Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval for the redevelopment programme for Splashes, up to a maximum value of £5m, to be added to the Council’s capital programme to enable the project to be undertaken, following consideration by the Cabinet on 7 July 2020.

Discussion:

This report provided details of a proposal for the redevelopment programme for Splashes Sports Centre, up to a maximum value of £5m, to be added to the Council’s capital programme to enable the project to be undertaken, following consideration by the Cabinet on 7 July 2020.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken on the proposals, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, Councillor Doe, supported by the Portfolio Holder for Education and Schools, Councillor Potter, proposed the recommendation set out in the report.

Decision:

The Council approved the addition to the Capital programme of £5 million to fund the refurbishment of the Splashes Sports Centre, as outlined in section 4 of the report.

Councillors Adeoye, Cooper, Hubbard, Johnson, Khan, Mahil, Maple, Murray, Osborne, Potter and Andy Stamp requested that their votes in favour of the decision be recorded in accordance with Council Rule 12.6.

Councillors Pendergast and Sands requested that their abstentions be recorded in accordance with Council Rule 12.6.

Background:

This report sought approval for a redevelopment programme for Splashes, up to a maximum value of £5million and to recommend that addition to the Council’s capital programme to enable the project to be undertaken.

The report stated that the 30 year old leisure facility was well-used, offering Medway’s only family fun pool, including a flume and wave machine, as well as more structured activities such as swimming lessons and fitness gym, with an average monthly footfall of circa 23,000 visitors. There had been a number of infrastructure issues and repairs and feedback demonstrated ongoing dissatisfaction with aspects of the centre. The proposed refurbishment, which was detailed at section 4 of the report, would address these issues.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been carried out on the proposals and was attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

Reasons:

Without investment, advice received is that Splashes sports centre will continue to deteriorate and will become increasingly unattractive to customers, impacting revenue generation. The capital sum requested will allow necessary development to provide a long-term future for the centre to the benefit of Medway residents.