Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Service Manager for Leisure, Arts and Cultural Services.

The committee received a report of the Service Manager for Leisure, Arts and Cultural Services, which provided an update on the Redlands Leisure and Community Park since management had been taken over by Active Dorset in November 2022. It was noted that the park had been well supported and that usage had exceeded expectations. It was a good example of partnership working with the community playing an active role in supporting and using the facility.

The committee considered the issues arising from the report and during discussion, the following points were raised:

·       Financial issues including funding provided by Weymouth College as part of the exit agreement and the revenue budget forecast submitted by Active Dorset

·       Property works undertaken

·       Operational issues including the self-service booking system and key code access arrangements

·       Detail of attendance levels which had increased

·       Future plans for the 3G pitch and proposal to introduce a new second 3G pitch, for which a bid for grant funding was being submitted by Active Dorset

·       The council continued to support Active Dorset.

The Chairman noted the successful operation of the park and offered congratulations to all involved.