Agenda item

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities to submit a report providing an update on actions and seeking approval in relation to the contractual arrangements for future management of the tennis courts.

Cabinet:

 

2.1  RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that £113,300 is added to the 2020/21 Capital Programme in relation to improvements at the tennis courts.

2.2  NOTED funding total of £103,900 to deliver the required improvements to the tennis courts at the Melton Sports Village as detailed in paragraph 1.2 above.

2.3 Subject to the Council approving the recommendation at 2.1:

2.3.1 RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that £9,400 be provided from capital receipts to support the remaining costs of delivering the project.

2.3.2 AUTHORISED a variation to the contract with the current Leisure Provider SLM noting the financial impact as outlined in para 8.3 to remove the responsibilities relating to the tennis courts with a delegation to the Director of Housing and Communities to finalise the agreement.

2.3.3 AUTHORISED the procurement for project works, and delegates to authority to the Director of Housing & Communities the award any subsequent contract.

2.3.4 AUTHORISED a 24 year lease with MMTC for the tenure of the tennis facilities site, and delegates to the Director for Housing & Communities in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services to negotiate, agree and enter into any such lease agreement.

Andrew Cotton, Director for Housing and Communities introduced the report, the purpose of which was to provide an update on actions and seek approval in relation to the contractual arrangements for future management of the tennis courts.

 

Mr. Cotton advised that following Cabinet’s decision (in September 2019) to approve a number of actions relating to the clarifying the funding arrangements of the investment required and gaining assurances of the financial sustainability of tennis provision at this site, the Council had worked with Melton Mowbray Tennis Club to secure approximately £39k grant funding and had confirmed the Tennis Club’s investment, which included significant fundraising activities undertaken by the club.  This had reduced the level of investment needed from the Council (from an anticipated £40k pounds to £9,400k).

 

Mr. Cotton advised that in partnership with the Council and the Lawn Tennis Association, the Tennis Club had developed a maintenance plan, covering the use of sinking funds both for corporate placements and other ongoing yearly maintenance.  Adding the project to this year's capital programme would the works to finish in time for the start of the new tennis season in April 2021.  The 24 year lease between the Council and the Tennis Club would rationalise contractual arrangements and would include the usual rent reviews and protections for both parties.

 

Councillor Alan Pearson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities thanked all those involved with this project and thanked Councillor Leigh Higgins for the related work he had undertaken.  Considerable effort had been put into the project and it would offer a valuable service to the community.

 

During discussion the following points were noted:

 

•        Members welcomed the proposed recommendations, noting that the project would be of great benefit to the community.

•        Members recognised the excellent work undertaken by the Tennis Club and by the Council’s former Deputy Chief Executive, Keith Aubrey and it’s Leisure and Culture Client Manager.

•        Members thanked officers and Councillor Pearson for their work.

•        Members noted that the project included a long-term plan to ensure finances were in place to maintain this asset.

 

 

 

 

 

Cabinet:

 

1)    RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that £113,300 is added to the 2020/21 Capital Programme in relation to improvements at the tennis courts;

 

2)    NOTED funding total of £103,900 to deliver the required improvements to the tennis courts at the Melton Sports Village as detailed in paragraph 1.2 above;

 

3)    Subject to the Council approving the recommendation at 2.1:

3.1   RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that £9,400 be provided from capital receipts to support the remaining costs of delivering the project.

3.2   AUTHORISED a variation to the contract with the current Leisure Provider SLM noting the financial impact as outlined in para 8.3 to remove the responsibilities relating to the tennis courts with a delegation to the Director of Housing and Communities to finalise the agreement.

3.3   AUTHORISED the procurement for project works, and delegates to authority to the Director of Housing & Communities the award any subsequent contract.

3.4   AUTHORISED a 24 year lease with MMTC for the tenure of the tennis facilities site, and delegates to the Director for Housing & Communities in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services to negotiate, agree and enter into any such lease agreement.

 

Reason for the decision

 

An Independent Report from Sport England Consultants - TGMS (Appendix 1) highlighted that the courts require investment and are reaching the end of their lifespan, as the macadam has become weak and is breaking away causing cracking on the surface.

 

The Council wants to continue to provide tennis facilities at the council-owned asset and therefore needs to invest in the facilities to manage this effectively.

 

The Council, in partnership with the MMTC, has secured £103,900 of funding/partner contribution representing the most cost effective way of improving our asset, together with an additional contribution of £9,400 from the Council.

 

Working to secure a long term trusted partner on the site will help to generate additional community investment, participation in physical activity, and improve the asset over a 24year period, with rental income and no additional costs to the Council during this period.