Issue - meetings

This report provides an update regarding progress on the development of the new leisure centre at Bridge Park, proposals for closing the existing Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre and outcomes from the recent public consultation on the emerging plans for the Hillside Corridor Masterplan, including the Bridge Park site as well as outlining amendments required to the current Conditional Land Sale Agreement (CLSA).

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  ...  view the full decision text for item 7

Prior to considering the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Vengeance (representing the London Roller Derby league) to the meeting whom he advised 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 by Vengeance (speaking using her Roller Derby name) to outline the background to the Roller Derby League and way in which the sport was played.  Members were advised of the way the league operated in an open, inclusive and democratic manner along with their commitment to empowering women, those 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 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.

As a brief response in advance of consideration of the main report, 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7