Denbighshire County Council - Agenda item - COASTAL FACILITIES IN RHYL AND PRESTATYN

To consider a report by Councillor Huw Jones, Lead Member for Leisure, Youth, Tourism and Rural Development (copy enclosed) detailing interim management options for the Sun Centre, Nova and North Wales Bowls Centre.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a) approve the re-opening of the Bowls Centre from April/May 2014 and that officers explore a future operating arrangement in partnership with the existing bowls clubs;

(b) agree that the Nova Centre remains closed pending agreement of the Alliance Leisure redevelopment proposals in May 2014, note that in the interim alternative gym and fitness provision will be available at Prestatyn Leisure Centre, and ask officers to explore alternative public access swimming opportunities for the local community with other local providers;

(c) agree that the Sun Centre is not reopened as an aquatic facility operated or managed by the Council; authorise officers to explore further opportunities for the operation of the Sun Centre by a third party either as a wet or dry leisure facility, and note that in the interim alternative gym, fitness and swimming provision will be available from Rhyl Leisure Centre;

(d) note that the financial consequences of the recommendations can be contained within the budget available for coastal facilities in Rhyl and Prestatyn;

(e) confirm that the Council remains focused on securing a new aquatic leisure offer for Rhyl through the arrangements agreed by Cabinet in February, and

(f) agrees that an internal review be undertaken into the way in which the Council monitored the operation by Clwyd Leisure Limited of the facilities referred to within the report.

Councillor Huw Jones presented the report detailing interim management options for the Sun Centre, Nova Centre and North Wales Bowls Centre which had been returned to the Council after Clwyd Leisure Limited (CLL) had ceased trading.

Councillor Jones explained the position to date and the reasoning behind each of the recommendations following a detailed appraisal of the different options for the facilities pending the development of the business case for an improved coastal leisure offer. With regard to the recommendation for the Sun Centre he proposed an amendment to include the opportunity for wet leisure activities in view of potential interest in that regard which had recently come to light.

Cabinet considered the merits of each recommendation in order to satisfy themselves as to the best way forward. The following key points were discussed –

North Wales Bowls Centre – Members highlighted the importance of the Bowls Centre as a community facility and acknowledged the valuable contribution made by the existing bowling clubs and key role in ensuring its future success. Officers were asked to progress the recommendation to reopen the Bowls Centre as soon as possible.

Nova Centre – Cabinet accepted it would not be financially viable for the Nova Centre to reopen for a short period pending its redevelopment. However concerns were raised about the impact of its temporary closure on other businesses in the locality and Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill asked that consideration be given to reducing/removing some long stay car parking charges during that period to help businesses. Councillor David Smith confirmed he would ask officers to consider that request as part of the car parking review currently being undertaken. In response to questions from Councillors Paul Penlington and Gareth Sandilands regarding leisure provision in Prestatyn the Head of Communication, Marketing and Leisure confirmed that in the interim alternative gym and fitness provision would be available at Prestatyn Leisure Centre and alternative public access swimming opportunities would be explored with other local providers. He also confirmed developer interest in the Nova Centre and likely timescales for redevelopment.

Sun Centre – Cabinet agreed to an amendment to the recommendation to include wet leisure activities at the facility. Whilst accepting it was not viable for the Council to re-open the Sun Centre members were keen for the facility to be operated by a third party. Councillor Barbara Smith queried the number of employees affected and was advised that records showed 13 full time equivalent posts with a large cohort employed through the summer season, most of whom resided outside the area. Councillor Eryl Williams referred to a recent site visit and expressed serious concerns regarding the state of the facility and how it had been managed.

Councillor Joan Butterfield stated that Rhyl members would never have voted to close the Sun Centre but were supportive of officers’ actions after seeing the condition of the facility. Concerns had been raised for a number of years about CLL’s management and Labour Members called for an internal inquiry to establish the facts and ensure it never happened again. Councillor Brian Blakeley also voiced his concerns and sought assurances regarding future investment in Rhyl’s coastal offer. The Corporate Director Economic and Community Ambition provided assurances on the longer term vision for Rhyl and delivering the aquatic offer. She also confirmed members would be kept informed of potential developer interest in both current and future provision.

The Chief Executive confirmed a review would be undertaken to learn from the experience but emphasised the need to focus on the present and future recommendations in order to move forward. Cabinet agreed to reference the review within their recommendations. Councillor David Simmons highlighted public perception that the Council was to blame for the Sun Centre’s closure and at his request the Chief Executive agreed to issue a factual statement.