Agenda item

Report HPR2021/049

The report updated Members on the findings of the recent condition survey for West Wickham Leisure Centre and set out options for the future of the site. The report recommendations would provide the final information required for a full financial options appraisal to be undertaken which would be reported back to Members for further consideration and decision.

The Portfolio Holder introduced the report, setting out the context in which the proposals outlined in the report had been developed.  A Schedule of Condition (attached to the agenda) had been prepared and Officers had set out seven options on which to undertake a full financial appraisal with Option 6 (part disposal of the site for housing) being the recommended option.  The Portfolio Holder explained that it was hoped that the revenue generated from the sale would be sufficient to enable the rebuild of the leisure centre.

The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture explained that the financial appraisal would enable Members of the Council to take an informed decision.

In opening the discussion, the Chairman emphasised the need for timely progress and the Committee noted that it would be possible to take a high-level decision around financial sustainability once the site had been marketed.  The Chairman suggested that it would be helpful for the Committee to have a further update in January 2022.

It was suggested that options around use of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to ease the housing burden should be further explored although this would be dependant on interest from the market.

The Committee recognised the need for either replacement or refurbishment of the leisure centre.  It was noted that in the last 18 years only essential maintenance for health and safety reasons had been carried out on the site and Members suggested that this lack of maintenance was an issue.  It was also noted that if the option of simply repairing was pursued at this time the Council would be left with long-term maintenance liabilities.

In respect of increasing building costs, the Assistant Director for Culture and Regeneration explained that there was no indication of costs reducing in the next two years although the position would be kept under review.

The Committee noted that at the current time all seven options were under review, the proposals currently before the Committee were about making sure there was a fit-for-purpose building and sufficient information to present a full options appraisal to Members in due course.

Councillor Nicholas Bennett, visiting Ward Councillor, addressed the Committee highlighting the frustration of the Ward Councillors around the time it had taken to get to this point.  Councillor Bennett stressed the need for there to be a leisure centre in West Wickham as it was a valued part of leisure provision in the Borough.  Ward Councillors were seeking an assurance that there would continue to be a leisure centre in West Wickham.

The current leisure centre was not fit for purpose and therefore timely action was necessary.  The Ward Councillors were keen to ensure that that was sufficient parking for any proposed scheme.  It was also noted that if the swimming pool were to be closed some form of alternative provision would need to be put in place.  It was noted that the Ward Councillors preferred option was Option 4 however they would reluctantly accept Option 6.

The Portfolio Holder confirmed that none of the options proposed the closure of the leisure centre and the intention was to retain that facility.

RESOLVED: That

1. The Executive be recommended to approve the marketing of the leisure centre car park for sale, through a suitable compliant procedure, with conditions on car parking provision for the leisure centre and purchase of any affordable housing as set out in Option 6 within the report; and

2. A further update be provided in January 2022.