Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 27, 2024

Purpose: In September 20024, Cabinet agreed to support the development of options appraisals and feasibility studies for further investment to improve leisure facilities and decided these should be presented to the November meeting for consideration. The report is requesting approval in principle to a Be Well leisure facility improvement programme based upon those feasibility studies. Any additional investment will need to be agreed by Cabinet and Council as part of the 2025/26 budget setting process.

Content: Reasons for urgency were noted and agreed.   DECISION   1.    Note the Be Well leisure facility improvement project proposals and feasibilities for 2025/26 to 2027/28 as summarised in Appendix 1 to the report and detailed in Appendix 2 to the report.   2.    Note the anticipated outcomes and impact of the proposals in terms of income generation alongside the wider benefits in terms of supporting targeted customer engagement customers and new customers, enhancing customer experience, and providing a new service offer.   3.    Note that the project proposals have been presented as a Project Initiation Document (PID) for consideration in accordance with the council’s capital programme governance process.   4.    Approve an addition £1.504 million capital funding for 2024/25 for projects across all leisure facilities as shown in Appendix 1 to the report.   5.    Agree to the development of options appraisals and feasibility studies for the provision of sauna and steam facilities at Poplar Baths and Tiller Leisure Centres and delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Mayor, to agree additional capital funding. Action by: Corporate Director Communities (S. Baxter) Head of Leisure Operations (S. Jones)