Decision details

Report of the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage for consideration of proposals for progressing the future management arrangements for St Mary’s Leisure Centre.

(i)  To delegate authority to the Executive Director of Neighbourhoods, in  consultation with the Executive Director of Resources and the Solicitor to Council following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage,  to grant a service concession to Southampton Solent University for the management and operation of St Mary’s Leisure Centre as a publicly accessible facility.

(ii)  To authorise the Solicitor to the Council following consultation with the Executive Director of Neighbourhoods and the Executive Director of Resources to do anything necessary to give effect to the proposals contained within this report including, but not limited to, the entering into of agreements, bonds, leases, and such other matters as are ancillary to or expedient for the completion of the project.

To provide a solution to meet the Council’s budgetary targets in relation to St Mary’s Leisure Centre.

1. To continue managing in house. This has been rejected, given the need to meet the overall Council budget requirements and despite improvements in the financial performance of the Centre, they are unable to meet the targets set.
2. Closure. Rejected given the impact on the local community and the opportunities to explore and pursue alternative management options that could meet the Administration’s objectives.
3. Include in the broader procurement package. Rejected given that the long term sustainable option to provide sport and recreation services in the locality is some form of joint project with Solent University. Including in the broader package would complicate and probably prejudice this aim.
4. Progress alternative partnership arrangements. Meetings have been held with another organisation who expressed interest in establishing a Social Enterprise to operate the facility and to subsequently support their role in supporting vulnerable young people . They were seeking a long term commitment to the building and a phased reduction in the revenue support the Council provides. These two factors in particular do not support the current thinking and strategy for the building or revenue commitments.