Issue - meetings

That:

1)        having considered the range of options for the future provision of Leisure facilities at Bulmershe the following option be approved:

Option E to consist of: A newly built leisure centre with a 4 badminton court sports hall; 25m x 6 lane swimming pool; a 75 Station gym; and 2 Studios, teaching pool with movable floor and Café;

2)        authority be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services and Executive Member for Environment, Sports, Environmental Health, Leisure and Libraries to approve the detailed options for the scheme;

3)         an additional Capital budget of £4.54 million be approved; 

4)        it be noted that the revenue cost of all borrowing (including the additional £4.54m) will be funded by the income generated by the facility.

The Executive considered a report setting out a range of options for the future provision of leisure facilities at Bulmershe.

The Executive Member for Environment advised that the current building was tired and dilapidated and the cost of refurbishing it would be very high.  In addition the current facility had been run at a loss for many years and there was little prospect of the current facility paying its way.  Councillor Jorgensen highlighted the options that had been considered, as set out in the report, and recommended that Option E, which would provide a considerably enhanced offering at a cost of £14.5m be taken forward.  It was noted that Option E would provide: a newly built leisure centre with a four badminton court sports hall; a 25m x six lane swimming pool; a 75 station gym; two studios, a cafe and a teaching pool with movable floor.  The difference in the facilities currently offered to those that would be offered in the new facility was also highlighted. The Council would also be entering into a surplus share arrangement which would mean that any additional operating surpluses over and above those projected would be shared between the Council and the leisure operator.

It was noted that Bulmershe School would use some of the facilities at times during the school day and there would be separate changing rooms for the pupils and the general public.

Members were concerned that both Bulmershe and Carnival Pool might be closed at the same time.  Councillor Jorgensen confirmed that Bulmershe would be closed, demolished and rebuilt and once that had been finished then Carnival Pool would be closed and rebuilt.  The intention was that only one facility would be closed at a time and people would be signposted to the other facility.

RESOLVED that:

1)        having considered the range of options for the future provision of Leisure facilities at Bulmershe, the following option be approved:

Option E to consist of: A newly built leisure centre with a 4 badminton court sports hall; 25m x 6 lane swimming pool; a 75 Station gym; and 2 Studios, teaching pool with movable floor and Café;

2)        authority be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services and Executive Member for Environment, Sports, Environmental Health, Leisure and Libraries to approve the detailed options for the scheme;

3)         an additional Capital budget of £4.54 million be approved; 

4)        it be noted that the revenue cost of all borrowing (including the additional £4.54m) will be funded by the income generated by the facility.