Purpose

To consider the future of the Bridge Park
Community Leisure Centre.

Content

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet noted
the comments made by Vengeance (representing the London Roller
Derby league) who had requested to speak regarding the impact the
proposed closure of Bridge Park Leisure Centre would have on that
organisation as a current user of the Leisure Centre.  In addressing Cabinet, the opportunity was taken
to outline the background to the Roller Derby League and way in
which the sport was played.  Members
were advised of the way in which the league operated in an open,
inclusive and democratic way along with their commitment to
empowering women, those non marginalised genders and the LGBTQ+
community through sport.  The league had
been established in 2006 as the first in the UK and, as a member of
the Women Flat Track Roller Derby Association (which included other
teams from across the world), continued to be a driving force in
the establishment of the sport across the UK and Europe with an
international fan base and world class athletes using Bridge Park
Leisure Centre as a training base to compete internationally.
 
Referring to the leagues current use of the
Leisure Centre involving bookings for over 300 hours per year, the
lack of suitable alternative training space was highlighted as a
concern should the decision be made to close the
Centre.  Whilst recognising the
challenges in terms of the current sustainability of the facilities
available at the Centre, it was highlighted that the league stood
in support of the Save Bridge Park Campaign and opposition to its
closure but requested that should the decision be made to proceed,
the Council support them (having outlined the specification
required including the need for a facility with a solid floor) in
seeking suitable alternative provision so they could continue
operating and for which, it was pointed out, they would be grateful
for any assistance available.
 
In response, Councillor Nerva (as Cabinet
Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Leisure) began by
thanking Vengeance for the informative nature of her comments and
advised (without seeking to prejudice any decision made by Cabinet)
that should the decision be made to proceed with closure of the
Leisure Centre the Council would continue to support the league in
seeking a suitable alternative venue, recognising the discussions
already undertaken on the specification required.  The league was also thanked for the frankness
expressed regarding the current state of repair of the existing
facilities at the Leisure Centre which it was pointed out had also
formed the basis for the recommended approach towards the provision
of new sport facilities on the site.
 
Following on, Councillor Benea (as Cabinet
Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) also took the
opportunity to thank Vengeance for the representations made on
behalf of the London Roller Derby league.  Highlighting the current unsustainable nature of
conditions at the existing facility which needed to be addressed,
she also confirmed the Council’s ongoing commitment to work
with the league in seeking suitable alternative provision should
the decision be made to proceed with the closure and reprovision of
a more sustainable and flexible sport and community facility on the
site.  The work of the league was also
recognised and commended in support of their approach towards more
inclusive and open access to sport.
 
Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the
Council) also took the opportunity to thank Vengeance for taking
the time to address Cabinet and confirmed that the written
representations from the League submitted in advance of the meeting
regarding the content of the report due to be considered had been
received and would be considered as part of any decision made on
the way forward.  In advance of
considering the report included on the agenda, he also confirmed
that additional representations had been received from Dawn Butler
MP in support of the London Roller Derby League.
 
Having considered the representations
received, contents of the report, outcome of consultation and
proposed transitional arrangements for impacted users Cabinet
RESOLVED:
 

(1)       
To proceed with the closure date of Bridge Park Community Leisure
Centre agreed as 31 July 2025.
 

(2)       
To approve the revised facility mix for the council led development
at Bridge Park.
 

(3)       
Following on from (1) above and subject to the outcome of the
decision of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (as
outlined in paragraph 3.2.4 of the report) to approve the
demolition of the council owned buildings at Bridge Park, subject
to securing the relevant consents for undertaking demolition
works.
 

(4)       
To approve the Council entering a deed of variation to the CLSA
with Stonebridge Real Estate Development (SRED) as detailed in
paragraphs 3.2.12 – 3.2.15 of the report.
 

(5)       
To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods and
Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for
Regeneration, Planning and Property to agree any further variations
that are required to update the CLSA with SRED.
 

(6)       
To approve the proposed site use options for the Twybridge Way,
Morland Gardens and Bernard Shaw House sites that form part of the
Hillside Corridor Masterplan and approve a capital budget of
£1m to commence design work for these sites.
 
Eligible for call-in: Yes
 
Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on
Monday 23 June 25