Agenda and draft minutes

To approve as correct the notes of the meeting held on 7 July 2016.

The group approved the notes of the meeting held on 7 July 2016. The group was pleased to hear that Billingshurst Pool had re-opened on time.

Members noted an update on progress, including:

·         the application for planning permission

·         tendering, and

·         the indicative timetable for construction.

Forward Plan item scheduled for Cabinet decision 22 September. Reports for Cabinet will be published on the council’s website on 14 September.

The group heard an update from officers on the MUGA tender contract. The decision was taken to undertake a local tender process because the construction works were simple and would appeal to suitably experienced contractors of which there were many. A local tender process was used to ensure a competitive price for the project, which was evaluated using a 70/30, price/quality split, to ensure best value. The competitive evaluation process ensured the appointment of a contractor who had the right experience and capability to deliver the project and that the tendered price was fair value. A total of 17 suppliers expressed an interest in the project and four contractors’ had submitted tenders. Officers outlined the post- decision timeline for members’ information. 

As a consequence of the new, bigger and more flexible leisure centre at Broadbridge Heath, it was necessary to consider options for the part of the site known as ‘the stub’.  Officers sought the view of members as to whether an indoor informal activity space should be retained as part of the leisure centre. Following extensive consultation with user groups over several months, members heard that a workable solution had been found. The activity area would address the storage requirements and toilet facilities that the groups had asked for as well as retaining an informal area for some activities that could be made available during inclement weather. The solution followed discussions with Sport England and England Athletic. Officers were confident that Places for People would be able to use and maximise the number of activities that could take place. Following discussion, the group endorsed the proposal.

Officers explained that the council was currently working with partners and stakeholders to produce an imaginative, innovative, and dynamic vision for Horsham town centre. This involved exploring both the planned and the emerging development opportunities. The proposals for both a multiplex and boutique style cinema in the town centre meant that officers and members need to understand any potential cultural challenges and threats to the Capitol Theatre. Members discussion included:

·         Income levels at the Capitol

·         Approaches of other areas to similar challenges, including Horsham’s comparative position with regard to other towns

·         Broader economic development, and regeneration

·         A festival or year of heritage and culture, including niche cinema examples, live and arts based productions

·         Public art

·         Budget and resource pressure on the Capitol

·         The limitations of the existing site

·         Long term aspirations and the need to manage expectations

Officers noted members’ views and explained that planning for the future needed to start now, a view which members endorsed.

The Parks and Countryside Manager explained to Members the background, opportunities challenges and the proposed way ahead for Southwater Country Park. Members heard about

·         The history of the development of the park since 2011

·         The excellent feedback from visitors

·         Rising level of income from concessions

·         That the success of the park had brought about capacity challenges

·         Challenges relating to the visitor centre in its existing form

·         Other on-site challenges

Members discussed the following options:

a) to ‘make do’

b) to continue step change

c) to invest and develop the park to maximise its potential

The group commended officers on both the progress of the park and the presentation given. Members were of the opinion that capacity issues during peak season could be addressed by considering an adjustment to the fee for car parking. Any revenue generation could then be used to continue to develop the park. Members urged that the site should remain a country park and that should be reflected in the vision for the park. The Cabinet Member thanked the group for their views and felt that a balanced approach was needed.

Members heard that officers had prepared a draft physical sports and activities strategy which would guide the work of officers. The draft would be circulated to Members for discussion at the next meeting of the group.  

To note the Forward Plan extract (if any) for the Leisure and Culture Portfolio

Members noted the Forward Plan for the Leisure and Culture Portfolio.