Decision details

Councillor Griffiths introduced the Report.

During public participation, two members of the public and/or members of local interest groups spoke as summarised below.

Janet Berry (Highcliffe Community Forum for Action)

·                that the plans for the boxing club altered proposals in the Design Framework which had only recently consulted upon.  Improvements to the Number 4 bus service should be included in proposals;

·                Children and young people must be fully engaged in the design process;

·                that the issue of future use of the former depot site had not been resolved;

·                The local community must be involved in future proposals on an ongoing basis particularly in relation to pedestrian access to the facilities from Milland Road.

Geoff Wright

·                that the projected cost of £38m was a significant sum which needed to be considered carefully in relation to what will be provided

·                Highlighted that a major component of the cost would be the construction costs for which a preferred contractor had been selected.  Given this, how would the contractor be incentivised to achieve best value for the construction costs. 

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillors Thompson, Murphy and Laming addressed Cabinet as summarised below.

Councillor Thompson

·                Supported the proposal for a new centre located at Bar End. It is an exciting project and our biggest to date so its importance means that we must get it right. 

·                Sought clarification  regarding the proposed design of the glass wall in the sports hall in relation to glare and the importance of ensuring the opinions of club users were taking into account.

·                The importance of considering access arrangements to the new centre, including cycle and pedestrian routes from different areas of the city.  Whilst Park and Ride parking spaces are being increased the bus capacity should also be increased in line with this and the findings of the Movement Strategy must be taken into account.

Councillor Murphy

·                Welcomed the proposed indicative designs for the building but appealed to take account the fears and wishes of the community;

·                that Highcliffe residents had not been consulted before about the proposals for the boxing club and requested assurances that this consultation would take place;

·                Existing playing field areas in Highcliffe should remain accessible for free play purposes;

·                Recognition that ensuring access from Milland Road required further consideration but highlighted that children from the local primary school would otherwise have a much longer walk to the centre. 

·                Concern that current traffic and parking issues along Milland Road could be acerbated by the proposed relocation of the boxing club.

Councillor Laming

·                The depot site must be included within the Design Framework;

·                The designs should be include a viewing gallery for the sports hall;

·                sought clarification regarding the suitability of the proposed glass wall in the hall;

·                The requirements of those with disabilities must be properly addressed and the centre be a centre for all.

The Chairman thanked contributors and welcomed the general support for a new centre.  However, she noted that a number of comments made either related to other items on the agenda (and they would be considered at the appropriate time) or to matters that were not for decision at the current time (for example, comments in relation to the design of the building itself).

Cabinet members confirmed that consideration of the depot site was included within the Design Framework.  It was also confirmed that although there was already intended to be access to the playing fields  in general from Milland Road, the specific matter of access to the facility itself would be the matter of further consideration, as agreed at the Cabinet (Leisure Centre) Committee on 23 May 2018.  Cabinets Members affirmed the level of public engagement taken to date and that engagement would continue including children and young people.

With regard to the link to the joint County Council/City Council Movement Strategy, the Head of Programme confirmed that relevant County Council officers had been fully involved in proposals.  The results of the Strategy were expected in autumn.   The Council would install an additional park and ride bus stop to service the new centre.   Bus services in general were a matter for the County Council and future discussions could be held as appropriate.

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons outlined above and set out in the Report.

          RESOLVED:

          That the Design Framework be approved subject to the amendments proposed by the Cabinet (Leisure Centre) Committee held 23 May 2018 as detailed in the relevant minute above.