Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Acting Director of City Development on the proposed short term closure of the South Leeds Sports Centre, with a proposal for officers to submit a report to a future meeting following further work being undertaken, in order to consider the proposal from Tiger11 regarding a possible community asset transfer of the facility.

Further to Minute No. 10, 22^nd June 2010, the Acting Director of City Development submitted a report regarding the proposed closure of the South Leeds Sports Centre and which outlined a proposal for officers to submit a report to a future meeting following further work being undertaken, in order to consider the proposal from Tiger11 regarding a possible community asset transfer of the facility.

In response to Members’ enquiries regarding comparisons provided between South Leeds Sports Centre and other centres in terms of usage levels and cost per visit, the Acting Director of City Development provided clarification and suggested that, when determining this matter, Members should take into account that the centre attracted 215 visits per week at a cost of circa £10 per visit.

With regard to the future of the sports centre, the following options were outlined within the submitted report:-

Option 1 -  The Sports Centre remain open pending further work on Tiger11's proposals for a community asset transfer.

Option 2 – Immediate closure of the Sports Centre and acceptance of Tiger11's proposal for community asset transfer.

Option 3 -  Immediate closure of the Sports Centre and rejection of Tiger11's proposal. This option would lead to a recommendation to demolish the facility with further consideration of the site’s use as a capital receipt, or as part of any regeneration programmes in the area.

Option 4 – Immediate closure of the Sports Centre, whilst proactive work with Tiger11 continued on their proposals for consideration by Executive Board later this year.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Acting Director of City Development be authorised to commence the closure of South Leeds Sports Centre in consultation with the Executive Member for Leisure and to make arrangements for Corporate Property Management to secure the building.

(b)  That officers be requested to undertake further work with Tiger11 in order to enable proposed Heads of Terms for a Community Asset Transfer to be developed which are consistent with the principles established in August 2009, for further consideration by Executive Board in December 2010.

(c)  That the Acting Director of City Development be authorised to enter into a 6 month exclusivity agreement with Tiger11 for South Leeds Sports Centre.