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

Lead Officer – Peter Gilbertson

REPORT TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Agreed the results of the public consultation and the business case for the project, as set out in this paper and in Appendix 6, be presented to Council with a recommendation that the design and development of the Shrewsbury Sports Village Transformation be included in the Capital Programme with an initial budget for the design and planning stages of £2.248 million. The project to be funded from Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and any available grants and capital receipts which may be available during the project.

2.     Recommended that Council delegates authority to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture, Leisure & Tourism, to procure, negotiate and agree the terms of any agreements/contracts necessary for the delivery of the design and planning stages of the project including, but not limited to:

· Commissioning the UK Leisure Framework to support the procurement strategy.

· Selection of a prime design and build contractor and other suppliers.

· Site surveys and investigations and relevant reports.

· Detailed designs and planning application.

· Contract preparation for the build stages.

3.     Agreed that a report is brought to Cabinet and Full Council after the design stages; following the determination of the planning application and once the project has established the full build costs. This subsequent report will seek a decision on whether to approve the full project budget and to proceed with the build stage.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital introduced the report which presented the results of the recent public consultation on proposals to transform the Shrewsbury Sports Village with new swimming and fitness facilities. Approval was sought to proceed to Full Council to request the project is accepted into the Capital Programme and grant authority to proceed with the design and build. Members noted that the public consultation received over 1300 responses, showing strong community support for the vision to create a state-of-the-art, all-electric facility.

Concerns were raised regarding transport access and the need for improved transport plans, and the financial aspects and funding for the project. The Portfolio Holder responded that the report recognised the need for improved transport and a transport plan would be written. The project aimed to provide better bus services, safe cycling, and walking facilities to improve accessibility. He also advised that the project included substantial new borrowing and aimed to secure external funding. The initial budget for the design and planning stages would be presented to the full council.

Members noted the new development on the site was committed to being zero carbon. There was an opportunity to convert the whole sports facility to zero carbon, including the installation of PV canopies across the car park to produce clean energy.

Members recognised that the Quarry pool was an essential part of the offer for Shrewsbury. However, the new Sports Village at Sundorne was chosen for its accessibility and potential to attract users from outside the county.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Agreed the results of the public consultation and the business case for the project, as set out in this paper and in Appendix 6, be presented to Council with a recommendation that the design and development of the Shrewsbury Sports Village Transformation be included in the Capital Programme with an initial budget for the design and planning stages of £2.248 million. The project to be funded from Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and any available grants and capital receipts which may be available during the project.

2.     Recommended that Council delegates authority to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture, Leisure & Tourism, to procure, negotiate and agree the terms of any agreements/contracts necessary for the delivery of the design and planning stages of the project including, but not limited to:

· Commissioning the UK Leisure Framework to support the procurement strategy.

· Selection of a prime design and build contractor and other suppliers.

· Site surveys and investigations and relevant reports.

· Detailed designs and planning application.

· Contract preparation for the build stages.

3.     Agreed that a report is brought to Cabinet and Full Council after the design stages; following the determination of the planning application and once the project has established the full build costs. This subsequent report will seek a decision on whether to approve the full project budget and to proceed with the build stage.