Meeting documents

A detailed feasibility study had been completed to re-provide a combined community and leisure facility in Amersham. Agreement was sought from Members to proceed to the detailed design stage of the project. This opportunity could act as an active source of income and a £30m loan could be delivered over a 40 year period. The public consultation attracted a high level of support and further discussions would take place with stakeholders including the; current leisure provider, swimming clubs, CAB, Amersham Community Association, Gateway Disability Club, Linfield’s Nursery, Amersham Youth Club and BCC Library Service to address long term leasehold arrangements and the business proposals to enable continued operation during the development phase. The below points were highlighted by the Head of Health and Housing:

·         The revised design allowed the community centre and youth club to continue to operate during the build phase necessitating the relocation of the library. Officers from the County Council were initially supportive of the proposals but further dialogue was required.

·         Redevelopment of the centre allows for a dedicate nursery area enabling additional child spaces and hours of operation.

·         Flumes had not been included in the design due to the additional costs and the ASA recommendation of supporting play and splash pads to provide a better foundation in to swimming for children

·         Members had requested the introduction of spa and treatment rooms and with limited competition within a twenty minute drive of Amersham there was the potential to create an income stream to support the development

·         Similarly there is very little competition for children’s soft play which could be incorporated into the new facility. The squash courts had been retained in the plans.

·         Members had focused the design on meeting residents aspirations arising from the survey but also to deliver a quality facility.

·         Members were taken through the design principles which included an internal street, which could be used as a multi-purpose area, available to hold stalls, markets, fayres and a range of other events. Additional space would be available for use and could bring another source of income.

·         A land swap would be required between the District Council and Town Council to develop on part of the field on King George V Road. The Town Council were open to the idea of a land swap although further discussions were required to establish details such as the replacement play equipment and the skate park.

·         Members were advised of the income streams and expenditure costs. The main income streams had been identified as the health and fitness centre and swimming pool.

·         With the current Chiltern Pools having an operational life until 2022 any continued operation would require significant capital investment and a management fee of approximately £540k per annum. These proposals enabled a potential net surplus of £1.188m by the end of year 5.

·         Potential rental income from community organisations using the facility had not been factored in the business case.

The following items were clarified following queries raised by the Committee:

a)      Approximately 250 car parking spaces would be available on site through both surface and undercroft parking.

b)     Similar centres had been visited across the country. One site had incorporated a children’s social care contact centre which the Local Authority had found to be extremely beneficial to parents and children who were able to utilise the facilities a high quality leisure centre provides.

c)      There is the potential to use the area designated as a library space in an innovative manner enabling service integration, self-service of books, meeting space, access to IT, and the provision of advice services.

d)     Members were advised that bringing community facilities into the centre in an integrated manner was key to engaging the whole community.

e)      The 20 minute drive time factored in to the business plan related to advice from Sport England as to the distance people would travel to access facilities.

f)       The business plan anticipated an increase of 85% in swimming lessons and members asked if this had been tested or was a forecast figure. Further sensitivity analysis would be undertake in to the business plan

The Committee welcomed the potential development and recognised it as an exciting prospect for the local area.

RESOLVED:

That the findings of the feasibility study and facility mix be noted