To consider the report of the Strategic Director on the assessment of need and business case for a new swimming and leisure complex in Exeter.
(Report circulated to Members)
Decision:
(Minute 104)
Councillor Fullam declared a personal interest in the item as his daughter belonged to a swimming club which used the Pyramids swimming pool.
The report of the Strategic Director (KH) was submitted, advising Members on the recommendations arising from an assessment of need and the business case for a new swimming and leisure complex in Exeter, and seeking Members’ guidance on whether to proceed with the recommendations.
The Strategic Director outlined the background to the proposal, noting the need for additional water space in the city to meet identified recreational and casual needs which were likely to increase as the population of the city grows. With reference to paragraph 2.10 he stated that, whilst it was not critical to the viability of the whole scheme, the leisure project would be a significant component in the Bus and Coach Station site redevelopment scheme. He explained the business case and resource implications of the proposal, circulating a revised table indicating the potential indicative costs of the options. He emphasised the importance of high quality frontage to the building in the context of its highly visible and strategic location.
Councillor Ruffle attended the meeting and spoke on this item under Standing Order 44. He acknowledged that the Pyramids pool was in urgent need of replacement but was concerned about the significant financial implications of the proposed leisure complex. He warned that the Council should be particularly cautious regarding assumptions about the long-term continuation of New Homes Bonus and low interest rates. He suggested that the Council should instead establish a dedicated fund on which to draw.
Councillor Leadbetter attended the meeting and spoke on this item under Standing Order 44. Whilst acknowledging the need for a new swimming pool, he shared concerns about the financial impact of the project and its prioritisation in the context of the Council’s Capital Programme. He enquired about the potential for grant funding, for example from Sport England, and was assured that the Council would explore all potential funding sources.
Councillor Fullam also expressed concern about the major financial commitment and impact on the capital programme, and specifically the cumulative effect of debt repayments which could arise from unforeseen risks. He reminded Executive of the importance of the Flood Defence Scheme in the Capital Programme.
The Chair reminded members that the leisure pool had been identified as an aspiration of the Council within the Corporate Plan. Whilst understanding concerns about the significant financial commitment, he urged members to support a longer-term vision for the City. He drew attention to other major investments such as the Princesshay development which had contributed significantly to the economic success of the City. He urged members to support further investigation into the feasibility of the project.
In supporting the proposal, Councillor Mrs Henson stated that whilst acknowledging the level of the potential financial commitment, she would not wish the Council to lose the opportunity to use this important site for the benefit of the city.
Other members concurred in supporting the proposal, commenting on the urgent need to look at options to replace Pyramids pool before further major investment was required or it ceased to function altogether. They commented that this was the type of project for which New Homes Bonus was entirely suited and that the historically low interest rates presented a good opportunity to borrow at low fixed rates. They welcomed the proposal to construct to high standards of energy efficiency.
Executive resolved that:-
(1) the intention to replace the existing Pyramids Swimming and Leisure Centre with a new facility on the Bus and Coach Station site identified in the Exeter Local Plan First Review as part of the wider regeneration of the area be confirmed;
(2) the identified facility mix be confirmed as set out in paragraph 4.2.6, to include a 25m 8 lane competition pool, a 20m x 4 lane training pool together with the option of including a spa and an enhanced café;
(3) detailed capital cost estimates for the facility as now defined be obtained;
(4) provision be made within the medium term financial plan to fund the capital cost of the facility and that capital funding options, procurement and operational management routes most appropriate to this facility be investigated and brought back to Members for future consideration prior to formal commencement of the procurement exercise;
(5) the Strategic Director be requested to put in place project management capacity to advance the project including arrangements for commissioning project architects; funding for initial design and project management to be funded from the New Homes Bonus major infrastructure account estimated at £150,000; and
(6) a review be commissioned of the City Council’s car parking stock in relation to meeting the needs of the redevelopment of the bus and coach station site, including the proposed swimming and leisure complex.
In accordance with Standing Order 43, Councillor Fullam requested that his name be recorded as having voted against the recommendation.
Minutes:
Councillor Fullam declared a personal interest in the item as his daughter belonged to a swimming club which used the Pyramids swimming pool.
The report of the Strategic Director (KH) was submitted, advising Members on the recommendations arising from an assessment of need and the business case for a new swimming and leisure complex in Exeter, and seeking Members’ guidance on whether to proceed with the recommendations.
The Strategic Director outlined the background to the proposal, noting the need for additional water space in the city to meet identified recreational and casual needs which were likely to increase as the population of the city grows. With reference to paragraph 2.10 he stated that, whilst it was not critical to the viability of the whole scheme, the leisure project would be a significant component in the Bus and Coach Station site redevelopment scheme. He explained the business case and resource implications of the proposal, circulating a revised table indicating the potential indicative costs of the options. He emphasised the importance of high quality frontage to the building in the context of its highly visible and strategic location.
Councillor Ruffle attended the meeting and spoke on this item under Standing Order 44. He acknowledged that the Pyramids pool was in urgent need of replacement but was concerned about the significant financial implications of the proposed leisure complex. He warned that the Council should be particularly cautious regarding assumptions about the long-term continuation of New Homes Bonus and low interest rates. He suggested that the Council should instead establish a dedicated fund on which to draw.
Councillor Leadbetter attended the meeting and spoke on this item under Standing Order 44. Whilst acknowledging the need for a new swimming pool, he shared concerns about the financial impact of the project and its prioritisation in the context of the Council’s Capital Programme. He enquired about the potential for grant funding, for example from Sport England, and was assured that the Council would explore all potential funding sources.
Councillor Fullam also expressed concern about the major financial commitment and impact on the capital programme, and specifically the cumulative effect of debt repayments which could arise from unforeseen risks. He reminded Executive of the importance of the Flood Defence Scheme in the Capital Programme.
The Chair reminded members that the leisure pool had been identified as an aspiration of the Council within the Corporate Plan. Whilst understanding concerns about the significant financial commitment, he urged members to support a longer-term vision for the City. He drew attention to other major investments such as the Princesshay development which had contributed significantly to the economic success of the City. He urged members to support further investigation into the feasibility of the project.
In supporting the proposal, Councillor Mrs Henson stated that whilst acknowledging the level of the potential financial commitment, she would not wish the Council to lose the opportunity to use this important site for the benefit of the city.
Other members concurred in supporting the proposal, commenting on the urgent need to look at options to replace Pyramids pool before further major investment was required or it ceased to function altogether. They commented that this was the type of project for which New Homes Bonus was entirely suited and that the historically low interest rates presented a good opportunity to borrow at low fixed rates. They welcomed the proposal to construct to high standards of energy efficiency.
RESOLVED that:-
(1) the intention to replace the existing Pyramids Swimming and Leisure Centre with a new facility on the Bus and Coach Station site identified in the Exeter Local Plan First Review as part of the wider regeneration of the area be confirmed;
(2) the identified facility mix be confirmed as set out in paragraph 4.2.6, to include a 25m 8 lane competition pool, a 20m x 4 lane training pool together with the option of including a spa and an enhanced café;
(3) detailed capital cost estimates for the facility as now defined be obtained;
(4) provision be made within the medium term financial plan to fund the capital cost of the facility and that capital funding options, procurement and operational management routes most appropriate to this facility be investigated and brought back to Members for future consideration prior to formal commencement of the procurement exercise;
(5) the Strategic Director be requested to put in place project management capacity to advance the project including arrangements for commissioning project architects; funding for initial design and project management to be funded from the New Homes Bonus major infrastructure account estimated at £150,000; and
(6) a review be commissioned of the City Council’s car parking stock in relation to meeting the needs of the redevelopment of the bus and coach station site, including the proposed swimming and leisure complex.
In accordance with Standing Order 43, Councillor Fullam requested that his name be recorded as having voted against the recommendation.
(Report circulated to Members)