Issue - meetings

Arising from a report from the Leisure Services Manager, the Community Policy Development Group had recommended that the fitness facility development project at Exe Valley Leisure Centre be identified as a Leisure priority, and that option 2 be approved as the preferred option.

Arising from a * report from the Leisure Services Manager, the Community Policy Development Group had recommended that that the fitness facility development project at Exe Valley Leisure Centre be identified as a leisure priority, and that option 2 be approved as the preferred option.

The Cabinet Member for Community Well-Being outlined the contents of the report identifying the link to the Corporate Plan and explaining that the leisure centre was at full capacity and had the capability to expand; a feasibility study had been completed and 3 options had come forward.  The Policy Development Group had recommended Option 2 which would supply 2 multipurpose rooms which would be opened to create 1 large multipurpose room but created a fitness suite split across 2 areas  rather than a single space, he therefore requested that the spend to save project be approved.

Consideration was given to:

·         The impact the development would have on performance figures

·         Completion and operational dates and the impact on users

·         Any loss of income whilst the internal works were taking place.

RESOLVED that the recommendation be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr C R Slade and seconded by Cllr Mrs M E Squires)

Note:  * Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes

To receive a report from the Leisure Manager (Development and performance) proposing a business case for constructing an extension with internal modification to the fitness facilities at Exe Valley Leisure Centre, purchasing new equipment and upgrading the changing amenities.

The Group had before it a report * from the Leisure Manager (Development and Performance) proposing a business case for constructing an extension with internal modification to the fitness facilities at Exe Valley Leisure Centre, purchasing new equipment and upgrading the changing amenities.

The officer explained that the Exe Valley Leisure Centre was considered to be at capacity, particularly at peak times, and had the potential to increase income by expanding the fitness facilities, in addition to modifying the ancillary facilities, such as the changing areas and car parking to accommodate membership growth.

An options appraisal was conducted by an independent organisation, Leisure Futures, in August 2014. One of the recommendations concluded that, an extension of the fitness facilities was the optimum invest-to-save option to accommodate an unmet demand for fitness memberships in the Centre’s catchment area.

A feasibility study had been completed by AFLS&P Architects Limited, which had proposed three options for design and specification of an extension to the fitness facilities.

The officer explained that design proposals had been reviewed by a project team of officers, senior management and Cabinet Members, with option 2 provisionally identified as a preferred option.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         Confidence that there was a demand for increased capacity;

·         Data used during the extension at the Lords Meadow facility had proved trustworthy;

·         During evenings the centre was currently at capacity.

It was RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that the fitness facility development project at Exe Valley Leisure Centre be identified as a Leisure priority, and that option 2 be approved as the preferred option.

(Proposed by the Chairman and seconded by Cllr F W Letch)

Note: - * Report previously circulated and attached to Minutes.