Agenda item - New Swimming Pool at Withdean Sports Complex and Pool Provision in the East of the City

RESOLVED:

That Committee:

1. Noted the importance of addressing the shortfall of pool water space in the city.

2. Agreed that officers should continue to explore the feasibility of where and how new pool water space is developed and delivered in the East of the city, (as set out in paragraph 3.35).

Recommended that the Strategy, Finance, and City Regeneration Committee:

3. Agreed in principle to the development of a new swimming pool at Withdean Sports Complex, as set out in paragraph 3.18.

4. Agreed the provision of £451,000 (via capital borrowing) to complete detailed design and survey work and to achieve planning consent.

5. Authorises the Executive Director Economy, Environment and Culture to take all steps necessary to procure and award the contracts for the design work.

6. Agrees that a further report is brought back to the Strategy, Finance and City Regeneration Committee once the design work is completed to approve the progression of the project to implementation and the additional borrowing required for the remaining capital cost to deliver a new facility.

47.1 The Chair invited Mark Fisher to introduce the report.

47.2 Councillor Hewitt raised points about the benefits of swimming, accessibility, and environmentally friendly technology which would reduce costs.

47.3 Councillor Hill raised queries about the Sports Facilities Investment Plan and the importance of transgender swimming sessions.

47.4 Councillor McGregor raised the importance of resources for East Brighton, and also stressed the importance of queer friendly sessions and spaces in Leisure facilities.

47.5 Councillor Bagaeen raised queries about ensuring that swimming pools remain open whilst construction is taking place.

47.6 Councillor Goddard raised points about ensuring that there will be future pool provision in the East of the city.

RESOLVED:

That Committee:

1. Noted the importance of addressing the shortfall of pool water space in the city.

2. Agreed that officers should continue to explore the feasibility of where and how new pool water space is developed and delivered in the East of the city, (as set out in paragraph 3.35).

Recommended that the Strategy, Finance, and City Regeneration Committee:

3. Agreed in principle to the development of a new swimming pool at Withdean Sports Complex, as set out in paragraph 3.18.

4. Agreed the provision of £451,000 (via capital borrowing) to complete detailed design and survey work and to achieve planning consent.

5. Authorises the Executive Director Economy, Environment and Culture to take all steps necessary to procure and award the contracts for the design work.

6. Agrees that a further report is brought back to the Strategy, Finance and City Regeneration Committee once the design work is completed to approve the progression of the project to implementation and the additional borrowing required for the remaining capital cost to deliver a new facility.