The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 24 February 2026 to discuss the proposed build of the Farnborough Leisure Centre and to 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, with a significant amount of information shared prior to the meeting. While some members felt they had insufficient time for full scrutiny, the majority felt they could proceed with officer support. Key project milestones were noted, and it was advised that estimated revenue implications of the £8.8m additional borrowing had been included in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy. The committee discussed financial modelling criteria and requested that further modelling be undertaken for a 3-4% interest rate increase and a combination scenario. Discussions also covered borrowing options and the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). A written response would be provided regarding the current status of Climate (Environmental) Impact Assessments. Representatives from development partner Alliance Leisure provided an overview of their business model and responsibilities. The committee discussed the contract structure, including the request for a Clerk of Works to oversee quality. During a private session, the financial position of Alliance Leisure and Pellikaan was reviewed, with both companies assessed as low risk. The committee also discussed social value and the potential for surpluses to be reinvested into improving other leisure provision within the Borough. Options to protect financial risk within the contract were also reviewed.

Work Plan

The committee noted the current Work Plan and received an update on matters raised at the meeting of 11 December 2025. The Housing Oversight Group (formerly the Registered Providers Task and Finish Group) had held its first meeting with an increased membership and meeting frequency. The work programme for this group covers key housing issues across all tenures. The Cabinet had decided not to continue with the Walk this Waste Pilot scheme and was considering alternative options for fly-tipping and bulky waste removal. A letter had been sent to the Leader of Hampshire County Council, and a response was still awaited. The committee requested that a potential item relating to Rough Sleeping be added to the Work Plan for March 2026. It was also noted that the committee would normally consider any decision called in within ten working days of notification.

Union Yard, Aldershot - Disposal of Blocks C & D

The committee considered the Cabinet's decision to dispose of Blocks C & D at Union Yard, Aldershot to Vivid Housing. Key dependencies had changed since the Cabinet meeting, and Vivid's Board decision was scheduled for mid-February. The committee heard from Chris Hodgkinson of Lambert Smith Hampton (Investment Management), who advised that soft market testing had indicated offers below Vivid Housing's proposed value, leading to a recommendation to proceed with the sale to Vivid. The committee discussed the financial implications of selling to Vivid Housing compared to alternative options, noting that while individual disposals might yield a higher total capital receipt, this would be offset by additional holding costs and was considered a higher risk. Executive Director Karen Edwards advised that the offer from Vivid Housing was the quickest to progress in line with the Council's Financial Recovery Programme. The mix of properties and restrictions on commercial units had been adjusted during negotiations. Affordable housing nominations would remain with the Council's current arrangements, while shared ownership would be managed by Vivid Housing. Concerns regarding anti-social behaviour were addressed, with strategic-level meetings being held to resolve such issues. The committee noted the financial implications of not proceeding with the sale to Vivid Housing and made no specific recommendations to the Cabinet.