Agenda item

That based on the principles outlined in the report to Cabinet:-

1)     Approved that further, more detailed work be undertaken for the possible relocation of the athletics track from Jarman Park to Longdean School, to be funded from the sale of the location of the current track;

2)     Resolved to recommend the approval of a capital budget of £150k to progress more detailed design and planning works for the relocation of the athletics track from Jarman Park to Longdean School.

3)     Note that a further report will be brought to Cabinet, within the next few months, detailing: the outcome of the detailed design work; the specific budget requirements; and, a marketing strategy for the site of the current athletics track.

Decision

That based on the principles outlined in this report, Cabinet:-

1)    Approved that further, more detailed work be undertaken for the possible relocation of the athletics track from Jarman Park to Longdean School, to be funded from the sale of the location of the current track;

2)    Resolved to recommend the approval of a capital budget of £150k to progress more detailed design and planning works for the relocation of the athletics track from Jarman Park to Longdean School.

3)    Note that a further report will be brought to Cabinet, within the next few months, detailing: the outcome of the detailed design work; the specific budget requirements; and, a marketing strategy for the site of the current athletics track.

Reason for Decision

To consider the options for the provision of an athletics track within the Borough and the best possible location for the track.

Implications

Financial

The anticipated financial receipt as set out in the part 2 element of this report would allow for a supplementary capital estimate to be made to allow construction of the a new athletics track and associated infrastructure (changing, spectator facilities, storage and parking).

Value for Money

The project should allow for the delivery of a new athletics track at no net cost to the Council.

Risk Implications

Delivery of the scheme is subject to planning approval and detailed design work at both the new site in Longdean and also to enable disposal of the current site at Jarman Park and to demonstrate the re-provisioned site.

Health & Safety Implications

Health and Safety issues will be considered as part of the project risk assessment for delivering the project.

Corporate Objectives

Building strong and vibrant communities

Ensuring economic growth and prosperity

Delivering an efficient and modern council

Monitoring Officer/S.151 Officer Comments

Monitoring Officer:  

This report seeks approval for further work to develop the proposal for the re-location of the athletics track.  Accordingly, further comment will be reserved until full detail has been provided on key issues relating to the development such as achieving best consideration for the existing site, planning and commercial risk from the sale and re-provision, and proposed use arrangements/agreements with the school and other users.

S.151 Officer

The costs and income outlined in Part 2 of this report provides financial justification for further works to be undertaken on this project. As per the recommendation, above, a further report will be brought to Members for final budgetary approval once more detail is available.

Advice

Councillor Williams explained that work had been ongoing with Longdean school and SportSpace for sometime in order to provide a new athletics track. They are very popular but can be costly. There was a tight timescale for this work as Longdean school were currently undergoing works which were due to complete soon and therefore it would make sense to continue into this development rather than start again.

D Skinner added that there was currently £150k in the 2017/18 budget set aside for refurbishing the current track. Therefore if the new site is approved this money would not be required.

Councillor Harden asked who people would need to speak to about football usage on the site.

Councillor Williams said that if the track is relocated; football would not take place on the same field thereby reserving the quality of the site. He noted that all parties involved would discuss the dual site use for the future.

Councillor Marshall enquired as to who was responsible for the management and maintenance cost of the site.

Councillor Williams explained that Longdean and SportSpace would need to agree maintenance costs. DBC and SportSpace would look at management and operational costs.

Councillor Elliot asked who would own the track on Longdean school.

M Brookes explained that in this case the school was an academy and they would own the land and therefore the track.

Councillor Sutton asked if the existing access road to the site would remain.

Councillor Williams said that it was currently on the wrong side to access the athletics track and it was therefore the intention to serve it from the opposite side. This would be a future consideration for HCC and the academy.

Councillor Griffiths asked if there would be an area for spectators and will local schools still be able to use the track for their sports days.

Councillor Williams confirmed there would be an area for spectators and schools would continue to use it for sports days as it would be a fenced off as a separate area.

It was confirmed that the recommendations would be referred to the Full Council meeting on 28^th September 2016.

Voting

None.