Issue - meetings

The report of the Executive Manager – Communities is attached.

It was RESOLVED that

a)            the RIBA stage 3 design and cost plan recommended by the Member Group as detailed in Appendix 1 and 2 of the report, in line with the approved budget, be approved; and

b)            the additional costs associated with the inclusion of carbon reduction measures in line with the Council’s commitment to carbon management be approved.

The Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation presented the report of the Executive Manager – Communities providing an update on the designs and cost plan for the new leisure centre at Chapel Lane, Bingham.

The Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation advised that the report affirmed the progress already made, particularly by the Cabinet-led Member Group overseeing the stages of development for the new leisure centre, community hall and commercial office building at Chapel Lane, Bingham. The Member Group had met four times, reviewing the commissioning process at each stage to ensure that all local stakeholders had been consulted. At the last meeting, the additional cost of £370,000 was discussed, to ensure compliance with the Council’s Carbon Reduction goals, together with the possible inclusion of a moveable floor for the swimming pool. However, it was considered that the additional cost for a moveable floor compared to the apparent demand from user groups would not justify that additional cost. It was confirmed that a fully equipped kitchen was included in the plan and budget for the community hall. The project was on budget with the current forecast standing at £18.8m, along with £250,000 earmarked for remedial work at Toothill School to facilitate the partial withdrawal from existing facilities at the school.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Moore stated that the new leisure centre would be a superb addition to the Borough’s other leisure facilities and an excellent replacement for the current leisure centre. Although the extra cost for additional energy efficiency measures was substantial, it was justified to support the Council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The contribution from the Bingham community chest would be used towards the provision of the community hall and the new kitchen would be welcomed by the local community.

Councillor Upton welcomed and endorsed the carbon reduction measures and advised that the additional costs were reasonable in the context of the overall budget.

Councillor Robinson stated that this new development reflected the growth in Bingham and surrounding areas and the importance of having facilities to meet those needs. The facilities available at the Arena highlighted the efficiency of the Council in delivering projects on time and within budget, whilst meeting the requirements of local residents. The report highlighted the excellent progress already made and the positive feedback from residents was very encouraging. The fully equipped kitchen would be a welcome addition to the community hall and help to ensure the sustainability of the facility.       

It was RESOLVED that

a)            the RIBA stage 3 design and cost plan recommended by the Member Group as detailed in Appendix 1 and 2 of the report, in line with the approved budget, be approved; and

b)            the additional costs associated with the inclusion of carbon reduction measures in line with the Council’s commitment to carbon management be approved.