Agenda item

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

 

(a)       approve the proposed projects in principle and the Stage 2 development of a business case/justification and Stage 2 fees of up to £30,000 to:

 

·         progress the design development and feasibility study for the new aquatic centre in the proposed location adjacent to the existing paddling pool;

·         include specific consideration of a 50 metre swimming pool within the feasibility study;

·         incorporate the sustainability of the Sky Tower structure into these plans and develop proposals for its future use/enhancement;

·         acknowledge the principle of the existing Sun Centre structure being demolished leading to the development of designs and feasibility for improvements to the Pavilion Theatre;

·         agree to develop the whole package (as one project) to a detailed business case;

·         appoint Alliance Leisure Ltd under the terms of the existing framework agreement to assist with the development of the project

·         ensure that the approach is progressed in conjunction with the wider Rhyl Going Forward plans and to ensure the project’s impact on those plans;

·         establish a Project Board to monitor and direct progress, and

 

(b)       approve urgent works to the Sky Tower to reduce existing health and safety risks and make the structure safe – up to a budget ceiling of £35,000.

Councillor Hugh Evans, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Development presented the report seeking Cabinet’s approval of proposals for Rhyl Coastal Facilities and urgent works to the Sky Tower.  The report included plans for the town’s coastal facilities looking at the future aquatic offer, the Sun Centre, Pavilion Theatre and Children’s Village.  Initial recommendations had also been made for the future of the Nova Centre, Prestatyn.

 

Councillor Evans wished to clarify the references to Clwyd Leisure within the report advising that the Council also had a responsibility for the leisure offer and he reported upon the difficulties in maintaining and investing in the Sun Centre for various reasons.  The proposals hailed the start of a new era for Rhyl leading to a new leisure offer, the creation of new jobs and stimulating further private investment in the town.  The development of the project would proceed with the Council’s development partner, Alliance Leisure with a complete package of projects to complement each other and which both residents and tourists would benefit from.

 

The Rhyl Going Forward Manager (RGFM) delivered a power point presentation on the proposals for consideration arising from an initial feasibility study of the projects.  The RGFM elaborated upon –

 

·         background leading to the current report including reference to previous studies and key changes since that time

·         the creation of a new flagship aquatic leisure offer with reference to location, facility design, wet leisure (mix of leisure and formal swimming), fitness, café, climbing and possible beach sports together with illustrations of the type of facilities and buildings which would be generated by the projects

·         urgent works required for the Sky Tower together with future options

·         a recommendation to demolish the Sun Centre and either landscape the site, seek to attract a hotel development, or develop new car parking

·         recommendations to improve the Pavilion Theatre and consider the potential for conference and banqueting business growth

·         subsequent closure of the existing Rhyl Leisure Centre Pool with the Centre serving school/college and local sports needs in the future

·         wider Rhyl Going Forward Plan considerations including: relocation of the skate park; development of a new hotel; improvements to the underground car park and investment in the Crescent Road car park together with an overarching operational management approach coordinated between leisure and regeneration, and

·         proposals for a specific review to consider future options for the Nova which would not undermine the success of the new Rhyl front and aquatic offer.

 

In closing his presentation the RGFM indicated that the creation of a new aquatic and leisure offer could play a vital part in the overall regeneration of the coastal belt and Rhyl as a visitor destination. Finally he reported upon the next steps should Cabinet approve the recommendations contained within the report.

 

Cabinet welcomed the report in providing a means of transforming Rhyl through a coherent package of projects to benefit both residents and visitors alike.  It was recognised that the proposals would boost private sector confidence and investment creating new job and business opportunities.  The potential for that investment to impact positively on Rhyl Town Centre was also highlighted.  Members referred to their own memories and experience of Rhyl as a busy seaside resort and acknowledged that the once iconic Sun Centre had reached the end of its beneficial life and a new attraction was needed fit for the 21st century.  In considering the ambitious nature of the proposals members expressed their views on various aspects of the report and took the opportunity to raise questions.  A number of assurances were also sought as follows –

 

-       that the Sun Centre continued operating until a replacement facility was opened

-       that the Nova Centre would not be disadvantaged as a result of the proposals

-       further consideration be given to include a 50 metre pool within the specifications to attract competitions

-       the skate park should not be lost as a facility and its relocation be given careful consideration given its popularity

-       the new build and facilities needed to be functional and fit for purpose with reasonable operating and maintenance costs

-       to ensure the new Rhyl offer contributed to wider regeneration in the area, particularly the Town Centre, and

-       the accuracy of costs provided for the project and funding models.

 

In responding to members officers advised that –

 

-       the Council had made it clear that it wished for the Sun Centre to continue operating as long as possible until the development of any new proposals

-       Clwyd Leisure had visions for the Nova Centre and there were clear plans to take those forward with Prestatyn members

-       an illustration of how pools could be laid out had been provided which Alliance Leisure had indicated that they would be prepared to fund and it was important sufficient pool space was provided to meet demand.  Further consideration could be given to include a 50 metre swimming pool within the facility if members’ wished

-       the skate park had been acknowledged as an important facility and appropriate alternative sites would be considered

-       it was important to provide an iconic structure which would be recognised and provide a catalyst for regeneration but the need for affordability was a key consideration in its design to ensure a sustainable facility for the future

-       the Council had invested sensibly in its own leisure stock which had been maintained to a good standard which would be applied to any future projects

-       indicative costs only had been provided at this stage and the next stage of the process would provide the real cost of the projects

-       as Rhyl’s Little Theatre was a community facility it had not been considered as part of the theatre offer which focused on commercial viability

-       work had been carried out with the Rhyl Business Group and Town Council to direct the future of the Town Centre which was a very challenging environment

-       car parking requirements were being considered and the business case would consider how best to provide parking and whether it would be concessionary

-       confirmed that the development partner, Alliance Leisure was reviewing those Council facilities which were underused or could generate more income.

 

Cabinet also stressed the need to ensure economic viability of the project for the future and discussed with officers the potential funding streams which would be included within the business case.  The Head of Finance and Assets reminded members that they were not agreeing to the project today and that a detailed business case would have to be submitted and carefully reviewed before any decision could be made about the project.  The need to keep employment locally was also highlighted.  Councillor Hugh Irving cautioned that conditions may be attached to grant funding which needed to be carefully considered.  Additional funding had already been secured from the Welsh Government in order to explore the feasibility of public realm and car parking issues associated with the project.

 

At this point the Leader invited non Cabinet members to speak and was particularly keen to hear the views of the Rhyl Members.  Councillors Joan Butterfield and David Simmons advised that they fully supported the proposals as a positive step forward for the future of Rhyl detailing the benefits of the proposals for both residents, tourists and in the wider regeneration of Rhyl.  Rhyl Members had been fully briefing on the proposals and were keen for the exciting plans to be progressed to the next stage.  Other members were pleased to note that on-going revenue and maintenance costs would be a big consideration in the development of the new facilities.  The beach was also commended as a huge asset and the need to ensure its visibility and easy access was highlighted together with the need for a more holistic approach in order to integrate the new Rhyl offer with other projects in Rhyl to offer a complete package.  In response those comments and further questions the Lead Member and officers –

 

-       agreed that a coordinated approach had been lacking in the past but much work had been undertaken recently to provide a more integrated approach

-       elaborated upon possible options to include a hotel as part of the proposals together with car parking options which would be fully explored at stage 2

-       acknowledged the complexities involved within the development of such facilities advising that structural surveys had been carried out during the feasibility study with further investigations to be undertaken at stage 2

-       advised that once the project had been fully costed the process of funding would be considered which would likely come from a variety of sources

-       confirmed the project was a huge undertaking which would need to be completed before other large scale initiatives would be considered, such as the suggestion of a stream train from the Nova Centre to Rhyl

-       members could be briefed on the proposals at Council Briefing if desired and the project could be called into scrutiny for further consideration; the process and timescales to implement the proposals had been detailed within the report.

 

Officers reported upon the appointment of the development partner, Alliance Leisure as an innovative approach in managing leisure stock and the significant improvements and benefits which had been achieved as a result which should give members confidence in the proposals.  Councillor Huw Jones added that other local authorities were considering closing or transferring leisure facilities and highlighted how Denbighshire had benefited from this pioneering approach which was now being considered by others with a delegation expected from Cardiff City Council.  Councillor Jones also took the opportunity to thank the Leisure and Rhyl Going Forward teams on their hard work in developing the proposals.

 

The Leader referred to the recommendations and in light of the support for consideration being given to a 50 metre swimming pool within the feasibility study this was proposed as an amendment by Councillor Julian Thompson Hill and seconded by Councillor Huw Jones.  Upon being put to the vote it was –

 

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

 

(a)       approve the proposed projects in principle and the Stage 2 development of a business case/justification and Stage 2 fees of up to £30,000 to:

 

·         progress the design development and feasibility study for the new aquatic centre in the proposed location adjacent to the existing paddling pool;

·         include specific consideration of a 50 metre swimming pool within the feasibility study;

·         incorporate the sustainability of the Sky Tower structure into these plans and develop proposals for its future use/enhancement;

·         acknowledge the principle of the existing Sun Centre structure being demolished leading to the development of designs and feasibility for improvements to the Pavilion Theatre;

·         agree to develop the whole package (as one project) to a detailed business case;

·         appoint Alliance Leisure Ltd under the terms of the existing framework agreement to assist with the development of the project

·         ensure that the approach is progressed in conjunction with the wider Rhyl Going Forward plans and to ensure the project’s impact on those plans;

·         establish a Project Board to monitor and direct progress, and

 

(b)       approve urgent works to the Sky Tower to reduce existing health and safety risks and make the structure safe – up to a budget ceiling of £35,000.