Agenda item

To consider a joint report by Councillors Hugh Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development and Huw Jones, Lead Member for Leisure, Youth, Tourism and Rural Development (copy enclosed) regarding the progression of the Coastal Facilities projects to the next stage.

RESOLVED that Cabinet agree the recommended approach –

(a)       to adopt a ‘preferred developer’ approach to the delivery of improved tourism and leisure facilities in Rhyl, including a new Aquatic Centre and to invite expressions of interest from developers for consideration by the Council;

(b)       to include development opportunities in all Council facilities/land/assets along Rhyl Promenade (Marine Lake to Splash Point) within the invitation for expressions of interest;

(c)        in parallel, to use the Council’s existing framework agreement with Alliance Liesure to produce a detailed business feasibility study and an appraisal of design and build options for the Nova;

(d)       to make a commitment in principle ro ring-fence operational savings generated as a result of the re-development proposals to support potential capital contributions from the Council towards delivery of the ‘whole project’, and

(e)       to meet with Welsh Government to explore support for a ‘special’ partnership approach to the coastal regeneration.

Councillor Huw Jones presented the report detailing the progression of the Coastal Facilities projects to the next stage and setting out the recommended approach to secure the development of a new Aquatic Centre in Rhyl and redevelopment of the Nova in Prestatyn.  The recommendations had been supported by the Coastal Facilities Project Board.

Councillor Jones elaborated upon the status of each recommendation and drew attention to the Rhyl Going Forward Programme Neighbourhood and Places Delivery Plan setting out the future plans for Rhyl.  He noted members’ concerns regarding the Daily Post’s misleading article that the Pavilion Theatre was under threat and provided assurances and an explanation in that regard.  The Leader added that the proposals provided a clear picture for the future and formed part of the overall plan for Rhyl.  He stressed the need to be more strategic in terms of investment and would be looking to Welsh Government for a contribution towards funding.

Cabinet agreed with the recommended progression of projects to the next stage reaffirming their commitment to the tourism and leisure offer.  It was hoped the projects could be phased in such a manner to ensure no gap in provision but noted this could not be guaranteed.  In response to questions assurances were provided that –

·        flood prevention works would be considered as part of the design stage and coastal erosion had not been identified as an issue

·        the desired location for the aquatic centre was near the sky tower but could change depending on the view of the preferred development partner

·        the popularity of the skate park had been recognised and appropriate alternative sites would be considered during consultation with its users

·        a condition survey of the Sun Centre, Nova and North Wales Bowls Centre was being carried out which would be followed by an options appraisal for members’ consideration.  [As the North Wales Bowls Centre was a community facility in good condition members were keen to for it to re-open as soon as possible.]

Councillor Joan Butterfield welcomed the development of facilities in Rhyl but highlighted a number of issues –

·        the need for a master plan for Rhyl rather than different isolated projects

·        no reference having been made to the Sun Centre and the importance of the Sun Centre opening next season

·        concerns regarding the proposed location of the aquatic centre which would result in the loss of valuable car parking provision

·        reservations regarding the sustainability of similar leisure offers in Rhyl and Prestatyn, and

·        her view that the Rhyl and Prestatyn Champions should be members of the Coastal Facilities Project Board (CFPB).

The Leader was disappointed to note that despite extensive consultation issues were being raised at such a late stage.  Councillor David Simmons advised the CFPB had supported the recommendations but felt that building an aquatic centre by itself was not appealing and needed to be considered in a wider context.

The Corporate Director Economic and Community Ambition confirmed Rhyl Going Forward as the master plan for Rhyl and elaborated upon the four work streams which had been developed to ensure its delivery including reference to the coastal facilities project.  She provided assurance that the offers in Rhyl and Prestatyn were designed to be complementary and not competitive.  Future options for the Sun Centre would be considered following completion of the condition survey and would be subject to a separate report.  Cabinet agreed it was important to move forward with the proposals and it was –

RESOLVED that Cabinet agree the recommended approach –

(a)       to adopt a ‘preferred developer’ approach to the delivery of improved tourism and leisure facilities in Rhyl, including a new Aquatic Centre and to invite expressions of interest from developers for consideration by the Council;

(b)       to include development opportunities in all Council facilities/land/assets along Rhyl Promenade (Marine Lake to Splash Point) within the invitation for expressions of interest;

(c)        in parallel, to use the Council’s existing framework agreement with Alliance Leisure to produce a detailed business feasibility study and an appraisal of design and build options for the Nova;

(d)       to make a commitment in principle to ring-fence operational savings generated as a result of the re-development proposals to support potential capital contributions from the Council towards delivery of the ‘whole project’, and

(e)       to meet with Welsh Government to explore support for a ‘special’ partnership approach to the coastal regeneration.

At this juncture (12.10 p.m.) the meeting adjourned for a refreshment break.