Agenda item

Community Stadium Update Report

This report will update the Executive on the progress of the Community Stadium and Leisure Facilities Project since the last report brought to Executive in March 2016 (to follow).

Decision:

Resolved: That Executive agree to:

(i) Approve the proposed York City Knights RLFC (YCK) financial support towards first team playing arrangements at Bootham Crescent, as set out at table one of this report. This being Council financial support payable per YCK game played at Bootham Crescent up to a net cost of £45,000 per Rugby League season, paid from the existing Project budget.

(ii) Note the financial position of the Project and the associated financial risks present until Financial Close can be met, as set out at paragraphs 57 to 60 of the report.

(iii) Note the latest position of the Project’s Community Partners and Sport Clubs, as set out in the report.

(iv) Note the current anticipated Project timetable for delivery of the New Stadium Leisure Complex, as set out at table two of the report.

(v) Note the position of the ongoing Yearsley Swimming Pool Review and that a further recommendation report on this matter will be brought to Executive early in 2017.

(vi) Note the highlighted Project risks that have changed since the March 2016 Executive Report, as summarised at table three of the report.

Reason: To ensure continued progress of the Project.

Minutes:

Members considered an update report, circulated at the meeting and contained in the republished agenda, on the progress of the Community Stadium and Leisure Facilities Project since the last report to Executive in March 2016.

The report updated on the Judicial Review Claim, the latest position with all Community Partners and Sports Clubs, the procurement exercise and the key risks and timetable.

Officers confirmed the Court Hearing date for the Judicial Review as 18 January 2017 and reported on the implications for the project and timetable. It was also noted that ownership of the York City Knight’s Rugby Club (YCK) had transferred to a new owner on 1 December 2016. It was noted that whilst the original 2012 support agreement for the Knight’s had ended, further support would be required until the new Stadium was operational. Whilst no financial support would be paid directly to YCK, the proposal meant that the team did not incur any liability for operating costs associated with the use of Bootham Crescent when matches were played.

Members were also informed that, whilst it was understood that ISG, Greenwich Leisure Limited’s (GLL) building contractor had withdrawn from the scheme, no formal notification had been received, however the firm’s contract was with GLL who would need to procure a new contractor, if required.

The Executive Member expressed his continued support for the Community Stadium project and the Council’s commitment to deliver the project for the city. He also reported on recent meetings with the Yearsley Pool Action Group and confirmed that a recommendation for the future operation of the pool would be reported back in early 2017. With reference to early speakers comments he confirmed that the concerns raised would be examined and that it would not be financially viable to redevelop Bootham Crescent.

Members also confirmed their commitment to the delivery of the scheme and acknowledged that should there be any further changes consideration would given all options.