Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The Deputy Chief Executive presented the report seeking final approval for the development of the new leisure complex, St Sidwell’s Point and the new bus station, and to seek approval for the additional funding to undertake the project as one construction contract and to enter into contract with the successful tenderer.

Member’s attention was drawn to the tender return figures, the build costs and the three options.

The minutes of the Leisure Complex and Bus Station Programme Board of 10 July 2017 were circulated and noted.

RECOMMENDED to Council to approve:-

(1)        the allocation of an additional £0.62 million for the bus station and £7.05 million for the leisure centre to develop a new leisure complex and bus station; and

(2)        that once the overall budget of £39.92 million is agreed by the Council, the Deputy Chief Executive be authorised to enter into a written contract with the successful tenderer prior to the commencement of any works on site.

(In accordance with Standing Order no.43, Councillor Leadbetter requested that his voting against this recommendation be recorded)

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The Client Lead (Build) presented a report which sought a recommendation for additional funding of £7.67m to progress the Leisure Centre and Bus Station scheme. The proposal also sought to undertake authority for officers to enter into a building contract with the successful tenderer to undertake the construction of the development as one Building Contract.

The Client Lead (Build) responded to a number of Members’ questions including the work by Continuum Sports Consultants who had reviewed their independent business modelling for the project; an explanation of the lump sum/fixed price clause, and a reminder that whilst a retrofit of solar panels may be retrofitted at a later stage, the design would be compatible with the District Heating system once it reached the City Centre.  The Chief Finance Officer also addressed Members’ questions on the Medium Term Financial Plan and future income levels from the project. The Client Lead (Leisure Operations) commented on Members’ comments on future operator performance and confirmed that he had carried out a series of soft market testing as part of his work within the contract mechanism.

The Chief Executive & Growth Director also provided a short statement and referred to the city centre strategy set out in the City Council’s Development Plan.  The Leisure Complex and Bus Station development was a challenging site both physically and also in looking at ways to address the growing competition from internet shopping.  This project would help safeguard the long term future of the city centre.

 A Member referred to the lengthy debate at this meeting which was necessary to ensure that there was full confidence in the project.  They were happy to support the recommendation to help deal with the threat of out of town developments. A Member also agreed that it was not about looking back but about looking forward.

RESOLVED that the Leisure Complex and Bus Station Programme Board support Option Two set out in the report and request Executive to recommend approval by Council of the following:-

(1)          allocation of an additional £0.62 million for the Bus Station and £7.05million for the Leisure Centre to develop the new Leisure Complex and Swimming Pool and Bus Station; and  

(2)         once the overall budget of £39.92 million is agreed by Full Council, the Deputy Chief Executive be authorised to enter into a written contract with the successful tenderer prior to the commencement of any works on site.

Two Members abstained from voting on this matter.