Agenda item

(Assets and Economic Development Portfolio Holder) to consider the attached report (C-021-2018/19).

1.         That Cabinet seek a bid from the 2019/20 budget for a Capital Allocation of £240,000 to invest in the Gymnastics Centre at North Weald Airfield, to enable essential building works to be undertaken and to equip the facility with a complete set of new gymnastics apparatus;

2.         That expressions of interest were sought from suitably qualified gymnastics clubs to enter into a lease in order to provide opportunities for local children and young people of all abilities to participate in recreational and competitive gymnastics; and

3.         That delegated authority was granted to the Service Director Commercial and Regulatory Services in liaison with the Asset Management and Economic Development Portfolio Holder to agree the final terms of the lease.

The Asset Management and Economic Development Portfolio Holder presented a report to the Cabinet she advised that the Epping Forest Gymnastics Centre at North Weald Airfield was established in 1986, for the purpose of providing a centre of excellence for gymnastics, catering for children and young people from the district and surrounding area. I had always been leased at a peppercorn rent, although the tenant was responsible for all internal repairs and maintenance of the apparatus. During the first twelve years of operation, the centre was very well run and maintained to a high standard, with regular investment into the equipment, coaching and internal elements of the building.

However, following a change of management it was taken over by a local gymnastics Trust who over recent years have provided very little investment in the centre and its infrastructure which has led to the centre being in a poor state of repair externally and internally and investment would be needed to undertake essential building works and replace the ageing equipment.

The current lease for the facility was due for renewal on 31 December 2018.  Due to the lack of investment and commitment to developing gymnastics by the current leaseholder, the tenant had been given notice to vacate the building at this time.

However, gymnastics continues to have a very high profile, due to the great success of the British Gymnasts in the World Olympic and Commonwealth Games.  The current facilities for gymnastics across the Epping Forest District cannot accommodate the number of children and young people wishing to participate in the sport.

This report therefore seeks Cabinet approval to invest £240,000 in the Council owned purpose built gymnastics centre at North Weald Airfield, to cover the costs of essential building works and repairs, and the purchase of new gymnastics apparatus.  This investment would be in order to enable the facility to be fully utilised as a beginner through to development level centre of excellence.

Councillor H Kane, Leisure and Community Portfolio Holder  stated that she fully supported the report as she had been approached by successful clubs who would be willing to take over.

Decision:

1.           That Cabinet sought a bid from the 2019/20 budget for a Capital Allocation of £240,000 to invest in the Gymnastics Centre at North Weald Airfield, to enable essential building works to be undertaken and to equip the facility with a complete set of new gymnastics apparatus;

2.           That expressions of interest were sought from suitably qualified gymnastics clubs to enter into a lease in order to provide opportunities for local children and young people of all abilities to participate in recreational and competitive gymnastics; and

3.           That delegated authority was granted to the Service Director Commercial and Regulatory Services in liaison with the Asset Management and Economic Development Portfolio Holder to agree the final terms of the lease.

Reasons for Decision:

The Epping Forest Gymnastics Centre had received minimal investment by the current tenant over the last 25 years and was now in need of significant repair and improvement to enable its use to be maximised. Other Epping Forest facilities providing gymnastics in the area cannot cater for the level of interest and hence, several hundred children were on waiting lists to participate in gymnastics.

By improving the purpose built facility at North Weald Airfield and purchasing new apparatus, the Council can meet the demand for gymnastics.  This would not only increase participation by young people in sport, but also was in accordance with the Council’s policy to invest capital to generate a revenue return.  The lease income would be significantly greater than current interest rates achieved in the Council’s investment portfolio.

Other Options Considered and Rejected:

1.           To demolish the centre, although, if this option was taken, gymnasts who currently use the centre will need to be accommodated elsewhere if the facility was closed permanently.  There was already a lack of availability in the district.

2.           To ensure only essential health and safety work was undertaken and continued to lease the centre at a peppercorn rate. However, some external works were essential which would require significant future Capital investment and a complete set of new apparatus was needed to operate the centre safely in the longer term. This option would not realise a revenue return for the Council.