Decision details

To consider the future of the Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre.

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet noted the comments made by Vengeance (representing the London Roller Derby league) who had requested to speak regarding the impact the proposed closure of Bridge Park Leisure Centre would have on that organisation as a current user of the Leisure Centre.  In addressing Cabinet, the opportunity was taken to outline the background to the Roller Derby League and way in which the sport was played.  Members were advised of the way in which the league operated in an open, inclusive and democratic way along with their commitment to empowering women, those non marginalised genders and the LGBTQ+ community through sport.  The league had been established in 2006 as the first in the UK and, as a member of the Women Flat Track Roller Derby Association (which included other teams from across the world), continued to be a driving force in the establishment of the sport across the UK and Europe with an international fan base and world class athletes using Bridge Park Leisure Centre as a training base to compete internationally.

Referring to the leagues current use of the Leisure Centre involving bookings for over 300 hours per year, the lack of suitable alternative training space was highlighted as a concern should the decision be made to close the Centre.  Whilst recognising the challenges in terms of the current sustainability of the facilities available at the Centre, it was highlighted that the league stood in support of the Save Bridge Park Campaign and opposition to its closure but requested that should the decision be made to proceed, the Council support them (having outlined the specification required including the need for a facility with a solid floor) in seeking suitable alternative provision so they could continue operating and for which, it was pointed out, they would be grateful for any assistance available.

In response, Councillor Nerva (as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Leisure) began by thanking Vengeance for the informative nature of her comments and advised (without seeking to prejudice any decision made by Cabinet) that should the decision be made to proceed with closure of the Leisure Centre the Council would continue to support the league in seeking a suitable alternative venue, recognising the discussions already undertaken on the specification required.  The league was also thanked for the frankness expressed regarding the current state of repair of the existing facilities at the Leisure Centre which it was pointed out had also formed the basis for the recommended approach towards the provision of new sport facilities on the site.

Following on, Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) also took the opportunity to thank Vengeance for the representations made on behalf of the London Roller Derby league.  Highlighting the current unsustainable nature of conditions at the existing facility which needed to be addressed, she also confirmed the Council’s ongoing commitment to work with the league in seeking suitable alternative provision should the decision be made to proceed with the closure and reprovision of a more sustainable and flexible sport and community facility on the site.  The work of the league was also recognised and commended in support of their approach towards more inclusive and open access to sport.

Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) also took the opportunity to thank Vengeance for taking the time to address Cabinet and confirmed that the written representations from the League submitted in advance of the meeting regarding the content of the report due to be considered had been received and would be considered as part of any decision made on the way forward.  In advance of considering the report included on the agenda, he also confirmed that additional representations had been received from Dawn Butler MP in support of the London Roller Derby League.

Having considered the representations received, contents of the report, outcome of consultation and proposed transitional arrangements for impacted users Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To proceed with the closure date of Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre agreed as 31 July 2025.

(2)        To approve the revised facility mix for the council led development at Bridge Park.

(3)        Following on from (1) above and subject to the outcome of the decision of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (as outlined in paragraph 3.2.4 of the report) to approve the demolition of the council owned buildings at Bridge Park, subject to securing the relevant consents for undertaking demolition works.

(4)        To approve the Council entering a deed of variation to the CLSA with Stonebridge Real Estate Development (SRED) as detailed in paragraphs 3.2.12 – 3.2.15 of the report.

(5)        To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property to agree any further variations that are required to update the CLSA with SRED.

(6)        To approve the proposed site use options for the Twybridge Way, Morland Gardens and Bernard Shaw House sites that form part of the Hillside Corridor Masterplan and approve a capital budget of £1m to commence design work for these sites.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 23 June 25