoming, making stakeholders can
■ Well-designed spaces - programmes of work,
improvements where actively participate
a better library standard capital investment for
they are most needed. in the maintenance
Chiswick Library, Chiswick will endeavour to provide new sports facilities and
and development
buildings which are fit- improve accessibility of
of these spaces.
for-purpose with well- ■ Review new service others. Shape spaces to
designed spaces that are: management models support physical activity
■ Target funding
accessible and attractive and maintenance making use of our
strategically - plan
to all residents and regimes so that Hounslow’s parks and open spaces
and prioritise spend
organisations; located in parks are effectively and and provide targeted
and promote income
areas which are easy to efficiently managed. services and events for
generation from external
find and everyone can the least active people.
funds and concessions,
get to affordably; and ■ Get communities more rents and fees and charges
reflective of the needs
involved - promote usage, to support a sustainable
and aspirations of the
community involvement and management model.
local community.
6 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 7
Executive Summary Introduction
Hounslow Council facilitates provide these services because environment improvements
the provision of leisure and of the beneficial outcomes to and biodiversity, emergency
cultural services through residents and communities. planning and sustainable
direct commissioning and communities. This is reflected
by supporting partner Leisure and culture services in Hounslow’s Corporate
organisations to deliver can impact upon a range Plan 2014-2020, where
services. The provision of of outcomes including leisure and culture services
these facilities and activities contributing to health and play a key role across all
are not a statutory duty for wellbeing, regeneration, priority areas particularly
local authorities, however learning, employment, in developing active and
Hounslow have opted to reducing inequalities, healthy communities.
Be Inspired Festival, Redlees Park, Isleworth The need for a leisure and culture strategy
Celebrate Hounslow’s people, places, local history, Given the impact that leisure of the overall council savings with place. It proposes how
services could have on programme, the budget for this is to be achieved whilst
heritage and culture improving health and quality leisure and culture services simultaneously strengthening
of life, employment and needs to be reduced by at leisure and culture services to
■ Make Hounslow a realm, improving the families and ensuring reducing population churn, it least £2.3million over the next become economically viable.
destination for heritage sustainability of our arts services are provided is an ideal time to develop a four years.
and the arts through and heritage offer through across the borough. vision and direction of travel This document should be
delivery of an attractive, innovative programming, to better define Hounslow and This strategy outlines how seen as an iterative document
accessible and engaging new models of delivery, encourage people to live and Hounslow Council will improve from which further research
■ Maximise the potential
programme of arts securing external funding invest in the borough. This is the leisure and cultural and actions will develop as
to contribute to
and events, increasing and working in partnership. made more important in the offer to better support the strategy is implemented,
wider corporate
participation in context of severe budgetary local communities to be monitored and reviewed.
objectives including
Hounslow’s rich and ■ Maximise involvement cuts and the vulnerability of independent, residents to be
economic development
diverse cultural offer and from residents for non-statutory services. As part self-reliant and connect people
and regeneration,
attracting new and heritage and the arts connecting communities,
underrepresented audiences. by better understanding cohesion, learning and Scope
our audiences, creating skills development, and
■ Protect and conserve better events, working health and wellbeing. The strategy will include: Chapters 3 and 4 set the scene challenges while subsequent
heritage including our with partner organisations, heritage and arts to include for the strategy providing an chapters describe our high-
historic parks and buildings, prioritising activities museums; physical activity overview of current level approach to the future
streets, squares and public for young people and and sport to include leisure services and a description development of libraries;
centres, sports facilities of key strategic drivers for parks and open spaces; sport
and public halls; parks and change respectively. Chapter and physical activity; and
In delivering the above, we will improve the promotion of open spaces to include parks, 5 outlines the overall vision heritage and arts.
services and enhance communication with residents. leisure land, cemeteries and
allotments; and libraries.
of this strategy to meet
the enormous economic
By making these changes, Hounslow will provide high quality leisure and culture services that
are diverse and accessible to all Hounslow residents. This strategy will also help to identify Next steps
where, given the severity of the savings required, we prioritise reducing resource, provide a
framework which minimises the impact of budget reductions and also identifies where we have Using the strategy as a Approval will be sought at we can make sure all decisions
opportunities to improve services within existing budgets. framework, a draft leisure Cabinet early 2016 to consult, are properly informed by the
development and savings where applicable with views of local people.
options plan will be developed. residents on the draft plan so
8 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 9
Hounslow Today Hounslow Today
Defining Hounslow Population and Demographic
One of London’s largest five Great Estates all with opportunity; promising new The population of Hounslow nearly 15% will be over the half of Hounslow’s population
boroughs, located in West historic references (Chiswick, looks to the town centres, is 271,800 (GLA projections, age of 65, with 4% over the was from an ethnic minority
London, linking town and Gunnersbury, Boston Manor, new market spaces; new 2014) and it is anticipated age of 80. group, the largest of which
countryside via the Great Osterley and Syon). It has retail and office space for this will rise to 323,000 by was Indian accounting for
West Road, Hounslow is a tangible links to Britain’s past businesses (and potentially 2030. The age profile of the Hounslow has average levels 19% of residents, followed
portal to London, to the UK with both an implicit and creative and cultural population has particular of deprivation compared by Asian-other at 8%, and
and, through Heathrow, the explicit (built) heritage from businesses); new homes, new implications for leisure with London boroughs, and Pakistani at 5%.
world. It is a river borough the Romans through King schools, improved leisure and facilities and services due to is ranked as the 14th least
with a route to the West of Canute, Henry VIII and Brunel entertainment infrastructure the different use of facilities deprived borough in London Both of these factors are
England and to the Channel. and through its peoples to with increased diversity of by people of varying ages. and the 92nd most deprived of particular importance in
It has a rich environment of world cultures. cultural offer; and enhanced district of 326 in the country. considering future provision
waterways – canals, tributary public realm and facilities Hounslow’s age profile is One of Hounslow’s ‘Lower and planning to ensure
rivers, lakes, reservoirs, docks Above all it has potential: demonstrated by investment markedly different from that Super Output Areas’ is in leisure and culture services
and Metropolitan Open Land continuing economic and in libraries, leisure and some of the country as a whole. By the 10% most deprived in are accessible and, where
(parks and open spaces) with social development and arts facilities. 2030, it is projected that a England and diversity is applicable, targeted in order
quarter of the population will increasing in the borough. to have greater outcomes
Syon House Conservatory, Brentford be under the age of 18 and The 2011 Census showed that and impact.
Be Inspired Festival, Redlees Park, Isleworth
Leisure Services
Hounslow has a strong leisure and culture offer in the borough with over 200 parks, 6 leisure
centres, 11 libraries, over 160 sports clubs and high profile heritage sites including Boston
Manor and Hogarth’s House. Leisure and culture services are delivered in partnership with
delivery partners such as Fusion and Carillion which, alongside other key local and regional
partners, will play an important part in delivering this strategy.
10 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 11
Hounslow Today Hounslow Today
The box below highlights some of the recent key Libraries
achievements and improvements that have been made to the Isleworth Leisure Centre and Library
leisure and culture offer in recent years.
Recent key achievements:
■ major regeneration ■ refurbishment of five varied programme of
project at the leisure centres and a activities with over
Gunnersbury Estate further £13.5 million 30,000 people attended
securing £8.8m from the investment in a new more than 8,500
Heritage Lottery Fund state of the art leisure events such as reading
centre at Heston. Heston groups, film screenings
■ investment committed Park redevelopment of and talks each year
from the Heritage £1,140,000 to be completed
Lottery Fund to develop by the end of 2015 ■ improved engagement
plans for a learning space in activities, learning
and remodelled gardens ■ 14 parks and allotments and knowledge sharing
at Hogarth’s House awarded the Green Flag through innovative
Award which recognises technology. Hounslow
■ residents taking part
in 3x30minutes of
and rewards the best
green spaces in the country
is the first public
library to set-up LEGO
Hounslow has 11 libraries distributed across the borough.
physical activity per Education which
week has increased ■ £700k invested into delivers interactive and The main borough library ■ virtual stock - includes ■ events and activities
from 4% to 23.4% shared use pathways in innovative learning for is Hounslow Library in the e-books and a range of - the libraries service
over the last 7 years and around parks and children and new coding Treaty Centre Shopping online resources such as now offers a range of
open spaces: River Crane clubs for 9 + years and Centre in Hounslow. the Driving Theory Test, events and activities
■ the Sport Development Lands, Hanworth Airpark, programming skills Encyclopaedia Britannica some of which are based
service in Hounslow Duke of Northumberlands for adults is planned There are six town libraries and UK Citizenship Test. around reading including
rated excellent by Sport River Pevensey Road Open located in Brentford, Online resources can the Summer Reading
England’s national Space and Bedfont Links ■ development of a Chiswick, Feltham, Hanworth, be accessed from home Challenge for children and
quality scheme QUEST successful School Heston and Isleworth and computers and computers reading groups. Other
■ 26 play areas refurbished Library Service which four community libraries in in the libraries. E-books activities include arts and
■ over £700k of external or built since 2010 serves 74% of the Beavers, Bedfont, Cranford can be accessed via crafts, film screenings,
funding secured in two costing £3.7 million borough’s schools and Osterley. Libraries compatible e-readers health promotion, English
years to support the currently cater for a number conversation classes
delivery of sports and ■ £450k secured in 2014 ■ free wifi now of core functions in Hounslow. ■ computers - this is the and careers advice.
physical activity projects to improve paths and available at all People’s Network and
in the borough with a access in all cemeteries libraries encouraging These include access to: provides library users with
further £1.25m dedicated remote working. access to a computer in their
■ physical stock - includes local library. It is primarily
to develop a flagship ■ Hounslow’s libraries
paperback and hardback for those who do not
West London Sports hub service has a popular and
books, audio books, CDs, have access to a computer
at Gunnersbury Park
DVDs and cassettes and internet at home
12 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 13
Hounslow Today Hounslow Today
The libraries Parks and open spaces
service has There are 208 parks and quartile of spend across
a number open spaces, 9 cemeteries,
34 allotment sites, 95 play
London which is reflected
in the varying quality of the
of specialist areas and 137 outdoor sports parks and open spaces in
facilities and pitches covering Hounslow. National Green
operational areas 7.2 million square metres Flag Award status has also
of land across the borough. been attained by 14 parks.
such as the local These open spaces are owned
studies collections or co-owned and managed by
the council, the National Trust
Greenspaces provide free,
unhindered access to healthy
and archives that or private land owners. opportunities, promoting
healthy lifestyle and
are housed in They are diverse, ranging supporting individual’s
Children’s play area
Chiswick, Feltham from sites of national
significance to small open
health and wellbeing.
The contribution of our
and Hounslow spaces which all provide Parks and open spaces also parks to nature conservation
different functions. Hounslow play an important role in and biodiversity should
libraries. has more open spaces than regeneration, place shaping also be noted with seven
Library bookcase the London average and and promoting community sites designated to be of
around 85% of people cohesion, hosting many of Metropolitan importance
The mobile libraries service is co-located with Children’s
visit them daily or weekly the boroughs art and cultural and other benefits that
delivers books to those Services and the library at
(Resident Survey, 2015). events such as London Mela, include improving air
who cannot access their Feltham that is situated in
guided walks and are a place quality, addressing climate
local library due to illness or the same building as a
Hounslow spend £7,150 per for outdoor learning that change impact and
mobility issues, the Prison GP surgery.
hectare which is in the lower enrich local communities. providing flood mitigation.
Library Service serves
Feltham Young Offenders Heston and Osterley are
Hounslow Heath, Local Nature Reserve and Site of Importance for Nature Conservation
Institute and the Schools stand-alone libraries that
Library Service provides have been refurbished and Hounslow has
books and activities to Hounslow Library in the
primary schools and advice on Treaty Centre has undergone more open
developing library provision
to secondary schools.
improvements including new
air conditioning, lighting and
London spaces
lifts to make the facility more than the London
Some of Hounslow’s library comfortable for users.
buildings have undergone average and
refurbishment. This involved Libraries are also
co-locating libraries with increasingly sharing their
around 85% of
other services such as the
re-built library in Hanworth
space with other services
that are operationally
people visit them
and refurbished library at compatible for example daily or weekly
Isleworth that are co-located there are now five adult
with leisure facilities, the education class rooms in (Resident Survey, 2015)
re-built Beavers Library that Hounslow Library.
14 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 15
Hounslow Today Hounslow Today
Physical Activity and Sport
Physical activity
encompasses
everything from
cycling and
walking to fitness
classes and Netball Swimming
organised sport. The council has a large
portfolio of facility assets
relationships between key
partners and stakeholders
same way it did for Mo Farah
who took part in the same
including boathouses, to secure significant funding grassroot events several
golf courses and tennis for the investment in capital years before his world-class
Heston Pools & Fitness Centre, Heston courts. Hounslow is host and revenue projects. The sporting success.
to over 160 sports clubs boroughs school sport
The council operates six range of facilities including average of 120,000 visits including minority sports partnership (Sport Impact) The joint Strategic Health
leisure facilities across the fitness studios, health suites, per month. Further facility like badminton, martial arts has worked with over 55 and Wellbeing Strategy
Borough in Brentford, swimming pools, cafes, crèche improvements include and squash. The borough schools, 400 teachers and (JHWBS) for Hounslow
Chiswick, Hanworth, Heston, facilities and outdoor pitches. the re-development of is proud to be the official over 3,000 children in the identifies physical activity as
Isleworth and Osterley. Gunnersbury Park. Plans are
home for Brentford Football borough ensuring every key to addressing childhood
Hanworth and Isleworth are In addition to five leisure afoot to re-instate the park
Club since 1889 and other child gets access to high obesity and enabling people
co-located with libraries. centres there is also a six lane as a destination facility for
national standard clubs such quality physical education, to make healthier lifestyle
Heston Pool which closed athletics track and sports sport and physical activity
as the volleyball club CBL competitive school sport choices. This is reflected
in 2014 has been replaced centre in Osterley. All of with a programme of works
Polonia, AFL premiership side and opportunities to lead in the joint strategic
by a £13.5 million leisure these facilities provide local planned that will exceed
West London Wildcats and and volunteer. needs assessment (JSNA)
centre which opened in residents with a wide variety £10 million pounds of
rugby team Harlequin Ladies. which identifies physical
January 2016. Each of the of sports and physical activity investment and is scheduled
Home to a plethora of elite The Sport and Community inactivity in Hounslow
leisure centres boast a full opportunities that sees an for completion in 2017.
clubs, the national stadiums development team, QUEST as a key determinant of
myride Spin studio, Heston Pools &
Swimming pool, Heston Pools & Fitness Centre, Heston Fitness Centre, Heston for football and rugby on rated excellent, provides a premature death and ill
its doorstep, Wembley and series of opportunities for health. In response to
Twickenham respectively, young people in the borough this the commissioning of
and the finish point of the to participate in a variety of physical activity programmes
annual Oxford Cambridge sports and physical activities are targeted and provide
boat race, the borough has a from cycling to running to opportunities for the least
vast wealth of major sporting participation in pan London active to participate in
events and teams on which to and international events activities such as health
capitalise on. such as the London Youth walks. This approach has
Games and the London enabled us, since 2012, to
Hounslow boasts a successful Marathon ‘Mini-Marathon’. provide over 79 different,
Community Sports and Opportunities like these targeted activities that have
Physical Activity Network motivate and inspire the next reached over 5000 residents.
(CSPAN) that facilitate generation of talent in the
16 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 17
Hounslow Today A Changing Landscape
Public Halls In order to deliver on the
vision for Hounslow’s
leisure and culture
Hounslow currently has seven 261,000 visits to these sites.
services, it is necessary
public halls offering varying The sites are Chiswick Town
to consider what these
services to local residents but Hall, Feltham Assembly Hall,
services are for the
all are used for community Heston Village Hall, Isleworth
current and future needs
based activities in full or in Public Hall, Montague Public
of Hounslow residents.
part to include recreational, Hall, Southville Community
cultural, educational and and Children’s Centre and
Economic austerity, the
leisure based services. Wellington Day Centre.
impact of new technology
In 2014-2015 there were
and changing social
Half term dance workshop, trends are important
Heritage and Arts Feltham Library, Feltham drivers which necessitate
a re-evaluation of how
We are lucky enough to hosts 27 conservation areas and Gardens, Hogarth’s we provide services.
have a rich and diverse mostly concentrated in the House, the Museum of Water Leisure and culture
heritage with some of east; Brentford, Chiswick and Steam and Gunnersbury services of the future
West London’s remaining and Isleworth, and some Park and Museum. have to respond to these
Great Estates of significant 885 statutorily listed – both changes, and remain
national importance such as commercial and domestic to Hounslow also provides a relevant to the modern
Gunnersbury Park, Chiswick include individual or groups number of grants to arts- and changing needs of
House and Gardens, Boston of buildings that are locally based organisations including Hounslow residents.
Manor House and listed for their contribution to Watermans Art Centre
Park and Hogarth’s House. an area’s character. and Feltham Arts and has
These sites are valued by facilities such as Redlees Artist
local visitors, including Hounslow has been a priority Studio and the Paul Robeson Hounslow Heath
schools, families and adults, borough for investment by Theatre, all of which often
as well as those new to the the Heritage Lottery Fund work alongside community Economic climate and national context
borough with more than (HFL) and has benefited from groups to engage people and Lampton Park
16,000 people visiting Boston c £21.8m of HLF funding, with their cultural heritage across Leisure and culture leisure and culture services
Manor and Hogarth’s House notable grants to support the the borough. services are facing unique will reduce further. In
last year. The borough also restoration of Chiswick House circumstances including Hounslow, leisure services
Gothic screen wall,
Watermans Art Centre, Brentford Gunnersbury Park, Brentford severe budgetary cuts and have been tasked with
service restructuring over reducing the leisure budget
a short time-scale. Whilst by at least £2.3 million.
the importance of leisure Difficult decisions will need
and culture services is to be made about which
recognised at a national services to prioritise and
level, additional funding in considering increased
from Central Government efficiency, re-modelling
service delivery and where
is unlikely. Councils in
applicable, the degree of
many areas may not have
service reduction.
enough funding to meet
all statutory responsibilities
and money available for
18 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 19A Changing Landscape A Changing Landscape
Legislation Corporate Plan and Strategic Framework
affects how we manage our
waterways and maintain
the quality of water, such
Hounslow Council is committed to providing a
as the Reservoir Act. The high quality leisure and culture offer to Hounslow
National Parks and Access
to the Countryside Act 1949 residents which is highlighted in the themes within the
also enables local authorities
to establish and manage
Corporate Plan 2014 – 2019:
nature reserves, of which the
borough has ten. ■ keeping you safe ■ a cleaner, greener borough ■ an ambitious council
delivering quality
Local authorities also have ■ brighter futures ■ active, healthy communities services and value
a primary role in protecting for our children for money.
the historic environment. The ■ help and support
Hogarth’s House, Chiswick good quality when you need it
Planning (Listed Buildings ■
Generally speaking, the on the council to have regard and Conservation Areas) Act homes and jobs
majority of leisure and for and the conservation of 1990 places a statutory duty
cultural services are biodiversity; and the Disused on local planning authorities
discretionary and therefore Burial Ground Act, which to properly judge applications
councils have a choice over places a duty to manage sites for listed building consent.
the level and type of service
provided. The main exception
previously maintained as
burial grounds often closed
Local authorities also have a The council has also recently developed a new strategic
range of enforcement powers
is the 1964 Public Libraries church burial grounds. Many to tackle listed buildings framework which helps to identify how this strategy fits
and Museums Act which of our parks and open spaces at risk. Support is available
requires local authorities to have additional protection from English Heritage when and interacts with other council strategies.
deliver a “comprehensive and due to specific legislation it becomes evident that a
efficient library service for all such as the Countryside and designated asset is being
persons desiring to make use Rights of way Act, Allotment allowed to deteriorate.
thereof”. There are however, Act and/or specific planning
no national standards, or a designation such as Green The Health and Social Care
precise definition of what Belt which has influenced Act 2012 conferred new
constitutes a comprehensive the character and nature of duties on local authorities
and efficient service in the these spaces. The historical to improve public health,
21st century and it is the duty ownership of many of our transferring the responsibility
of each local authority to parks and open spaces have of primary care trusts to local
determine the level of service further prescriptions if authorities. Whilst it is not
provision based on local need. designated as Common Land, a statutory function of local
have restrictive Covenants or authorities, physical activity
There are also a number of specific status in law in their features within the Public
legislations that inform parks creation such as King George Health Outcomes Framework
and open spaces including: V/ Queen Elizabeth II playing as a key indicator that the
the Natural Environment fields. As a borough situated Department of Health
and Rural Communities Act next to the Thames there is expects local authorities to
(2006), which places a duty also further legislation that work towards.
20 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 21A Changing Landscape A Changing Landscape
Health and Wellbeing Regeneration and Economic Development
Amid the changes and commissioning and funding which focusses on Active The leisure and culture in improving connectivity realm offer (inclusive of
challenges the council faces, arrangements. Leisure and Living and the role leisure offer of the borough has of an area, the use of arts, leisure centres, libraries, parks,
from 1 April 2013, the council cultural services in Hounslow services play in contributing significant value to the local leisure and cultural facilities theatres, town squares – even
received new responsibility is seen as an important to this. economy as place-making – a located within town centres allotments) matter as part of
for public health. Our resource for improving public means of making a better to make them become the overall quality of life offer
statutory JSNA and Health health and wellbeing and Leisure and Culture plays place, attractive to would vibrant destinations and also to residents and visitors alike.
and Wellbeing Strategy is in addressing priority public an essential role in the be residents, businesses and in helping to diversify town This logically develops into
overseen by the Hounslow health concerns. For example, prevention of ill-health and investors, helping to give the centre uses to attract both a a ‘narrative’ about how this
Health and Wellbeing Board, service provision encourages reducing health inequalities borough definition through day and night time economy. place called Hounslow may be
and will drive much of the more active and healthy which too has an impact on the associations, the facilities defined and shaped and links
integration between council lifestyles by increasing reducing costs to the wider and the activities. Examples The facilities and profile of explicitly with heritage.
and partner services. participation in physical economy, the council (namely include the role of green space Hounslow’s broader public
activity and sport and adult social care services) and
the NHS in the long-term.
The integration between
leisure, culture and health
people’s access and use of
green space which can have This is even more pressing This is also reflected in the Local Plan objectives and
has also been made explicit a lasting positive effect on due to the ageing population
in Hounslow, presenting
Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy, where
in the nature of its structure resident’s mental wellbeing
through the placement of and quality of life. This is also additional and new pressures there is a commitment to:
leisure within the Public recognised within Hounslow’s on council services and the
Health Team at Hounslow Director of Public Health’s health system. ■ develop new leisure ■ enhance existing green ■ ensure environmental
Council and through joint- Annual Report for 2015/16 and cultural facilities in infrastructure links and quality to include
town centres through create new ones to connect reduction of carbon
Cyclists
managing uses green and blue spaces and emissions and the
facilitate better access for management of flood risk
■ promote and protect local residents and contribute
character and identity to to biodiversity and wider ■ enhance connectivity
include heritage assets environmental resilience and promote the ease
of movement for all
■ protect, maintain and ■ deliver appropriate through improving public
improve the openness, infrastructure providing transport, cycling and
access, amenity, biodiversity a range of community, walking measures.
and recreational value of education, health, cultural,
the borough’s green spaces sport and entertainment
to include local open space, facilities and places that
allotments, agriculture, will support the borough’s
play space, education growing community and
space, food growing, which are seen as a positive
outdoor sport facilities reason for visiting, living and
and burial space working in the borough
Further to this, ten local strategies for the local districts provide a location-focused approach,
all of which have some reference to leisure and cultural facilities and service provision. The
future West of the Borough Plan will also be a key planning tool to help deliver the Leisure and
Culture Strategy.
22 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 23A Changing Landscape Our Vision
Lifestyle This strategy responds to the severe challenges facing
Hounslow borough and suggests how in the context
of shrinking budgets we can maintain a quality library, To realise this
As consumers we are
demanding access to services
park, leisure centre, public hall, heritage and arts offer
for both local communities and visitors.
vision we will:
quickly and conveniently, at
times and ways that suit us e.g. 1. modernise our
more responsive, personalised Our vision: library services
and 24 hours a day. This is
happening hand in hand 2. enhance our
with the digital and mobile Hounslow will be a borough network of
revolution e.g. smartphone diverse parks and
sales outpace sales of desktops known for its richness of high open spaces
and laptops.
Smartphone quality leisure and cultural services 3. support residents
Smartphones to be more active
Technology where every resident will have the
Behaviours have dramatically wide range of products use technology to find new opportunity to take part in leisure 4. celebrate
Hounslow’s people,
changed through advances and services. ways to engage communities
in technology and this has or improve monitoring and cultural activities. place, local history,
heritage
changed our lifestyles. For Digitisation is also occurring of service usage. With
and culture.
example the rise of ICT, in the arts and culture behaviours and expectations We recognise and celebrate Hounslow’s diverse
social media and digital sector with assets being changing, leisure and culture population and value the need for spaces and services
content has changed how developed such as new or services of the future have that reflect this and the needs of the community. We
people access reading and enhanced digital databases, to respond to these changes will facilitate the development of a network of culture
find information and people archives, galleries and and opportunities whilst also and leisure services in Hounslow that meet the need of
now seek knowledge and creative outputs. There considering residents needs its increasing and diverse population. New or improved,
entertainment through a are also opportunities to and digital exclusion. affordable and accessible facilities will encourage
healthy and inclusive communities within Hounslow,
Library bookshelves with tablet
improving quality of life.
However, delivering our vision and keeping pace with
changes facing this borough (including significant
reductions in public sector funding) will challenge
provision of existing leisure and cultural services. It will
require their transformation and the adoption of new,
radical and sustainable approaches capable of meeting
community need now and in the future. Large scale
changes are required to ensure that facilities will be fit
for purpose in the medium to long term and that there
is further consideration to how these community
services are provided and managed.
24 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 25Our Vision Our Vision
Principles What will we provide?
Realising our vision
Underpinning the approach is It is important to first consider our leisure and culture offer in
We will seek to realise our vision using the our commitment to a number the broadest sense. These can be categorised as follows:
following approach: of principles that will guide our
decisions and developments. ■ Learning spaces - ■ Community spaces - to
■ Rethinking what our services offer - we will These include: providing education, develop and bring our
review, redesign and prioritise services to ensure reading and learning communities together
they respond to the current and future needs ■ provide high service opportunities. Revision and promote community
of local residents and can be delivered with less quality and excellence with space, book lending cohesion and social
budget. This may include changing what services customer focused access inclusion. Social activities
service, learning suite,
are offered, addressing gaps and shortfalls in and services for different
adult education services
services and responding better to what we know ■ facilitate the use of leisure life stages e.g. meeting
(to include support
about our population, their needs and lifestyle and culture services in its space and community
to people to improve
in the context of on-going changes in the 21st wider corporate role to information. The space
the prospects of
century such as advancement in technology. include education and allows communities to
learning, regeneration employment through
create and provide their
Ensuring the right services in the right places and growth, employment the development of
■ own services and organise
- we will review and rationalise our facilities and and civic participation new skills), local archives community activity.
assets so they are community focused, fit for purpose (to include digitisation)
and in the right place that best meets current need. ■ recognise and celebrate education technology, ■ Creative spaces - for
This includes sharing or co-locating services and, diversity and provide a signposting and advice activities which aim to
where possible, improving or building new facilities diversity of spaces and services, access to build a thriving economy
and assets to the benefit of the community. places for all residents information and material and support cultural
(for education or leisure), industry and engagement.
■ Better management - we will reconsider and ■ provide value for wifi access, access to Performance or exhibition
negotiate management arrangements for services and money for residents and computers and IT (digital space, arts centres, support
facilities in order to reduce the amount we pay for communities with services participation) and for creative industries,
services, whilst minimising impact on service provision. that are sustainable Soft play area, Heston Pools & support in how to access business space and
Fitness Centre, Heston ‘incubator’ to promote
and use these services.
■ work in partnership with ■ be innovative and economic wellbeing and
Heston Pool Artwork radical and introduce
other agencies and support ■ Active and healthy support the creation of
our partners to provide a fresh approaches enterprise e.g. video-
spaces - for activities
diverse leisure and culture conferencing, providing
that improve health
offer for diverse needs ■ better connect people net-based work spaces
and increase physical
to place or e-learning facilities.
activity levels. Fitness
■ provide services which have
a positive impact ■ act as an enabler, suites (gyms), fitness ■ Commercial spaces
on health and wellbeing supporting communities classrooms, adaptable - help in making
and quality of life, to be independent and spaces (to change with sustainable model of
preventing future need facilitate self-reliance trends), swimming pools, delivery, demand and
of other services play spaces, sports halls, needs led, market driven
■ be a better communicator, pitches, sport specific and complimentary to
■ move towards greater promoting the leisure and facilities or spaces above functions e.g.
community ownership culture services available within the public realm café, crèche, wedding
and empowerment to residents. e.g. town centres. function etc.
26 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 27A Modern Library Service A Modern Library Service
Half term event in May
Introduction
Hounslow has a good library Councils have to find ways
The Society of Chief service which provides these of spending less on all of
Librarians has listed five core services. It provides their services. This includes
five core services that books, both fiction and re-thinking how they
people expect from reference, computers, online deliver services, making
libraries. information, e-books and the most efficient use of
free wi-fi. These services space and, in some cases,
These are: enable people to read for reducing or stopping
enjoyment and to study, services. Hounslow needs
■ reading learn and develop their to consider these options
knowledge. Each library also and will need to make
■ information offers activities that improve some difficult decisions
people’s health and quality of to meet the challenges
■ digital services life as well as giving them the of reducing budgets.
chance to learn and develop This section describes the
■ health and wellbeing new skills. Examples include framework, or ‘lens’, the
arts and crafts, languages, Council will use when
■ learning children’s activities, health looking at saving money
Picture info goes here
promotion advice and careers on its libraries services
and business start-up support. and consulting with
Hanworth Air Park Leisure Centre & Library residents and stakeholders
Library services have to on savings and
adapt to the challenges and development ideas. Hounslow’s 11 Libraries
opportunities described in
chapter 4. The Department For Hounslow this process
of Culture, Media and gives the council the
Sport has set up a Library opportunity to improve
Task Force to look at the and revitalise its library
challenges modern libraries services by building on
face. It recognises the value successes. This includes
of a good library service. making the best use of
It, therefore, makes three the resources available
recommendations for to deliver the service,
delivering library services: developing buildings and
library spaces that are
1. develop a digital welcoming and accessible
resource that all and partnering with other
libraries can use council departments and
organisations to provide
2. improve and revitalising a good range of services
library services in libraries.
3. increase community
involvement.
28 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 29A Modern Library Service A Modern Library Service
Key facts and Use of each library in 2014/15
figures for
Library Visits Number of books Computer use Average
Hounslow’s borrowed a percentage physical visit
of total visits per hour of
library service opening
Main Borough Library
Hounslow has 11 libraries,
a library at home service, Hounslow 422,956 323,282 22% 141
a school’s library service
and a prison library service. Town Libraries
Hounslow’s 11 libraries Brentford 50,277 45,821 11% 26
equate to one library per
24,709 residents, which is an Chiswick 338,676 163,661 7% 123
average level of provision Feltham 179,354 105,749 22% 61
across the 20 comparator
outer London boroughs. Hanworth 57,373 38,259 11% 30
Heston 87,008 76,224 18% 32
Isleworth 57,307 59,981 13% 30
Community Libraries
Feltham Library, Feltham
Beavers 13,691 8,213 15% 9
2014/15 data shows: Bedfont 69,620 27,749 7% 39
Cranford 39,488 19,390 15% 21
■ total library visits were ■ 46% of books borrowed ■ just over a third of
Osterley 36,049 42,329 12% 19
just under 1.4 million, are children’s books library users are
which is similar to the 25-44 years old Children’s area, Heston Library
London average but this ■ online information The visits include borrowing
has declined by 20% was accessed almost ■ 60% of library books, using computers,
in the last 5 years. This 700,000 times users are female attending events and
decline is comparable activities and making use
to the national trend ■ 15% of visits were ■ overall, teenagers of the library as a safe
for the purpose of and young people in friendly community space
■ just over 1.2 million using a computer their early twenties to spend time reading or
books were borrowed. are marginally under- meeting others.
Whilst less people are ■ 28,800 people attended represented (libraries
visiting libraries, a events such as author are a key study space While overall library usage
recent trend has shown talks in libraries for teenagers) and has fallen nationally,
those who do visit a the 45+ age group is libraries continue to play an
library for the purpose ■ almost a quarter of under-represented. important role in Hounslow
of borrowing books are library members are and for different ages.
borrowing more books children under 10
overall per person
30 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 31# #
A Modern Library Service A Modern Library Service
What does a modern service look like?
From our consultation we know that our library users
Traditionally libraries have and development purposes. against local strategies and
value the following: had a clear role as spaces Library services have been policies. The library service
providing free access to responding to the changing must continue adapting to
■ books ■ social interaction ■ children’s activities information and books in landscape and their identity changing circumstances if it
a quiet environment for has evolved and diversified is to stay relevant, affordable
■ digital services ■ health benefits ■ study spaces. reading for leisure and on an organic basis to meet and accessible and to bring it
learning for educational local needs and deliver into the 21st century.
■ computers ■ history
The physical and virtual library
For children libraries provide a place where adults of all Libraries therefore are
books and activities and ages can borrow books, important to communities; A modern service should We are a nation that is they are at home, travelling
are a key part of their use computers, go online, the challenge for councils is provide a balance of both a constantly connected and on public transport, at work
development and education. access information and to find ways to deliver the physical and virtual place – instant and personalised or visiting the library.
For teens libraries provide learn and develop new benefits of libraries while that can be visited but can information is becoming the
study spaces and reference skills. For older people, making savings. also be somewhere to be part norm. Libraries must respond In addition to accessing
materials. Libraries are a libraries are a place for of wherever they are. to these changes whilst also information, an enhanced
place where parents can reading, social interaction maintaining a balance of digital offer can help with
take their children; they are and improved wellbeing. Libraries should provide physical books and their key learning. Examples include
spaces for those who love to role in digital inclusion e.g. online courses that can be
read and learn from physical for those that do not have accessed from home or the
Map 1 – Relative visits to individual libraries in 2014/15 books and also be virtual internet access or the relevant library, scope to read and
places providing a world of digital skills. By enhancing write blogs, opportunities
digital information that users the digital and online offer for local residents to publish
can access anywhere and more residents will be able to their work online and scope
anytime through their home access more information at a for verbal accounts of life in
computers, smartphones, time that suits them, whether the borough.
tablets and e-readers. They
must also provide places
where people can go to
access digital information
through computers and free
wifi internet access.
Whilst the core purpose of a
library has remained there is
a shift in how people read,
share information and learn.
Technology is changing how
information and knowledge
is accessed with a significant
increase in the use of home
internet, smartphones and
electronic readers, which is
set to continue.
32 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 33A Modern Library Service A Modern Library Service
Community hubs with services for local residents Well-designed spaces
The service will better community it is A better library standard also enable the library to This approach has the
respond to the changing based within. will endeavour to provide be used in different ways, advantage of reducing cost
landscape and become This may include buildings which are fit-for- for example evening classes, (economies of scale from
services and places that making the purpose and well-designed exhibitions, social events, sharing costs) and increasing
more residents will visit. library a space spaces which are: accessible public meetings or health the use of a building, making it
Hounslow libraries will retain that residents and attractive to all residents advice days. The way the more efficient in the long-term.
current users and be better can work in, and organisations; located inside of the library is Hounslow has already done
at engaging non-users. more interactive, in areas which are easy to designed will also allow it this with libraries and leisure
Residents will be actively supportive of find and everyone can get to to be used for services and centres at Hanworth Airparcs
involved and supported to business and affordably; and reflective of activities that benefit and and Isleworth Leisure Centre
have a role in the shaping economic growth the needs and aspirations of are of interest to the local and Library and at the Treaty
of the future library service, or specialist for the local community. community. For example, Centre with Hounslow Library
Lego education, Cranford Library, Cranford
making sure it reflects the key user groups classrooms for adult and Adult Learning services.
needs and aspirations of the e.g. children’s or students. The future modernised library
The library space also needs education and other classes, Future new buildings could
local community. Non-users could be engaged service should be a focal
to be flexible to allow for areas for other council also incorporate commercial
through the provision of a point for the community and
the fact that the needs of services, toilets, a coffee assets and housing units which
A modern library service number of services in the attract new users by offering
the community will change shop or kitchen, computer provide the potential for
should provide the five same building. Examples services that benefit and
over time. Flexible spaces rooms and meeting rooms. income generation.
core services of reading, include development of an are of interest to the local
information, digital services, incubator space for new community. They will not exist
health and wellbeing and businesses, inclusion of in isolation but collaborate Objectives
learning, and will consider other Council services or a and connect with other
how they are developed café and LEGO Education, council and public services to Taking all of the above venues, that support the will be bespoke, providing
to provide relevant and which has been introduced give people a wider choice of into account, there is now long-term delivery of our what the community wants
tailored services for the local in the borough. services in more accessible and an opportunity to explore services and priorities. There in terms of layout and the
Library IT suite shared locations. the development of library may be some opportunities services provided. This will be
buildings into better, fit-for- to increase income which supplemented by an online
We will think innovatively purpose facilities which will could be used to reduce the offer which will increase
about partnerships with deliver a range of services and overall cost of the library the range of services
other services that support provide specifically designed service. Designed through available to residents and
local residents to learn, be spaces, in easily accessible consultation, these sites improve accessibility.
independent, be creative and
healthy and identify how
these services can complement In order to modernise the service with reducing
the library offer and retain
the library as the heart of the budgets we will:
community. This will also give
■ provide both a physical ■ develop libraries ■ ensure buildings or
libraries a key role in helping
library and a virtual into community spaces for library
more vulnerable groups adjust
library service across hubs with a range of services are fit for
to key new national and
the borough, improving services and facilities purpose, well
corporate agendas e.g.
the online offer whilst designed and
The Care Act and health
retaining a balance financially sustainable.
and wellbeing.
with physical books
34 | Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 Leisure and Culture Strategy 2016-2020 | 35You can also read
