Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Kathryn Hall, Chief Executive.

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2022 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

None.

Peter Stuart, Head of Corporate Resources introduced the report noting the amendments to the Capital Programme.  He highlighted the proposed improvements to the toilet facilities at The Orchards including the installation of a Changing Places toilet and the investment in upgrading of Hickman’s Lane pavilion which will improve the facilities for all users and will unlock further funding once users are aware of the works. He confirmed that an amendment to the recommendation is required as the cost for The Orchards toilet facilities (paragraph 17, Table 1) will be circa £190,000 as traditional foundations and drainage will need to be installed.

The Cabinet Member for Community welcomed the project at Hill Place Farm and welcomed the upfront cash payment for the benefit of the Bluebell Railway.  He noted that Hickman’s Lane pavilion required updating and was supportive of all the amended projects.

The Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services also welcomed the installation of new toilet facilities for The Orchards and the funding for the railway as it is an important local attraction. 

The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Net Zero confirmed his support for all projects and asked it the energy rating for Hickman’s Lane pavilion would be improved.

The Head of Corporate Resources confirmed the price of Changing Places pod is fixed and the increased cost is for the demolition of the existing facilities, new foundations and drainage works. The tendering process will commence for construction in the summer.  The modifications to the pavilion would be current building standards, and any further improvements would be discussed before the planning application is submitted.

The Deputy Leader noted his support of the Hill Place Farm project and that some land for a SANG had been secured in the town.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning noted the Section 106 funding for Hickman’s Lane pavilion and with the support of the Football Federation, the Council has been able to bring the project forward. 

The Leader supported all the projects, advised it was important to have good quality toilet facilities in each town centre and agreed that the formalising of green space in town centres was important.

As there were no further questions the Leader took the Members to the recommendations as amended which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Cabinet recommends to Council for approval:

(i)       the variations to the Capital Programme 2022/23 contained in Table 1 below in accordance with the Council’s Financial Procedure rule B3.

Rob Anderton, Divisional Leader for Commercial Services and Contracts introduced the report which presented a feasibility study for the Centre for Outdoor Sport. The feasibility study provides high level cost estimates, operational and construction costs, and procurement options; and presents a potential facility mix and site layout. He requested approval to appoint consultants to take the project to the next stage. 

The Deputy Leader welcomed the report and the modern facilities proposed, noting that the Playing Pitch Study has informed the work. He confirmed that it will provide important facilities and was keen that further engagement with local clubs took place during the next phase of works to maximise the benefits that the centre can offer and ensure that it meets the needs of the community as far as possible.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning welcomed the project as part of the Northern Arc development and enquired as to whether all the relevant stakeholders had been consulted to cover as many sports as possible.

The Leader confirmed that the Deputy Leader had written to all local sports clubs.

The Divisional Leader advised they would engage with all local clubs over the coming months. He noted that Athletics clubs had been consulted during the development of the Playing Pitch Study and that a number of other projects were in development in local area that may benefit them, noting that a duplication of facilities was not desirable.

The Leader confirmed the project would be agile and adaptable for any future changes.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Net Zero noted that demand will be high for the new centre and expressed concern that the view of governing bodies could be different to those of the local clubs.

The Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services noted the importance of engaging with all sports on a local level. She queried the need for another cricket pitch and the possibility of providing indoor nets for cricket.

The Divisional Leader confirmed they had consulted the National Governing Bodies, schools and Places Leisure and the next phase is to speak to the local clubs.  He advised that indoor nets had been covered as part of the Playing Pitch Study and the feasibility study work has indicated they would be better located at another centre.

The Cabinet Member for Community noted that many clubs had been consulted and was content that the project would be agile and flexible.  He highlighted that the project for the CfOS is supported by a wide range of policies and strategies.

The Leader highlighted that the project is a good example of investment in sports in the District and the biggest since the opening of The Triangle. The centre will provide facilities for Burgess Hill and the wider area. He noted the engagement with many local groups, and that the Council would try to include as many aspirations as possible.

The Leader moved a motion that the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the exempt business on the agenda.  This was agreed unanimously. 

RESOLVED

That the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item in accordance with Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act.

The meeting moved into the exempt session at 4.32 pm.

The meeting returned to the open session at 4.38 pm.

The Leader took the Members to the recommendations which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)    agree Phase 1 of the Centre for Outdoor Sport project, the Feasibility Study and Master Plan, as a foundation for the next steps;

(ii)   authorise the commencement of the next phase of the project, comprising the procurement of consultants to deliver Phase 2, 3 and 4 of the project, and

(iii)  prepare a funding bid to secure allocated s106 funds to finance this work.

Cllr Hillier declared a personal interest in relation to item 6; Centre for Outdoor Sports Feasibility Study as he is a member of Mid Sussex Hockey Club.