Agenda item

To receive the report of the Major Projects Manager.

The Major Projects Manager presented the report, the purpose of which was to set out the potential for Members to consider opportunity to develop underutilised assets, which would bring them back into a productive and operational use for the growth in leisure services for the district. It comprises the culmination of the constructive collaboration between the Economic Development, Climate, Leisure, Projects and Estates Teams and pulls together evidence of issues associated with some of the Councils existing operational premises and the opportunities that exist for the development of Leisure Services.

The Major Projects Manager advised the report was an accumulation of work from several officers.

The Finance Officer (S151 Officer) continued the presentation and detailed the financial implications in the report. 

A discussion took place.

The Chief Executive addressed a concern regarding a section in the report implicating that compensation payments or claims could be made from Active Torridge for any loss of business associated with pool or hall closures. He confirmed it was a condition of the contract between TDC and AT, that TDC would provide facilities for AT to operate from although in the eventuality that this may occur, the management fee would cover any loss. 

The Major Projects Manager advised additional costs could be incurred as the project progresses, and detailed possible scenarios, however there is a contingency reserve for this prospect.

Councillor T Johns left the meeting at 9pm.

Advice was given on minimising the inconvenience to other users of the Town Hall while work is advancing.

Following a query regarding the new PV panels meeting the demand at Holsworthy Leisure Centre, the Major Projects Manager confirmed they would offset the current kwh, meet existing running costs and contribute towards the new air source heat pump.

It was also confirmed that the new Asset Management Plan was being pursued via Internal Overview & Scrutiny for all TDC’s property conditions.  

The Head of Communities & Place and Major Projects Manager reassured Members of the due diligence work carried out on the air source heat pump to ensure it is compatible.  

The Finance Manager (S151) provided further guidance on unsupported borrowing.

It was proposed by Councillor D Bushby, seconded by Councillor C Hodson and –

Resolved:

Holsworthy Leisure Centre.

That the investment at Holsworthy leisure centre for decarbonisation and energy efficiency projects be approved.

That the replacement of the Holsworthy Pool roof be approved.

That the Public Sector Decarbonisation award and the associated funding package for the project be approved and added to the Capital programme accordingly.

That the Capital Programme be increased by £1.834m for the cost of the roof and decarbonisation works at Holsworthy Leisure Centre be approved.

Town Hall and Old Library

That the roof work progress immediately (already approved in capital programme but will need an increase) be approved.

That the refurbishment and renovation of the interior of the Town Hall and Old Library be approved and that a lease with Active Torridge for their occupation of part of the building for a term to coincide with the term of the leisure contract be approved.

That the funding arrangements to enable project delivery be approved.

That Members authorise officers to make an application for any necessary consents (Planning, LBC, etc) be approved.

That the Capital programme be increased by £3.181m for the cost of delivering the stated work at the Town Hall, Bideford be approved.

That the Authorised and Operating prudential limits be increased by £1million be approved.

(Vote: For – unanimous)