Meeting documents

The Cabinet Member for Community, Councillor G Peart, referred Members to the report which could be found on pages 112-116 of the agenda.  It was noted that research conducted on behalf of the Council had identified that there was already latent demand for leisure facilities at RSSC. The local plan proposed the building of around 2500 additional homes in the Princes Risborough area. Members were informed that the resulting increase in population would add to that demand. Councillor G Peart went onto explain that the Council intended to sign a DA with its current leisure management contractor PFPL so that PFPL could directly manage the building works from design through to construction of the enlarged health and fitness facilities at RSSC.

Members were informed that officers believed the most appropriate procurement route was to:

(i)  non-competitively sign a DA with PFPL, which would provide an agreed sum of money to develop and manage the works on the Council’s behalf;

(ii)  To enter into a Deed of Variation varying the Leisure Operator  Agreement to allow for the improvement works to be carried out and varying the services to allow for the new facilities. There would also be a surrender and re-grant of leases on completion to take into account any changes in the plans for the facilities.

During debate, Councillor Mrs L Clarke stated that she felt this was exactly the right thing to be happening in Princes Risborough. Councillor Marshall stated that he supported the principal but questioned how the Council would ensure fully competitive bidding.  Councillor Peart explained that this would be a completely transparent process and whilst the building element was not technically difficult being open whilst the works took place was difficult.  It was noted that the Council therefore needed to use a contractor that was used to people being present on site from a behavioural point of view. 

Councillor P Turner commented that the proposal would be subject to planning and asked for advice about members of the Planning Committee voting on this item. It was noted that ‘subject to planning’ should be inserted to the resolution but also that as this item was focussing on the procurement process and not any planning considerations, Members were able to take part in the decision. .  It was noted that the resolution should be amended to also encompass ‘subject to legal input’. . 

The proposed recommendation was put to Council. 

RESOLVED, Subject to planning and the Council’s Legal Team reviewing the wording and process, the following be agreed:

-        To provide an exemption from Contract Standing Orders ("CSO’s") to allow the non-competitive award of a Development Agreement with a value of £1.2m to allow Places for People ("PFPL") to complete development works at Risborough Springs Swim and Fitness Centre ("RSSFC"). 

-        To delegate authority for entering into a Development Agreement, Deed of Variation and any associated legal documents in relation to the existing Leisure Operator Agreement to the Head of Community Services, in consultation with the District Solicitor, Head of Finance and Commercial Services with the Cabinet Member for Community Services.

-        To delegate authority for the surrender and re-grant of the lease to PFPL for RSSFC, and amendment as required to the ground lease for RSSFC with Princes Risborough Town Council to the Major Projects & Property Executive in consultation with the District Solicitor, the Cabinet Member for Growth and, Regeneration, the Head of Community Services and the Cabinet Member for Community Services.