Historically, budget pressures and competing
priorities have led to significant underinvestment in DMBC’s
portfolio of leisure facilities, as funding availability has not
been able to match that required to invest in and maintain the
facilities to a reasonable and safe standard. Since 2011, Doncaster
Culture & Leisure Trust (DCLT) have managed and operated the
facilities on behalf of DMBC. The current agreement is set to end
in March 2036.
In 2017/18 condition surveys completed by Pick Everard estimated
that just over £30million (excluding inflation) would be
required over the following 25 year period to ensure appropriate
maintenance of the existing facilities. Of that £30million,
it was estimated that approx. £16million would be required
over the first 10 years. . Of that £16million, it was
estimated that approx. £10.5million would be required over
the first 5 years. In addition, there has been a requirement to
invest in the facilities from a business development perspective to
support the continued viability of DCLT.
Over recent years a number of solutions to the investment gap have
been explored, including accelerated investment schemes to reduce
the gap and rationalisation / closure of facilities – however
none were 100% agreed and committed too.
This has resulted in political agreement that the facility stock
would not be rationalised and (as of 2020) an annual capital
investment be requested to match that required to maintain the
facilities, focusing on;
- Elements identified within the condition surveys (including
electrical, mechanical and building fabric elements to ensure
facilities can continue to operate safely and effectively)
- Opportunities to use greener energy solutions
- Business development opportunities to facilitate income
generation to support the viability of DCLT
- Any additional arising health and safety concerns
This resulted in provision of £1.75m 19 -20 financial year
and additional £1.345m for 20-21, which was provided
specifically to focus on Armthorpe and Askern Leisure Centres
.
Despite the impact of covid pandemic the programme has enabled
Armthorpe to be delivered on time and access an additional
£1.7m of government PSDC fund monies to complement Doncaster
council allocation and replace aging boilers and decarbonise Askern
leisure centre;
It was agreed at cabinet in June 2021 that a further £3.9m
would be allocated to accelerate improvements to our stock of
leisure facilities (see table below) and provide support to rugby
league capital works.
Work now needs to be carried out to survey the chosen centres
(listed below) in detail as experience from undertaking works at
Askern and planning for Thorne has shown the condition surveys are
somewhat wide of the mark when costings works.
The £3.9m has been allocated as follows but these may need to
change should survey works identify significant problems or
priorities.
Venue Proposed New Capital (£)
Askern Leisure Centre 650,000
Edlington Community Swimming Pool 1,500,000
Rossington Community Swimming Pool 350,000
Thorne Leisure Centre 1,000,000
RLWC capital 100,000
Sub Total 3,600,000
Contingency 300,000
Total 3,900,000
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 14/10/2021
Decision due: 17 Aug 2021 by Director of Public Health
Contact: Dr Rupert Suckling, Director of Public Health and Prevention Email: rupert.suckling@doncaster.gov.uk.