Agenda item

To receive a progress update on the Leisure Transformation Project.

Recommended          -           That the Committee notes the report.

The Chair welcomed Lyndsey Sims, Chief Executive, Hyndburn Leisure, to the meeting.  Councillor Loraine Cox, Portfolio Holder for Leisure Transformation and Leisure Trust was also in attendance for this item.

Ms Sims reminded Members that the Trust had commenced working with Sport England in 2019.  She then delivered a presentation to the Committee which covered the following matters:

• Sport England Strategic Outcomes Planning Model (4 stages comprising: outcomes; insight; interventions; and commitment);
• project aims (9 key project aims had been identified);
• developing the facility proposals (3 key considerations comprising: cost; existing facility condition; and potential impact on people’s lives);
• research based approach (a list of research information used was provided);
• project delivery phases (4 phases commencing in 2021/22 and ending in 2024/25);
• Phase 3 focus - 2023/24 (current phase - including planning and commencement of build at Wilson’s Playing Fields; refurbishment of Hyndburn Leisure Centre; developing a vision for Mercer Hall; working with Hyndburn Academy; and making various funding bids);
• Wilson’s Playing Fields update (list of progress to date and remaining tasks to undertake prior to construction commencing in late January 2024 and anticipated opening in Spring 2025 and future developments);
• Hyndburn Leisure Centre (Projects 1 and 2 delivered to date and Projects 3 and 4 planned, including working with the NHS Integrated Care Board);
• Mercer Hall (consultations undertaken and related bids submitted or planned);
• Bank Mill Centre (consultations undertaken and quotes received for refurbishment; funding being sought and external space improvements being considered);
• Clayton Community Centre (significant investment made to date and other funding sought and projects underway); and
• Hyndburn Academy (canal jetty refurbishment; community use of the gym and 3G pitch replacement proposed).

Councillor Kimberley Whitehead referred to the Community Ownership Fund application submitted in connection with Mercer Hall, which had been unsuccessful, but which had led to the provision of 8.5 days of consultant support and the opportunity to apply for a revenue grant for up to £10k.  She asked if the Trust would pay for extra days of consultant support.  Ms Sims indicated that no additional days would be required.

Councillor Melissa Fisher thanked Ms Sims for the presentation which provided a very positive picture of the work of Hyndburn Leisure.  She commented that, at the recent Council meeting, several speakers had expressed concerns about escalating costs nationally and were worried that this might impact upon the Wilson’s project.  No-one wanted the project to fail if it went ahead, but she sought reassurance that contingencies were in place to mitigate any unexpected rise in costs.  Ms Sims responded that the financial risk had been carefully considered. The project would be delivered via a ‘design and build’ contract, which set a fixed cost and placed the main burden for risk management on the contractor.  There were some contingencies built in to cover the first three months which might be required, for example, if the site condition surveys had failed to identify adverse ground conditions.

Councillor Noordad Aziz commented that Mercer Hall could be considered to be the jewel in the crown of Great Harwood.  Formerly and dance hall, then a swimming pool, the building remained a stunning piece of architecture which should be a focal point within the town.  This was one reason for suggesting the creation of a task and finish group to look at investment in the townships.  He also expressed disappointment that the building adjacent to the Bank Mill Centre was not available as this could enhance the overall potential of the site.  Ms Sims indicated that the Trust had attempted to buy that building, but had not been successful.  Councillor Aziz was pleased to see the successful use of Clayton Community Centre.  He added that former councillor, Tim O’Kane, had fought hard to keep this building in use.  The partnership with the Amateur Boxing Club at that location had proved very successful, so much so that one of the Club’s members had turned professional last week.  He hoped that Hyndburn Leisure would continue to support the Boxing Club.

Resolved                                    -    To note the presentation provided to update the Committee in connection with the Leisure Transformation Programme.