Agenda item

Report DRR11/058

Members considered a report on proposals for the development of a multisport hub site at Norman Park.

The report outlined proposals to seek a suitable and appropriately qualified leisure investment and management company to design, construct, manage, fund manage and operate a new multi sport hub site at Norman Park, which would look to incorporate the current athletics track and playing pitches within the park.

The current changing facilities, infrastructure within the park and athletics track were becoming outdated and unfit for purpose. Significant investment and maintenance would be required going forward. Additionally the formal sports and recreational offer in the park was currently limited to athletics and football and the play area in the park required upgrading and potentially re-siting. The park would also benefit from the addition of a modern high quality cafeteria.

Potentially there were significant future liabilities for the Council in continuing with current arrangements for the operation of Norman Park and the athletics track and it was proposed that the ongoing liabilities would be the responsibility of the new management partner. A soft market testing exercise was proposed with potential partner companies to develop a “Partner Brief”.

A successful management partner would:

  ?  develop existing facilities and provide a range of new facilities and services to enhance the leisure, sporting and recreational offer available in the park, under a full repairing and insuring lease;

  ?  develop and implement plans that would enable access and increase participation in sport and physical activity, support active lifestyles and enable people to develop their sporting potential; and

  ?  ensure the park and its facilities were developed for use by clubs, community and voluntary groups, schools and colleges, local businesses and the local community.

It was assumed there would be no capital or ongoing revenue costs to the Council in delivering the project and its subsequent operation during the lease agreement.

Councillor Adams enquired about the future position of current staff working at Norman Park and whether there would be an obligation for a new company to take on the staff. Members were advised that this would be a choice for a new company. 

Councillor Hastings enquired about the football side providing income and was advised that this would be provided from a “Goals” type facility. There would also be covenants in lease arrangements concerning the use of buildings/facilities.

Councillor Grainger enquired further about financial aspects and Members were advised that football (on an Astroturf type facility) would bring in income to fund remaining activities. Councillor Grainger also understood that Planning Permission was granted to Bromley FC for floodlit football subject to conditions. There had been concern from local residents about the floodlights and Councillor Grainger asked whether more floodlights at Norman Park would cause problems. Members were advised that Bromley FC had not yet started to deliver their plans including the use of any new floodlights; the potential floodlit football pitches at Norman Park would also be further away and there was likely to be a minimum impact on residents.

Councillor Taylor expressed his support for the recommendations. Councillor Wells also commented on a “Goals” operation within his ward referring to parking and floodlighting being issues.

The Chairman suggested that it was necessary for nearby allotments and park friends to be part of consultations.

RESOLVED that subject to comments made by the Committee, the Portfolio Holder be recommended to indicate his support to the Executive for the recommendation at 2.2 of Report DRR11/058.