Decision details

Members considered the redevelopment of Sharley Park Leisure Centre. The report to Cabinet explained that the existing building would be replaced with a new Community Hub. In addition to the Leisure Centre, the Hub would include health service provision and various support services for local people.

Members discussed the proposals. They considered the contribution made by Sport England, the Football Foundation, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Clay Cross Hospital and Citizens Advice in helping to shape the redevelopment proposals. Cabinet heard about how the new Hub would be financed and the funding to be received from the Clay Cross Town Deal. The report also explained the Council’s proposed contribution and the conditions for this.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Cabinet welcomed the progress which had been made and emphasised its support for the redevelopment. Members welcomed the important role which the Community Hub would play and the benefits it would bring to Clay Cross and the District as a whole.

RESOLVED –

(1)            Cabinet agreed that the proposed redevelopment scheme be delivered at or better than the projected cost and financial forecast, as specified in the report.

(2)            That the redevelopment be progressed to completion, subject to the budget business case net cost forecast remaining less than £0.338m (2019/20 Sharley Park net cost).

(3)            That the Director of Transformation be authorised to take such action as is necessary to progress the scheme through to completion, providing that these decisions do not increase the Council’s contribution of up to £13.5m towards the project and subject to the forecast net cost remaining below £0.338m (2019/20 Sharley Park net cost).

(4)            That the Director of Transformation be authorised, in consultation with Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Transformation and Climate Change, to enter into all necessary associated agreements in order to deliver the project.

(5)            That Council be recommended to fund through borrowing a contribution of £15.6m towards the project, subject to the forecast net cost remaining below £0.338m (2019/20 Sharley Park net cost)

REASONS FOR DECISION - To continue to make progress towards delivering a multi-million pound flagship community facility in Clay Cross Town Centre.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED - Alternative options were considered but rejected for the reasons set out in the report.