Lead Member – Councillor Robert Macey, Portfolio Holder for Culture & Digital

Lead Officer – Jane Trethewey

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approved the transfer of the operation of Church Stretton Leisure Centre to the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, subject to legal advice, as part of the existing leisure contract, until 31 July 2027.

2.    Delegated responsibility to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital for undertaking necessary due diligence and thereafter finalising negotiations and completing the transfer to the current leisure management contract with Shropshire Community Leisure Trust.

3.    Delegated responsibility to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, the Local Member/s and the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital for undertaking necessary due diligence and negotiations to conclude the best value approach for the future operation of the Cleobury Mortimer and Ludlow Leisure Centres, and complete any necessary contractual or lease agreements.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital presented the report which recommended transferring the management of Church Stretton Leisure Centre to the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, under their existing contract. It further recommended delegating authority to negotiate and agree an extension of the lease arrangements at Cleobury Mortimer and Ludlow Leisure Centres with Teme Leisure. The aim was to improve sustainability and maintain service levels while achieving financial savings.

Members received clarification on the maintenance responsibilities and costs for each party.

The importance of involving local members in the decision-making process and considering rurality in the evaluation of best value was emphasised.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved the transfer of the operation of Church Stretton Leisure Centre to the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, subject to legal advice, as part of the existing leisure contract, until 31 July 2027.

2.     Delegated responsibility to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital for undertaking necessary due diligence and thereafter finalising negotiations and completing the transfer to the current leisure management contract with Shropshire Community Leisure Trust.

3.     Delegated responsibility to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, the Local Member/s and the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital for undertaking necessary due diligence and negotiations to conclude the best value approach for the future operation of the Cleobury Mortimer and Ludlow Leisure Centres, and complete any necessary contractual or lease agreements.