Issue - meetings

To update Cabinet regarding progress of the Manor Leisure Centre redevelopment project. 

AGREED:

·         to note the report and progress of the project

·         to note the redevelopment project scheme details and the expectation of a firm cost for the redevelopment project to be presented to Cabinet for a construct or do not construct decision in June 2026, for a start on site in late July/early August.

·         to note the significant financial pressures that the Council faces and pays close attention to Section 3 and the financial assessment section of this report in Section 12.

·         to note The Council is working with Sport England to secure supportive funding that will offset design improvements required by Sports England that have enhanced initial designs.

·         that Cabinet authorises, in advance of Cabinet’s June 2026 decision regarding the construction project, the Monitoring Officer to prepare all requisite legal documentation required to ensure that the Council will have received the necessary legal advice, completed all necessary procurement documentation and prepared all necessary legal documentation and will be in a position to move forwards into contract for the main Development Management Agreement of the leisure centre project in a prompt and efficient manner, following Cabinet’s decision in June, if that decision is to proceed with the redevelopment.

Members considered the Manor Leisure Centre Redevelopment Project update report presented by Councillor Count.

Councillor Count advised the timetable for completion of the new building is on schedule for December 2027. In the meantime, Freedom Leisure will work with FDC to protect all jobs where possible during the build as staff will still be required to operate the dry side activities and prepare the new facility to open upon completion. Redeployment to other local facilities would also be an option and staff may have opportunities to take up vacancies at FDC where appropriate. Long term, the new upgraded facility will create more employment opportunities in Whittlesey and the surrounding area. He added that this project represents a once in a generation opportunity to deliver something transformative, a modern and vibrant leisure centre that the whole community can be proud of, and he thanked officers, partners and his predecessor for the significant work that has led to this point. 

Councillor Mrs Laws said she is very supportive of this; Whittlesey residents are very much looking forward to the improved facility. The new commercial kitchen is much needed; it will be well supported and will bring in revenue.

Proposed by Councillor Count, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and AGREED:

·         to note the report and progress of the project

·         to note the redevelopment project scheme details and the expectation of a firm cost for the redevelopment project to be presented to Cabinet for a construct or do not construct decision in June 2026, for a start on site in late July/early August.

·         to note the significant financial pressures that the Council faces and pays close attention to Section 3 and the financial assessment section of this report in Section 12.

·         to note The Council is working with Sport England to secure supportive funding that will offset design improvements required by Sports England that have enhanced initial designs.

·         that Cabinet authorises, in advance of Cabinet’s June 2026 decision regarding the construction project, the Monitoring Officer to prepare all requisite legal documentation required to ensure that the Council will have received the necessary legal advice, completed all necessary procurement documentation and prepared all necessary legal documentation and will be in a position to move forwards into contract for the main Development Management Agreement of the leisure centre project in a prompt and efficient manner, following Cabinet’s decision in June, if that decision is to proceed with the redevelopment.