Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Place and Environment).

The Strategic Development Lead Officer (Leisure) presented the update report on the Tides Leisure Centre.

Members were advised on the findings of the RIBA Stage 2 detailed feasibility on Tides Leisure Centre and that Cabinet had been asked for approval to explore further options that could provide a solution to the challenges concerning the viability of the project. This had been agreed by the Cabinet and officers would report back once the options had been explored further. This was expected to be in early 2024.

Members discussed the following points:

·         To acknowledge the work that had gone into finding a viable solution for Tides Leisure Centre and to express hope that a solution could be found.

·         The monitoring work being undertaken in respect of the current Tides Leisure Centre as the building reaches the end of its operational life.

·         To identify the volatility in respect of borrowing costs and the funding options being explored.

·         Whether other assets could be disposed of to generate funding for use in respect of Tides. The Strategic Director (Place and Growth) advised that most of the Council’s assets were not cashable as it included sites such as churchyards.

It was agreed to note the report.  

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Place and Environment).

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property

It was agreed:

(a)   That the findings from the RIBA Stage 2 detailed feasibility summary report, and the challenges posed to the viability of the project by the wider economic climate, be noted.

(b)   That Officers be asked to explore whether there are any alternative solutions or sources of external funding that might provide a possible phased way forward for the project.

(c)   That the additional spend of up to £20,000 from the existing Tides Replacement capital project to support this work be approved.