Decision details

To provide Cabinet with the relevant information to enable them to make an informed decision about the future of Dewsbury Sports Centre.

Background: Cabinet Report 12.12.23 https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=139&MId=7416&Ver=4

RESOLVED –

1)    That approval be given to permanently close Dewsbury Sports Centre and declare the existing buildings surplus to the Council’s requirements.

2)    That, subject to the approval of capital funding in the Council’s revised Capital Plan at Council on 5th March 2025, approval be given to demolish the wet side facility.

3)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place to initiate negotiations with the Landlord of the dry side building regarding the existing lease and the potential future redevelopment of the building and wider site.

4)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director Legal, Governance and Commissioning to enter into and execute any necessary documentation or instruments in relation to the above matters.

5)    That authority be given to write off KAL’s outstanding borrowing costs of £126k for 2024/25 and a total cost of £697k until 2035 and that the adjustment be made to the Treasury Management budget to accommodate the change.

6)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Public Health and Corporate Resources to: -

(i)             work with partners, including funders such as Sport England and sporting governing bodies, to secure external investment enabling a programme of physical activity opportunities to be delivered in Dewsbury, and

(ii)            begin a promotional campaign to highlight existing activities in the area, with proposals aiming to deliver a new style of provision to enhance health and wellbeing outcomes.

7)    That authority be given to commission a strategic needs assessment to explore approaches to effectively address the health, well-being and social needs of the Dewsbury population.

8)    That the Integrated Impact Assessment which was appended to the considered report be noted.