On 30 July 2019 Extraordinary Council (min. ref. 153), Members agreed for officers to commence procurement exercise to appoint a contractor to undertake a football feasibility study to support the football hub development at the Brentwood Centre site. 4 Global were appointed with LK2 Architects, to undertake these works. Their report before members sets out the strategic context, evidence of need, consultation with key stakeholders, assessment of options and indicative costings for each of those options along with proposed next steps subject to Members recommendations.

Members welcomed this report and requested consultation during progression.  Concerns were raised regarding the management of the hub, and access to the site.

Cllr Poppy MOVED and Cllr Tierney SECONDED the motion to approve the recommendations in the report. 

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY to:

1.         Note the report and its recommendation of preferred option 4; and

2.         Delegated authority is given to Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of Council and the Chair of Community and Health Committee to progress the development of the football hub development through the following workstreams:

a) For Officers to undertake further financial modelling to develop a sustainable Business Plan and operating model, and that this plan is brought back to the relevant committee for Member consideration;

b) For officers to procure the relevant services to progress designs for the built facilities, undertake any surveys for the site to prepare for a planning submission for the site;

c) For officers to undertake further consultation with Brentwood Town Football Club and Brentwood Leisure Trust on the preferred option.

Reasons for Recommendations

The Play Pitch Strategy (PPS) and Local Football Facilities plan for Brentwood identify the Brentwood Centre site as a preferred site for a Football Hub Development.

This project is linked to the King George’s Playing Fields development. The

relocation of adult football pitches from King George’s Playing Fields to the

Brentwood Centre site will mean that there is less of a requirement for changing facilities in the new pavilion at King George’s Playing Fields.

The football development also supports the delivery of the Council’s Leisure

Strategy in supporting improved leisure facilities and increasing participation in football.

[Cllr Reed declared a pecuniary interest as an employee of Brentwood Leisure Trust.  He left the Chamber and did not vote on the item]