Issue - meetings

Judy Holmes, Assistant Chief Executive introduced the report.  She noted that this positive report extends the investment programme to enable further joint investment with Places Leisure at The Dolphin Leisure Centre which would start in May and be completed by November 2019. 

The Cabinet Member for Customer Delivery confirmed that the investment had been identified as improvements were needed to the entrance of the leisure centre and the investment programme highlighted the good working partnership with Places Leisure.

In response to a question from the Cabinet Member for Customer Service, the Assistant Chief Executive confirmed that the work would be carefully planned to minimise disruption for the users of the centre during the school holidays and work that would benefit the public most would be prioritised. 

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance supported the use of funds from Council Reserves to improve the Council’s assets. 

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth commented that since the start of the contract with Places Leisure, £6 million has been invested in leisure centres across the district and it was noted that the Council was able to contribute financially towards the improvements because of good financial management.  

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning confirmed the Council’s good working relationship with Places Leisure and confidence in the services Places Leisure provide the residents of Mid Sussex.

The Cabinet Member for Service Delivery noted that this investment did not include funds already allocated to improve car parking facilities at The Dolphin leisure centre.

The Leader stated that the process to let the leisure contract was complex and this report demonstrated the high quality work by the Contract Services team.  He commented that the leisure centres provide good access to sports and improves the wellbeing of the residents of Mid Sussex.

The Leader noted that no more Members wished to speak so took them to the recommendation contained in the report, which was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Cabinet recommended that Council:

      i)        Approves the proposed works to the Dolphin Leisure Centre, which will be jointly funded by Places Leisure and the Council; and

     ii)        Agrees a variation to the 2019/20 capital programme, allocating £198k towards this project from General Reserve.