Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Leisure regarding management arrangements for St Mary’s Leisure Centre.

(i)  To delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Economy, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Leisure and the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services, to grant a 2^nd Service Concession to Southampton Solent University for the management and operation of St Mary’s Leisure Centre as a publicly accessible facility from 1^st August 2014 to 1^st August 2017 with an option to extend for a further 12 months by agreement to 1^st August 2018.

(ii)  To authorise the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services, following consultation with the Director of Environment and Economy, to do anything necessary to give effect to the proposals contained within this report.

1 Authority for a second Service Concession is being sought now, rather than in December 2013 because SSU has devised a £200k capital scheme for SMLC which needs to be spent in SSU current financial year ending 31 March 2014. SSU would like to offer at least three years public and academic use of the upgraded facility, hence the formal request now.

2 A new-build SSU Sports Centre is scheduled for phase 2 or phase 3 of the East Park Terrace Capital Scheme, which could result in SMLC being required as a sports facility by SSU until the end of 2017.

3 To retain the provision of important community facilities in the City Centre at no cost to the Council until at least August 2017.

1 Do nothing - Allow the current lease and Service Concession to expire on 1^st August 2014. Under this option, the building would close, SSU would vacate and there would be no academic or sports provision. There will be unbudgeted costs to the Council to secure the building (circa £5k) and on-going asset management costs. These costs have yet to be explored but based on the empty Oaklands Swimming Pool, costs to secure and maintain SMLC could be circa £15k per annum, excluding rates.

2 Do not agree to SSU Request for a 2^nd Service Concession - Seek to re-let or tender the opportunity to use the facility as a sports facility or for some other use.