Decision details

Approval was sought for the Haden Hill Leisure Centre Rebuild. The Cabinet had been presented with three options.

Reason for Decision

The opportunity to utilise the allocated funding to renew Haden Hill Leisure Centre would resolve the long-term future of the well-used but ageing asset. Once renewed, Sandwell would be in the position of not having a public swimming pool in its portfolio that was more than 10 years old.

The recent Sport England Facilities Planning Model assessment of

swimming pool provision in Sandwell confirmed that with the continuation of provision at Haden Hill Leisure Centre, the Borough would have sufficient swimming pool supply to meet population demand inclusive of projected housing growth.

Option 1 Part rebuild and part refurbishment – rebuild wet facilities, refurbish the dry This option achieves the replacement of the pool facilities and also provides a new 100-station fitness gym, new changing facilities plus a reconfigured reception with café. The studios and sports hall will be retained and refurbished; the sauna and steam and squash court would be lost.

This option had the benefit of new pool provision – where asset liability is greatest and quality of provision most sensitive. It also provided a substantially larger fitness gym – critical to driving the revenue model. The retention of the dry facilities presented less risk, although the age of the facilities still meant the refurbishment costs were substantial.

This option was recommended as it only marginally reduced the site facilities mix from that proposed within the original LUF bid submission (no sauna or steam room) and it also reduced the risks around the aged wet (pool) facilities through the replacement of these in full while providing a beneficial revenue position.

Alternative Options Considered

Option 2: Part rebuild and part refurbishment – rebuild dry facilities, refurbish the wet

This option would result in a new centre built with just the existing swimming pools retained and refurbished. The layout of the centre would be substantially improved, with less corridor space and an easier customer flow.

Option 3: New build to a reduced scope

This option sought to deliver a new-build project within the available funding. The priority (based on supporting resident physical activity) would be to rebuild the swimming provision, which would also allow the development of a large (100 station) fitness gym plus studio provision on the first floor.

Resolved:-

(1)           that approval be given to Option 1 - the part rebuild and part refurbishment – (rebuild wet facilities, refurbish the dry) of Haden Hill Leisure Centre;

(2)          that the Director of Borough Economy be authorised to progress the preferred option for the Haden Hill Leisure Centre rebuild;

(3)          that the Director of Regeneration and Growth be authorised to procure and appoint a main contractor via the most suitable procurement route for the chosen option;

(4)          that the Director of Regeneration and Growth, in consultation with the Assistant Director of Legal and Assurance, be authorised to sign legal agreements and contracts associated with the delivery of the replacement of Haden Hill Leisure Centre;

(5)          that the Director of Regeneration and Growth provide a further report to Cabinet for approval of final project costs and procurement contract award;

(6)          that the Director of Finance be authorised to submit funding bids to Sport England or other appropriate organisations to support the delivery of the replacement of Haden Hill Leisure Centre.