The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Rushmoor Council met on Tuesday 24 February 2026 to discuss the proposed build of the Farnborough Leisure Centre and review the council's work plan. The committee also received an update on the disposal of Blocks C & D at Union Yard, Aldershot.

Farnborough Leisure Centre Build

The committee received a presentation on the proposed build of the Farnborough Leisure Centre, a project estimated to cost £8.8 million, which will be funded through additional borrowing. While acknowledging the significant amount of information provided, several members felt they had insufficient time for full scrutiny. The project's financial implications were discussed, with initial years showing revenue costs outweighing operational income. However, from year four onwards, a net positive revenue position is anticipated, with payback expected in 2041/42, at the end of the initial 15-year operator contract. The committee requested further financial modelling to assess the impact of a 3-4% interest rate increase and a combination scenario.

Concerns were raised regarding a Climate Impact Assessment for the project, and it was noted that these assessments are being introduced. A written response on the current status of Climate (Environmental) Impact Assessments will be provided by the Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities and Active Lives, Councillor Sophie Porter.

Representatives from the development partner, Alliance Leisure, and their contractors, Pellikaan, provided an overview of their business model. The committee discussed the contract structure, with a Clerk of Works being requested to oversee the quality of works. Despite concerns about the ground conditions at the development site, Alliance Leisure expressed confidence in Pellikaan's experience. During a private session, the financial positions of Alliance Leisure and Pellikaan were reviewed, with assurances that both companies presented a low risk to the council. Discussions also covered social value, with Pellikaan expected to contribute, and the potential for any surpluses generated by the new leisure centre to be reinvested into other leisure provisions within the borough. The committee also explored options to protect financial risk within the contract, including the consideration of a Parent Company Guarantee (PCG).

Work Plan Update

The committee noted the current Work Plan for the 2025/26 Municipal Year and received an update on matters raised at the meeting on 11th December 2025.

The Housing Oversight Group, formerly the Registered Providers Task and Finish Group, has held its first meeting with an increased membership and a quarterly meeting frequency. Its work programme covers all tenures of housing, including social, leaseholder, and private rented housing, and will review registered provider performance. The updated terms of reference and work plan will be shared with the committee.

Regarding the Walk this Waste pilot, the Cabinet has decided not to continue with the scheme and is considering alternative options for addressing fly-tipping and bulky waste removal.

A letter was sent to the Leader of Hampshire County Council on 23rd January 2026 regarding an unspecified matter, and the council is awaiting a response. The revised Terms of Reference for the Housing Oversight Group and a copy of the letter to Hampshire County Council will be shared with members.

It was noted that an email would be circulated with potential items for the March 2026 meeting, and a request was made to consider Rough Sleeping at that meeting. The committee was also informed that any called-in decisions would normally be considered within ten working days of notification.

Union Yard, Aldershot - Disposal of Blocks C & D

The committee reviewed the decision made by the Cabinet on 15th December 2025 to dispose of Blocks C & D at Union Yard, Aldershot to Vivid Housing. Since the Cabinet meeting, Vivid's Board decision has been rescheduled to mid-February. Soft market testing conducted by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) indicated that offers from six companies were all below the value offered by Vivid Housing, leading LSH to recommend proceeding with the sale to Vivid.

The committee discussed the financial implications of selling to Vivid Housing compared to alternative options. While individual sales on the open market could potentially yield a higher total capital receipt, this would be offset by additional holding costs and a longer timeframe (14-21 months) compared to a single sale of both blocks. The current offer from Vivid Housing was identified as the quickest route to progress in line with the Council's Financial Recovery Programme and minimise further holding costs. The mix of properties and restrictions on commercial units have been adjusted during negotiations. Affordable housing nominations will remain with the council's current arrangements, while shared ownership will be managed by Vivid Housing.

Concerns regarding Vivid Housing's perceived inaction on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) were addressed, with meetings being held at a strategic level to resolve such issues. It was noted that 18 units are already occupied by Vivid tenants with no reported ASB issues to date. The committee acknowledged the financial implications of not proceeding with the sale to Vivid Housing. No specific recommendations were made to the Cabinet.