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Councillor Whitelock the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities, Leisure and Tourism, introduced report ES/1723 which related to Leiston Leisure Centre/Alde Valley Academy Third Generation (3G) and Multi-Purpose Games Area (MUGA) Sport Facility Legacy from Sizewell C.
Councillor Whitelock outlined the purpose of the report, which was to seek Cabinet approval to enter into negotiations with Alde Valley Academy to deliver the building of a 3G pitch and MUGA (fully funded through Sizewell C Holding Company) through the Leisure Partnership Agreement with Rock Merchanting, known as Pulse Design and Build.
Furthermore, to enter into a management agreement to operate the pitch with Alde Valley Academy through ESC’s leisure operator, Places Leisure, subject to terms that are in the best interest of ESC.
The following options were outlined
1(a) To enter into arrangements to build and deliver the third-generation pitch on the Alde Valley Academy land at no cost to the council, as outlined in the report.
1 (b) To enter into a management agreement that sets out the proposed hours of use for Alde Valley School, the construction workforce, and the local community for the use of the 3G pitch and MUGA as outlined in the report.
2(a) To not agree to deliver the 3G and MUGA through the leisure development partnership and for the Alde Valley Academy to arrange the building works and delivery directly.
2(b) To not enter into a management agreement to manage the 3G and MUGA through ESC’s leisure operators and for the Alde Valley Academy to manage the facilities directly.
Councillor Byatt queried if there was a start date and if Sizewell C did not go ahead - at all, would there be a requirement to pay the money back.
The Leisure Development and Partnership Manager advised that the team were seeking delegated authority enter in to those agreements. It was due to be built July 2024 ready for January 2025. A contract would not be accepted if there was a requirement to repay funds in such circumstances as Councillor Byatt queried.
On the proposition of Councillor Whitelock, seconded by Councillor Langdon-Morris it was unanimously
RESOLVED
1. That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director in liaison with the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities, Leisure and Tourism in the best interests of East Suffolk Council to enter into arrangements with Alde Valley Academy and Sizewell C Holding Company (Sizewell C Co) for ESC’s Leisure Development partner, Pulse Design and Build, to build and deliver the third-generation pitch on the Alde Valley Academy land at no cost to the council.
2. That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director in liaison with the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities, Leisure and Tourism to enter a management agreement that sets out the proposed hours of use for Alde Valley School, the construction workforce, and the local community for the use of the 3G pitch and multi games use area in liaison with the Strategic Director and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism
As a point of note, Councillor Smith-Lyte shared a concern regarding 3G pitches and the materials used in constructing them.
Councillor Whitelock advised that she had considered the issues and environmental impact, but felt that the community benefit was great and significant to the local area. It was flagged up that there was a shortfall in MUGA facilities in the local area.
The Leisure Development and Partnership Manager advised that there was research being conducted by Sport England and in Europe regarding use of materials and wider environmental impacts. If any new information was to become available prior to build commencement changes can be made. In addition, the rubber crumbs could be removed once in use, if a better alternative was found.
There was a discussion about the detrimental impact of artificial sport pitches. Councillor Whitelock concluded to state that sometimes politics requires difficult decisions and on balance she felt it was the right thing to do.
Councillor Ewart raised a concern that Leiston residents would end up paying for the pitch and was there a ‘Plan B’.
Councillor Whitelock responded that regarding electricity and running costs, the taxpayer would to some extent be paying. However, referred to the previous discussion around wider benefit to the community and the benefit of having the expertise of the Leisure Team being involved the process.
The Leisure Development and Partnership Manager added that the build was not going to be on Council land and would likely go ahead. If the Council move forward with the preferred recommendation, there would be more environmental control to the build and an opportunity to ensure wider benefit to the local community.
Councillor Daly highlighted the importance of the Council being involved and having the ability to influence decisions and outcomes of the project for community and environmental benefit, for example ensuring the floodlights are only on when in use.
Councillor Whitelock added that the skills and experience of the Leisure Team were key to being involved in the project.
Councillor Byatt commented that MUGA pitched are designed to be ‘how you want them’ and be set not to be lit up at certain times and some environmental factors can be mitigated and managed via such mechanisms.
The Leisure Development and Partnership Manager stated that comments made during the meeting were taken on board and as part of negotiations lighting would be discussed.