Issue - items at meetings - Sports Facilities Management Contract – Capital Investment Proposals.

Report of the Strategic Director, Communities (copy attached).

(1)         That Cabinet approves the development of the capital investment proposals for the Prince Regent Swimming Complex and the Withdean Stadium Complex.

(2)         That a further report be considered by Cabinet detailing the proposals for approval prior to planning applications being submitted.

199.1          The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities concerning the capital investment proposals submitted by Freedom Leisure in addition to their bid for the council’s Sports Facilities Management Contract.

199.2          Councillor Mitchell welcomed the proposals and stated that she looked forward to the realisation of the imaginative schemes detailed in the report.

199.3          Councillor Norman advised that he and his fellow Withdean Ward councillors welcomed investment in Withdean Stadium, which would provide the opportunity for it to become a real community stadium.

199.4          Councillor Randall advised that greater flexibility was needed in sports provision throughout the city; he welcomed the emphasis creating a community stadium at the Withdean site and the involvement of a not-for-profit organisation in its development.

199.5          The Chairman noted the improvements already made at the King Alfred Leisure Centre and advised that the whole city would benefit from the investment in Withdean Stadium.

199.6          Councillor Smith wished to place on record the council’s thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club and Sussex County Cricket Club for regenerating their own grounds, which also benefited the wider community.

199.7          RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:

(1)         That the development of the capital investment proposals for the Prince Regent Swimming Complex and the Withdean Stadium Complex be approved.

(2)         That a further report be considered by Cabinet detailing the proposals for approval prior to planning applications being submitted.