Issue - meetings

The award of long term contracts for the development, management and operation of the Council’s Leisure Facilities and Golf Courses

Wera Hobhouse (North East Somerset Liberal Democrats) in an ad hoc statement said she was particularly pleased that it was proposed to invest heavily in Keynsham.  This would be vital to bringing visitors into the town..

Councillor David Dixon said that the plans for the Council’s leisure facilities were bold and ambitious, underpinned by the Leisure Strategy, which he was determined to deliver.  In Keynsham, a new facility would be built; at Culverhay, the running facilities would be retained; and in Bath, he was very excited that a fantastic facility would be delivered.

Because of his declared interest as a member of the Bath Recreation Ground Trust, he moved a different motion from the one recommended in the report so as to ensure that he would take no part in awarding the leisure contract.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal and said that the entire community would be helped by the proposals.  Cabinet had ensured that the new facilities were fully funded and would be delivered.

Councillor David Bellotti said that Cabinet had put £12M into the budget to ensure delivery of this project.  The new facility at Keynsham would be a pool and gym, which was possible because the Council’s finances had been run well.  The partner company selected for the project would not only put £3M into the project up front, but would also pay the Council each year a portion of their income from the contract.

Councillor Bellotti referred to the facility in Bath which he had not found impressive when he had last visited.  He would be delighted to see the updated facilities.  He referred to the separation of the two golf courses from the leisure contract, which he felt was a good move.

Councillor Tim Ball said that he was pleased that the centre at Culverhay was being retained.

On a motion from Councillor David Dixon, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To DELEGATE authority to the Strategic Director for Place in consultation with the Leader of the Council, the Cabinet Member for Resources and s151 officer to award the contract to the preferred bidder.  This authority extends to agreeing a lease, or other appropriate arrangements, with the Recreation Ground Trust and all other decisions that may be required to secure the contract.