Agenda and minutes

It was noted that there were no apologies for absence.

It was noted that there were no substitute members.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in respect of business to be transacted on the agenda.

It was noted that there were no declarations of interest.

To consider the attached draft Terms of Reference for the Project Advisory Group (Dover Leisure Centre).

The Group considered the draft Terms of Reference. 

It was agreed that they should be accepted and kept under review as the project progressed. 

To receive an overview of the project to date, including:

·         The need to renovate or replace Dover Leisure Centre

·         The existing facility mix

·         Supply and demand analysis for indoor sport

·         Draft Indoor Sports Facility Strategy

·         Feasibility and Options Appraisal for Dover Leisure Centre – outline programme (report attached)

Members were reminded that, at its meeting held in March 2015, Cabinet had agreed that a review should be undertaken of the District’s indoor sports and leisure facilities, prompted by Dover’s ageing leisure centre.  A consultant, The Sports Consultancy, had been appointed in July to undertake this review.

Working with Sport England from the outset, Officers had briefed the consultants to explore the inclusion of a range of facilities in a new leisure centre, including squash courts, sports halls, an indoor swimming-pool, dance/aerobics studios, health and fitness suites, etc.  Sport England’s approach had been followed wherever possible, and a technical and detailed analysis had been undertaken to identify the right mix of facilities for the District’s current and projected populations. Information gathered during the review had also informed the Council’s Indoor Sports Facility Strategy (ISFS), consultation on which was due to finish on 6 May.  A report would then be presented to Cabinet outlining the representations received. 

The consultants had reached a number of conclusions in respect of the leisure centre.  If the Council were to do nothing, it was estimated that maintaining the existing building would cost around £2 million over 3 years.  This was unlikely to provide longevity for the building and significant problems would remain. Whilst refurbishment could potentially cost less than replacement, the consultants had advised against this as it could involve significant expenditure, yet result in a building whose lifespan had not been significantly extended.   The recommended option was to build a new centre entirely, in which case one of the key considerations would be achieving the right mix of facilities in order to ensure that it met the current and future needs of the District.  

The Principal Leisure Officer (PLO) summarised the review’s findings and consultants’ recommendations, as set out in the ISFS.   There was a relatively low level of swimming-pool provision in the District.  It was therefore recommended that a slightly larger pool should be provided to address this deficiency.  There was currently an average level of indoor sports hall provision.  However, this was likely to turn into a surplus in 10 years’ time due to the number of schools which were opening their halls to external users in order to generate income.  For example, the hall at Christchurch Academy had been specifically designed to facilitate public access.  It was envisaged that a similar arrangement would be incorporated into the re-build of Castle Community College. 

The review had identified a latent demand for health and fitness suites.  It was, therefore, recommended that provision should be increased to benefit the public and increase revenues.  Indoor bowls provision met the existing need and no additional facilities were recommended.   The provision of dance/aerobics studios could assist in maintaining the centre’s long-term viability.  No increase in indoor tennis provision had been recommended.  In respect of squash, there was evidence that, nationally, it had fallen in popularity in recent years and there was no requirement for additional facilities.  Finally, the consultants had advised that gymnastics facilities should be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To receive a briefing on what is happening now and in the short-term, including:

·         Public consultation

·         Site visits

The PLO advised that Officers had attended Neighbourhood Forum meetings throughout the District in order to engage with the public on options for a new leisure centre.   They had also been liaising with the Healthier South Kent Coast Group on the ISFS, and would be presenting to them in June/July on the leisure centre project.  In respect of the Feasibility and Options Appraisal, it was intended to go out to public consultation in May/June by holding two detailed workshops, probably at Dover Leisure Centre.  It was confirmed that the Group would be consulted before any proposals were taken to Cabinet, which was likely to happen in July.  

The DECA confirmed that the consultation process would present all deliverable options to the public.  This would ensure that all the options had been open to, and tested by, public scrutiny.   That said, more trivial matters (such as small design details) would not be presented to the public.   The PIDO added that the IFSF consultation process was another way of feeding into the proposals.  IFSF respondents would receive a written response to their questions unlike those attending the workshops.   Councillor Collor commented that it was important to ensure that respondents were local residents or users of the facilities.   The DECA stressed that the Group would shape how consultation took place, and its timing would be important.

The PLO advised the Group that a trip would take place on 20 April to visit three new leisure centres recommended by the consultants.  These were a combined leisure centre and spa at St Albans and two others, with a similar facilities mix to Dover’s, at Watford and Flitwick. 

In response to Councillor Conolly, the PIDO suggested that it would be appropriate to issue a press release when the results of public consultation were known.  The PLO added that there would also be a ‘Keep Me Posted’ launch and postings on social media.  

To consider future meeting dates.

It was agreed that the next meeting should be held on 19 May.