The Cabinet Member with the Health and Housing Portfolio introduced the report of the Group Director of Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the options for the refurbishment and development of outdoor facilities at Eastbourne Sports Complex.
The submitted report stated that the Eastbourne Sports Complex, which had opened in 1999, had operated successfully for the past 22 years and continued to provide the Council’s key outdoor sports facilities that contributed to the Council’s vision and outcomes as well as contributing to the majority of the Council’s Portfolios. The site provided a range of facilities and a number of athletic and football clubs used the site on a weekly basis, as well as a range of partners, schools and casual users, generating approximately 170,000 visits a year.
It was reported that there were currently a number of issues and opportunities to consider with regard to Eastbourne Sports Complex, namely the athletics track which was now at the end of its life cycle; the provision of an additional Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP), using an in principle offer of up to £700,000 towards the cost from the Football Foundation, and access and egress arrangements for the site.
Particular refences were made to the four options available; the financial implications of each of those options; the VAT implications; and the preferred option (Option 4) which would see the provision of an additional APG, refurbishment of the athletic facilities and improvements to car parking facilities on and off site.
In welcoming the proposals, a Member raised a concern in respect of the VAT implications on particular groups and the options available to the Council. The Cabinet Member with the Health and Housing Portfolio and the Group Director of Operations responded thereon.
RESOLVED – (a) That the refurbishment of the athletics track, the provision of an additional Artificial Grass Pitch and improved parking and traffic management arrangements, as detailed in paragraphs 35(d) and 36(d) of the submitted report, which would be subject to the outcome of the application to the Football Foundation for £700K.
(b) That it be recommended to Council that £1.610M of Council funding for the scheme, be released, to be financed through prudential borrowing and capital receipts.
(c) That the procurement of goods/services and works for the refurbishment and the development of the facilities be deemed non-strategic.
REASONS – (a) To ensure that the Council continues to provide an appropriate competition standard athletics facility in the town.
(b) In line with the Playing Pitch and Facilities Strategy provide an additional Artificial Grass Pitch at Eastbourne working in partnership with the Football Foundation.
(c) Eastbourne Sports Complex contributes to the Council’s Vision and Portfolio priorities as the Council’s main outdoor sporting hub. The investment modernises facilities and will support the transformation of services and improve the facilities available for residents of the Borough.
(d) Cabinet do not have the delegated authority to approve capital expenditure over £0.5m in one financial year.
(e) To comply with the Contract Procedure Rules requirement that all tenders over £100,000 are presented to Cabinet to determine if they are strategic or non-strategic.