To consider a report from the Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships.

NOTE: An associated report is to be considered in Part II of the agenda.

1)             That, following the completion of RIBA stage 2 and updated business plan for Stretford Leisure Centre, the facility mix set out in this report and the business case in Appendix 1 Part II be approved.

2)             That Stretford Leisure Centre is to follow Altrincham Leisure Centre within the phased refurbishment programme be approved.

3)             That the continuation of the proposed capital investment into the refurbishment designs for Stretford Leisure Centre up to the end of RIBA Stage 3, including the re-allocation of the previously approved £300k for RIBA stage 3 design costs at Sale Leisure Centre, and an additional £270k at a total value of up to £570k and the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director of Place to negotiate and award any contracts which may be required to implement this decision be approved.

4)             It be noted that, following the successful completion of RIBA stage 2 consultation, an updated business plan has been completed for Sale Leisure Centre. Appendix 1 Part II.

5)             It be noted that, following the successful decision from the Governments Levelling Up Fund, Partington Leisure Centre and the associated projects will be brought back to the Executive in March 2023.

The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships introduced the report on the leisure strategy review. The report detailed that the renovations of Stretford Leisure Centre would follow the completion of Altrincham Leisure Centre. The Executive Member informed the Committee of the condition of Stretford Leisure Centre and how delighted she was to present the paper and especially the development of the active cricket centre.  The strategy was focused upon making people healthier by having a more active lifestyle and providing adequate facilities for the community was an important element in achieving that goal.  It was noted that the report contained a typo as the swimming pool in Stretford Leisure Centre had six lanes rather than five.

The Leader welcomed the report and the investment in Stretford Leisure centre.

The Executive Member for Environmental Services added his support of the investment and the aims of the strategy to encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration noted the large amount of community interest in this work and welcomed the involvement of UA 92 and other local partners.

The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Equalities welcomed the investment and noted that the facilities had deteriorated over the last few years and needed renovation.

Councillor Newgrosh noted the green energy generation mentioned within the report and asked whether Altrincham would have the same system fitted. The Corporate Director of Place informed Members that Altrincham Leisure Centre was currently undergoing the upgrade which was why it was closed.

Councillor Blackburn enquired about North Trafford General Practice and how long the NHS freeze on estates decisions would last.  The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships noted the question and responded that she would have to raise it with NHS colleagues.

Councillor Jerome welcomed the report, in particular the environmental aspects, and asked about the quality of cycling access for the leisure centre. In response to Councillor Jerrome the Corporate Director of Place stated that the site had a good level of accessibility for both public transport and active transport, including cycling. The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships added that the strategy and update of the facilities would allow the Council to review how people accessed leisure facilities across the borough.

Councillor Butt welcomed the report and the modernisation schemes and enquired whether cricket academy would be usable by residents from all areas of the borough. The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships responded to Councillor Butt by confirming that the strategy would support the whole borough to be active and informing the Committee that conversations were ongoing to have cricket facilities or activities in parks across Trafford.

Following the discussions the Leader moved the recommendations, which were approved.

RESOLVED:

1)      That, following the completion of RIBA stage 2 and updated business plan for Stretford Leisure Centre, the facility mix set out in this report and the business case in Appendix 1 Part II be approved.

2)      That Stretford Leisure Centre is to follow Altrincham Leisure Centre within the phased refurbishment programme be approved.

3)      That the continuation of the proposed capital investment into the refurbishment designs for Stretford Leisure Centre up to the end of RIBA Stage 3, including the re-allocation of the previously approved £300k for RIBA stage 3 design costs at Sale Leisure Centre, and an additional £270k at a total value of up to £570k and the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director of Place to negotiate and award any contracts which may be required to implement this decision be approved.

4)      It be noted that, following the successful completion of RIBA stage 2 consultation, an updated business plan has been completed for Sale Leisure Centre. Appendix 1 Part II.

5)      It be noted that, following the successful decision from the Governments Levelling Up Fund, Partington Leisure Centre and the associated projects will be brought back to the Executive in March 2023.