Issue - meetings

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Committee in relation to the decision taken by Cabinet on 17 December 2014 (CA.530) to construct a temporary pool and gym on the site of the former Radcliffe Riverside School.

It was agreed:

That the information be noted.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing submitted a report detailing the structural damage to the Radcliffe Pool and Fitness Centre and the work needed to improve it. The report also proposed the construction of a temporary pool and gym on the site of the former Radcliffe Riverside School.

Delegated decisions:

1.   That approval be given to the construction of a 25m x 8m temporary pool, including housing structure and associated changing, at the former Radcliffe Riverside Schools site.

2.   That approval be given to the temporary relocation of the equipped gym from the facility in the centre of Radcliffe to the construction site at the former Radcliffe Riverside site.

3.    That approval be given to the further investigation into the development of a new permanent Radcliffe Pool and Fitness Centre on its existing site.

4.   That approval be given to fund the construction of the pool and further building works associated with configuring the existing structures. Consideration will be given to replenishing reserves from any capital receipts arising as part of wider development proposals, subject to any restrictions that may apply.

Reason for the decision:

This provides a good quality temporary solution for maintaining swimming and leisure provision as well as maintaining health outcomes from physical activity.

Other option considered and rejected:

Do nothing. This would result in Radcliffe remaining without a main swimming pool until a permanent solution can be found. Financial income targets would not be achieved and the structural stability of the existing Radcliffe pool would remain an ongoing issue.