The Portfolio Holder for People & Places asked Members to consider the report which sought approval, to construct a new leisure centre, demolition of the existing White Oak Leisure Centre and to appoint a leisure operator for the new centre. Members’ attention was brought to the supplementary agenda published that day.

The Chief Officer for People & Places explained that the report also sought approval to use income from the operator and the proceeds of identified Council-owned developments in Swanley to fund the costs of the works.

The report set out the need for the Centre, the proposed facility mix and programme for the works.  It included the detailed costings and funding sources. Planning permission had been granted on 13 February 2020. The construction of the new leisure centre and demolition of the existing leisure centre cost, together with fees and charges, was due to be £20m, if the works contractor was appointed by May 2020.  A delay of one year would represent an increase in cost of some £919,000 using the BCIS All-in Tender Price Index. However, progressing the project as planned with additional construction safety measures introduced by the Government in place, would minimise any financial impact and risk, but would see the Phase 1 completion of date of November 2021 put back by approximately 12 weeks.

The report also sought approval to provide some enhancements to the Orchards Academy sports hall in Swanley to accommodate sports clubs who need a 4 court sports hall.

Funding sources for the scheme were planned to be a combination of:

• Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding;
• Capital receipts from several Council owned assets in Swanley;
• External borrowing;
• External funding paid for by income from the operator of the new leisure centre.

The proposed design of the new leisure centre, included a Tag Active zone, multi-purpose rooms, a pool, café, soft play area and parking provisions for 144 vehicles and two coach spaces. There was a focus on making the building as flexible as possible in its use.

Following a three stage procurement process, the preferred operator was Sport and Leisure Management (SLM). If approved the contract award net payment to the Council would be £508,248 a year on average.

The Chief Officer Finance and Trading mentioned that the current uncertainty in the property market due to COVID-19 may have an impact on the level of capital receipts achieved from the disposal and development of the intended sites which may result in alternative funding sources being required.

The report had also been considered by the Improvement and Innovation Advisory Committee and the People and Places Advisory Committee and had put forward their comments to Cabinet. These comments were also circulated to the Finance and Investment Advisory Committee.

Note: The meeting was formally adjourned at 8.00pm and reconvened at 8.05pm in order to allow Members to show their appreciation of the NHS and all Key Workers involved in the COVID-19 response.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86