OUR PLANS
Core Drivers
We understand why the project is often viewed solely from the perspective of recreating the lido. .
However, as a community group we care about Otley and the local area, not just the lido. Our community is amazing because of the amazing people who contribute to it.
Therefore, we have given serious consideration to the context of both the site and the project within our community. Users of the riverside have told us that a lido would be great, but also that there are deficiencies in the current resources which they want to see fixed.
We have listened, analysed and developed four core drivers – aims or objectives – for our project.
The core drivers inform our:
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Vision – overarching aspirations
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Mission - how we shall achieve the vision
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Values – what we believe in and how we behave
Returning the derelict site to community use
Setting our project to one side – and the historic and heritage links to a lido – the site itself is important to us. It has been derelict since 2007/08, is in decline and an eyesore.
As a community group we wish to see the site's potential being realised with its amazing views and location on the riverside in Wharfemeadows Park.
We want it to be an asset for the community rather than it being used for 'less desirable' purposes which deliver little or no community benefits.
Promoting health and wellbeing
We don't feel the need to highlight the benefits of physical activity on health and wellbeing – they are well known. However, similar benefits can be achieved through reducing social isolation and loneliness including through creating 'third places' – a public, social space that is neither work or home.
We recognise many people improve their health and wellbeing through their own ‘informal’ activities – this may simply be a stroll and/or social interaction. Therefore, this driver includes our ambition to inspire and enable people to enjoy the generic benefits of parks and green spaces plus the existing resources on offer in Otley Riverside.
Therefore, our ambition is to support these activities and facilitate social connections so the benefits can be expanded to a wider range and greater number of people.
Key Fact
In Yorkshire & Humberside, 38% of adults do not achieve the Chief Medical Officer of England's recomendation of 150+ minutes of moderate intensity equivalent physical activity per week.
(Sport England Active Lives Survey 2024)
Key Fact
The Community Assets Audit commissioned by Otley Town Council in 2023 identifies a shortage of supply of community spaces for larger events, sports facilities, youth provision, accessible venues, and spaces north of the river for daytime use.
Connecting Otley Riverside and community – enhancing the town's facilities
Stakeholder and community consultations have highlighted the challenges faced by users of the riverside including the lack of a welcoming social hub and poor provision of WCs. Increasing physical activity and social interaction requires connecting the existing resources and enhancing provision of facilities.
Similarly, community groups are telling us they can't find suitable venues and spaces for hire which is restricting their activities and events.
Finally, the value of welcoming 'third places' or 'third spaces' – public, social spaces that are neither work or home – to increase social connection and improve wellbeing is being recognised.
Boosting opportunities and prosperity
Creating a myriad of new opportunities including health, wellbeing, community, social, cultural and corporate activities / events plus community spaces for hire to enable other groups to do the same.
Inspiring and enabling participation, learning and development, volunteering, etc. in an inclusive way. This includes ensuring accessible provision, affordable and varied activities, social initiatives and ways to overcome barriers to participation.
Boosting the town and wider area's economy through tourism and employment both directly and in partnership with local businesses and business groups. Plus the economic and social value that is delivered by a more active nation, through volunteering, social initiatives, etc.
Key Fact
Otley Benchmarking Survey found 10% of those surveyed in the town lived further than 30 minutes away highlighting the importance of the visitor or tourist market to the local economy.