Agenda item

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 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

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 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 thanked Vengeance for taking the time to address Cabinet and confirmed that the written representations from the League also submitted in advance of the meeting regarding the content of the report on the agenda 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.

Moving on, Councillor Nerva (as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Leisure) followed by Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) were then invited to introduce the report from the Corporate Director Service Reform and Strategy & Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods and Regeneration providing 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 along with proposed transitional arrangements for centre users impacted by any closure.

In presenting the report, Councillor Nerva highlighted the importance of the proposals presented for consideration in representing what he felt was a significant step towards the regeneration of the Bridge Park site and the revitalisation of the surrounding Stonebridge area as a key component of the Hillside Regeneration Corridor.  In outlining the proposals, the opportunity was first taken to acknowledge the significance of Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre in the history of the borough given the important role it had played, particularly in empowering Black residents and the local community since its creation in the 1980s.  As such, members were advised of the commitment to ensuring that this heritage and history was recognised and commemorated as part of the redevelopment proposals, with the Council seeking to work closely with the community to make that a reality.

In terms of the current proposals, members were advised these had been designed to reflect that it was no longer felt the current facility was able to meet local community needs, with the leisure centre running at a significant loss and essential repairs identified as required amounting to over £1.5 million.  Given the longer term plans for regeneration of the site (which would involve demolition and reprovision of the facility) the continued level of investment required had no longer been assessed as representing a good use of public funds.  Following a process of consultation and planning, members were advised that the Council was therefore at a stage where it needed to look to the future and begin the redevelopment process.

Turning to the regeneration proposals for Bridge Park, it was pointed out these had been designed to deliver not only a new, state-of-the-art leisure centre but also contribute towards the delivery of much-needed affordable homes as well as training and employment opportunities.  In line with the vision outlined, members were therefore advised that the proposals presented involved closure of the leisure centre in July 2025 enabling the site to be cleared and work to commence in preparing for the construction of a new leisure centre, with that work expected to begin as early as September 2027.  Whilst recognising and acknowledging the disruption this would cause, the proposals had been identified as necessary to ensure the longer term benefits outlined for the community could be delivered with the report also providing a comparison of current and future leisure provision on the site as well as alternative provision available in the surrounding area.

The opportunity was also taken to thank all residents and community groups who had engaged in the consultation process, with the outcome having reinforced the Council’s commitment to delivering a redevelopment that would meet the needs of the community, both now and in the future whilst also enhancing future leisure provision.

Following on, Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) also welcomed the report highlighting that the regeneration proposals had been designed to deliver not only a new leisure centre but also contribute towards the broader and forward looking vision for the Hillside Regeneration Corridor in seeking to provide opportunities for the delivery of Affordable Housing as well as training and employment opportunities as part of the approach in providing a foundation for a thriving, inclusive neighbourhood, with enhanced facilities that would also support the health and well-being of local residents whilst securing the future of the Bridge Park site as a vital community asset.  The opportunity was also taken to thank all those who had contributed for their engagement in the consultation process, with the feedback provided stated to have been invaluable in shaping the future of the site.  As an outcome of the consultation process, reference was made to 96% of respondents having agreed that the site was in need of significant investment, and 100% of respondents supporting the idea of new parks and green spaces for the area.  The proposals outlined in the report had therefore been designed to reflect these outcomes along with the commitment to ensure the heritage of the site was also recognised and commemorated.

In considering the report, Cabinet recognised the impact that closure of the current leisure centre would have on the wider local community but also supported the basis of the proposals in terms of state of repair of the current facility and nature and level of the investment that would be required to secure its continued use, pending delivery of the planned new leisure centre.  Members were also keen to recognise the wider contribution of the site in terms of the transformative impact and regeneration of the surrounding area as part of the Hillside Regeneration Corridor, including the provision of Affordable Housing and training and employment opportunities, which Councillor Knight (as local ward councillor) advised she also welcomed.

In recognising and valuing the history and heritage of the site, tribute was paid to the young people from the Black community within Harlesden and Stonebridge who had originally started the centre with the assurance provided that the plaque on the current Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre marking the achievement of the late Leonard Johnson, community activist and Chair of Harlesden Peoples Community Council, in creating the space would be retained and included in the new facility.  Support was also expressed for the efforts being made to ensure that the site’s history and heritage was commemorated in the new development.

Having once again thanked Vengeance for the representations made on behalf of the London Roller Derby league and the organisations commitment to the leisure centre, the Leader ended by acknowledging the difficult nature of the decision faced by Cabinet given the legacy and valued nature of the asset by both the local community and users of the existing facility.  At the same time, however, he felt it was also important to recognise the existing risks posed by the poor condition of the building which was nearing the end of its expected lifespan and would require significant capital investment and work to bring up to an acceptable condition to maintain operations.  Given the extent of the issues outlined, it was felt that this investment and maintenance work would no longer be cost effective to sustain, especially recognising the wider regeneration of the site and alternative supporting leisure provision available in the surrounding area.

In seeking to moved forward with the proposals, further assurance was provided in relation to the commitment provided regarding commemorating the heritage of the original site as part of the provision of a new fit for purpose leisure facility which would also reflect the changing nature and requirement of the surrounding local communities.  Once again, the opportunity was taken to thank all those who had engaged in the consultation process, which the Leader advised he was keen to ensure continued moving forward as part of the wider regeneration of the area.  Thanks were also expressed to officers for their support in developing the proposals recognising the complex nature of the process and stages that would still need to be completed prior to moving forward.

Having considered the representations received, contents of the report, outcome of consultation, proposed transitional arrangements for impacted users Cabinet, In support of the positive impact and contribution which it was felt the provision of a new enhanced leisure facility would deliver for the local community in Stonebridge as well as in support of the wider Hillside Regeneration Corridor, 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.