Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement.

(a)    That the allocation of the £689,123 be approved as a match funding contribution towards the outdoor facility improvements at Redlands Leisure and Community Park.

(b)    Confirmed approval for the Director Legal & Democratic Services in consultation with the Head of Assets and Property to enter into a Service Level Agreement with Active Dorset (AD) on terms to be agreed to manage the delivery of the project and compliance with the grant conditions and to sign a letter of intent and jointly with AD to enter into the works contract with FieldTurf Tarkett SAS to a contract value of up to £2,046,580.

Reason for the decision

The external facility improvements were a key part of the financial plans agreed between Dorset Council and Active Dorset when the facility was leased in November 2022.  A decision to not replace the existing pitch and build an additional 3G pitch would jeopardise the anticipated growth in income streams going forward.

Weymouth had higher levels of health inequalities to other areas of Dorset. A £2 million investment in recreational facilities would have a significant impact on addressing this disparity.

In setting out the report, the Cabinet Member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement proposed the reports recommendation, and this was seconded by Cllr S Clifford. In seconding the motion Cllr S Clifford, highlighted the sporting opportunities made available at Redlands for girls and women.

The Cabinet Member advised that the paper aimed to secure match funding contributions towards outdoor facility improvements at Redlands Leisure and Community Park.

In response to concerns expressed regarding Dorset Council’s climate emergency and sustainability policies, particularly regarding, the future ban of 3G pitches in Europe, the Service Manager for Leisure Services explained that the procurement of these pitches must follow the football foundation framework.  He confirmed that the legislative detail was accurate as of now. Additionally, if, new sustainable technology for rubber infill became available in the future, the 3G contract included provisions for its replacement with a more sustainable material.

Decision

(a)    That the allocation of the £689,123 be approved as a match funding contribution towards the outdoor facility improvements at Redlands Leisure and Community Park.

(b)    Confirmed approval for the Director Legal & Democratic Services in consultation with the Head of Assets and Property to enter into a Service Level Agreement with Active Dorset (AD) on terms to be agreed to manage the delivery of the project and compliance with the grant conditions and to sign a letter of intent and jointly with AD to enter into the works contract with FieldTurf Tarkett SAS to a contract value of up to £2,046,580.

Reason for the decision

The external facility improvements were a key part of the financial plans agreed between Dorset Council and Active Dorset when the facility was leased in November 2022.  A decision to not replace the existing pitch and build an additional 3G pitch would jeopardise the anticipated growth in income streams going forward.

Weymouth had higher levels of health inequalities to other areas of Dorset. A £2 million investment in recreational facilities would have a significant impact on addressing this disparity.