Issue - meetings

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4