Decision details

This report will detail the results of the desk based studies for a proposed new leisure centre at Beacontree Heath and present proposals in relation to a project timetable and financial implications

The Executive will be asked to support the overall scheme and agree a phased approach to deliver the project by January 2010

Received a report setting out options for the delivery of the leisure centre as a stand alone facility or as part of a comprehensive redevelopment of the Beacontree Heath site.

 The report set out costed options for the provision of the leisure centre and a range of procurement options for the delivery of the leisure centre.  The option analysis also considered the financial and land assembly implications arising, providing indicative costs, and timetables.

It was proposed that a mixed use scheme involving a new leisure facility with housing above was the preferred option because it met a wider spread of community objectives and offered the Council the most cost effective procurement route and lower ultimate costs, although it meant that it would not be delivered until mid-2010.

Agreed, in order to assist the Council in achieving its Community Priorities of “Providing Better Education and Learning for all”, “Regenerating the Local Economy” and  Raising Pride in the Borough” and to assist in the good planning of the area, to:

1.  Authorise the Corporate  Director of Regeneration to progress and  deliver:

a)  A new leisure facility as part of an integrated mixed use scheme on Beacontree Heath.

b)  Leisure mix option  3.

c)  An assessment of the financial options to fund option 3 as the preferred way forward as part of consideration of the Council’s capital programme; and that the Corporate Director of Regeneration defers the later stages of procurement until funding for the scheme is secured and agreed by the Executive as identified in recommendation 7 below.

2.  Authorise and delegate to the Corporate Director of Regeneration to negotiate and agree terms with the land owners of the Total Petrol station and the Three Travellers Public House either to include them within a redevelopment scheme or purchase their interest in the land;

3.  Authorise and delegate to the Corporate Director of Regeneration the service of notices under Section 16 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 for the purposes of identifying all of the legal interests (some of which are currently unknown) with a view to the exercise by the Council of its Compulsory Purchase Powers. 

4.  Authorise the use by the Council of its Compulsory Purchase Order making powers pursuant to Section  226(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (As Amended) for the acquisition of the outstanding freehold and leasehold interests in the properties outlined in the report, for the purposes of securing a comprehensive regeneration of the Beacontree Heath site.

5.  Authorise the Corporate Director of Regeneration or her nominated Officer to take all necessary steps to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of a Compulsory Purchase Order including  demolition notices, the publication and service of all Notices and the presentation of the Council’s case at any public inquiry following the making of the Compulsory Purchase Order for the properties outlined in the report.

6.  Authorise the Corporate Director of Regeneration or her nominated Officer to take all necessary steps to serve an initial demolition notice on the affected tenants of Althone way in order to stop further Rights To Buy applications from being progressed on this regeneration site.

7.  Further reports to the Executive setting out the overall financial position of the final proposal and the financial terms of any development agreement.