Agenda item

In accordance with the Council’s Continuous Improvement Model, the Sub-Committee received an update on the progress made during the first year of the Sports and Leisure Management (SLM) contract.

The report detailed key activities progressed during the first ten months of the contract. It was noted that the contract was to manage the following facilities:

·         Hornchurch Sports Centre

·         Central Park Leisure Centre

·         Noak Hill Sports Complex (from January 2017)

·         Sapphire Ice and Leisure Centre (once opened – Spring 2018)

SLM also continue to manage Chafford Sports Complex under the terms of the previous Sports and Leisure Management contract whilst negotiations were continuing with the aim of agreeing a variation to the contract that would secure the future operation of the Chafford Sports Complex.

The Sub-Committee was informed that the major investment proposals at the award of contract that secured the financial position as set out in SLM’s Tender were:

·         A new build Hornchurch Sports Centre

·         An extension to Central Park Leisure Centre

·         Opening of the Sapphire Ice and Leisure Centre

The report indicated that officers were satisfied that the contract was progressing well. It was noted that attendances at the Leisure Centres for the first nine months of the new contract were better than expected. The attendances from April to June 2017 increased by 2,756 compared to the same period in the previous year.

There had also been a 35% increase in disability participation rates across the centres through SLM working in partnership with local disability groups.

It was noted that the Everyone Active Referral Scheme (EARS) was steadily increasing its referral numbers from local GP’s and more patients were completing the 12 week programme and using the leisure facilities on a regular basis.

The Sub-Committee noted that following the costs analysis process for the 50 metres swimming facility at the new Hornchurch Sports Centre and the associated revenue and cost implications been known, the decision was taken to return to the 25 metres swimming pool proposal in May 2017.

The Sub-Committee was informed that the basis of the change from the design for the 50 metres had benefited the 25 metres pool that would be installed as it had reduced wasted circulation space.

The tender costs for building the new centre with the new design were currently been awaited. It was agreed that the Sub-Committee would receive an update in the future. 

The Sub-Committee was informed that the costs for the new centre was factored into the evaluation of the tenders along with the cost of borrowing, the income to be received from SLM over the life of the contract and the savings that would be delivered.  

The following revised timetable for a new build Hornchurch Sports Centre was outlined:

·         September 2017 – Public engagement events

·         October 2017 – Planning application submitted

·         January 2018 – Planning application outcome

·         May 2018 – Construction commences of new centre (subject to planning)

·         January 2020 – Construction complete

·         February 2020 – New centre opens/demolition commences of existing centre

·         July 2020 – Demolition of existing centre complete and new car park opens

The report informed the Sub-Committee noted that the extension of the gym at Central Park Leisure Centre was underway and on track to open in October 2017. The extension would allow a larger fitness suite (gym) area (722 metres) and also provide a new dance/fitness studio space. The works would increase the fitness suite from 80 station gym to a 140 station gym.

The Sapphire Ice and Leisure Centre in Romford was progressing well and on schedule to be handed over to SLM by Wilmott Dixon in January 2018. Following handover, SLM would complete the fit out of the facility e.g. health and fitness equipment. The new 25 metres swimming pool would be used by Romford Town Swimming Club and would also be the base for the new Havering Borough swim squad, made up from the best club swimmers within Havering. London Raiders Ice Hockey Club (previously Romford Raiders) would also be returning to the new facility mid-way through next season.

Further to the Sub-Committee’s comments about the standard of cleanliness at the Leisure Centres in July 2016. The report indicated that the issue was raised with the operator. A regime of inspections and challenges (including financial penalties issued under the terms of the contract) had ensured that the standard of cleanliness had greatly improved and consistently maintained.

The Sub-Committee was informed that SLM were working to ensure higher standards of cleanliness were maintained. The improvements at the centres have been noted during a recent Quest visit by external assessment.

The Sub-Committee noted the update report.