At the 27 February 2019 Ordinary Council (min. ref. 339) Members agreed to the inclusion of £7m for the development of King George’s Playing Fields within the Capital Program as part of the budget setting process. It was agreed at 23 January 2019 Policy Projects and Resources Committee (min. ref. 302) that expenditure would only occur, subject to the full business plan and operating model details being approved by a future Policy, Projects and Resources Committee (or relevant committee). The business plan for King George’s Playing Fields improvements is before members tonight. The plan has looked at a number of options for the pavilion and the outdoor adventure play to ensure that the business model for the improvements is both financially viable and supports the needs of the community both now and in the future. The Football Hub Development is also included within the business plan as it is intrinsically linked to the King George’s Playing Fields improvements.

Members expressed concerns on the high-level decision required without the business plan or detail having been to a previous committee and proposed that the item should be referred to the next Extraordinary Council meeting.  

Ms Barnes elaborated on the summary within the business plan for members.  

Cllr Kendall MOVED and Cllr Mynott SECONDED a motion that this items be DEFERRED.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was LOST.

After a full discussion, Cllr Tumbridge MOVED and Cllr Mrs Hones SECONDED an amendment to 2.1 to state:-

1. That Members recommend this report and its recommendations to Extra Ordinary Council on 30^th July 2019.

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

1.         That Members recommend this report and its recommendations to Extra Ordinary Council on 30th July 2019.

Reasons for Recommendation

As part of the Council’s due diligence in delivery a successful Leisure Strategy, Members and officers need to have a complete picture of the current associated costs, risk profiles of the Borough’s Leisure facilities and identify opportunities for income generation.

Comments from Sport England as part of the Local development Plan consultation, stated that a Leisure Strategy is required that assesses Council owned sports and leisure facilities in order that the Council can continue to work with partners to ensure that appropriate provision is made for the residents of Brentwood. The strategy should not only consider how the Council can provide services, but also how other partners can. The strategy should also use current sports facility evidence to identify strategic priorities to then inform what will be included in the Council’s Infrastructure Delivery Plan. Following this feasibility work, the Council will then be able to determine which projects will be funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and those funded by planning obligations.

The Council’s Asset Management Strategy 2014/15 also sets out the need to obtain and maximise income where possible from its asset portfolio.

The KGPF improvements support all six workstreams of the Leisure Strategy Built Facilities, Play Areas, Sport. Open Spaces, Health and Wellbeing and Governance Arrangements.

The Football Hub Development supports the strategic improvement and development of grassroots football across the Borough which will support a number of football clubs.

Both sites will provide a much improved fully inclusive offer of activities and facilities for residents and families.

The new pavilion will provide a more energy efficient and effective building.