Agenda item

Report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services.

The Cabinet Member with the Health and Housing Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the release of funding for the Dolphin Centre to install a five-lane ten pin bowling alley and extension to the existing soft play facility.

The submitted report stated that following the decision by Cabinet not to relocate the Library to the Dolphin Centre, work had been ongoing to develop proposals to introduce a range of facilities that improved the family and teen offer of the building; the proposal was to develop a five-lane Ten Pin Bowling Alley and extend the Soft Play together with a number of facilities for young people/teenagers; the Town Centre Strategy received a number of comments supporting the development of a Ten Pin Bowling facility in Darlington; outlined the financial, legal and HR implications; and the outcome of the consultation.

Particular concerns were raised at the meeting to the implications for squash players who didn’t drive, to access alternative venues should they wish to play squash; the viability of introducing bowling in the Dolphin Centre; the management of the bowling and other facilities for young people; and the importance of offering the right experience to ensure that the facilities were used.  The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services responded thereon.

RESOLVED – That the alterations to the Dolphin Centre, with the introduction of new facilities and the release of £1million, to be funded from additional revenue, be approved.

REASON - To enable the alterations to the Dolphin Centre with the introduction of Ten Pin Bowling and extensions to Soft Play alongside additional offer for young people/teenagers.