Issue - meetings

This report updates the Executive on the progress of the procurement process for the Community Stadium and City Leisure facilities project, including Yearsley Pool. Members are asked to approve a programme of works to be brought forward from the construction schedule. 

Resolved:  That the Executive agree to:

(i)           Note the commitment to the long-term future of Yearsley Pool and to commence the formal review process acknowledged by the procurement documentation in October 2015 so that this long term commitment to Yearsley Pool is delivered.

(ii)          Receive a report by March 2016 setting out the findings of the review process set out in i) above and agree the long-term management arrangements for the pool after the New Stadium Leisure Centre is operational.

(iii)        Proceed with a package of early works as set out in paras 23 to 30 of this report in order to de-risk the delivery timetable and mitigate ongoing revenue pressures.  The package of early works includes:

1.        Demolition of the existing Huntington Stadium and Waterworld

2.        The extension of the existing Park & Ride site and associated reconfiguration works to the car parking areas.

3.        Progress detailed design aspects of the construction phase.

(iv)    Agree to the cost of these works, valued at c.£2m, being brought forward from the construction schedule (set out in iii above) to be funded from the existing approved stadium and leisure budget.

(v)         Receive a contract award report for the Stadium Scheme by January 2016.

Reason:  To enable the delivery of this important council project .

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Communities and Neighbourhoods which updated the Executive on progress of the procurement process for the Community Stadium and City Leisure facilities project, including Yearsley Pool.

It was noted that it was proposed to bring forward a programme of works from the construction schedule in order to mitigate risks in the delivery timetable, provide additional contingency and reduce ongoing revenue costs relating to the security and maintenance of existing buildings. The commitment given by the joint administration for the long term future of Yearsley Pool was also noted together with the proposal to use the review process as part of the procurement and draft contract to examine the options for the most appropriate future means of operation of the pool.

The outline procurement timetable which indicated the sports stadium element as operational in April/May 2017 was noted together information on risks and financial issues.

Officers presented the report, referring to the complexity of the project  and the need to reduce the level of financial risks. Officers indicated that they were not seeking approval of  recommendations  f) and g), relating to appropriation, pending further work being carried out.

The Executive Member highlighted issues around procurement and the procurement timetable for delivery of the project and to the reconvening of the cross party Community Stadium Lead Members Group who would be kept updated as work progressed.  He reported that the Football Stadium Improvement Fund had confirmed their position regarding terracing and the project would proceed on that basis.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved:  That the Executive agree to:

(i)           Note the commitment to the long-term future of Yearsley Pool and to commence the formal review process acknowledged by the procurement documentation in October 2015 so that this long term commitment to Yearsley Pool is delivered.

(ii)          Receive a report by March 2016 setting out the findings of the review process set out in i) above and agree the long-term management arrangements for the pool after the New Stadium Leisure Centre is operational. ^1.

(iii)        Proceed with a package of early works as set out in paras 23 to 30 of this report in order to de-risk the delivery timetable and mitigate ongoing revenue pressures.  The package of early works includes:

1.        Demolition of the existing Huntington Stadium and Waterworld

2.        The extension of the existing Park & Ride site and associated reconfiguration works to the car parking areas.

3.        Progress detailed design aspects of the construction phase.

(iv)    Agree to the cost of these works, valued at c.£2m, being brought forward from the construction schedule (set out in iii above) to be funded from the existing approved stadium and leisure budget. ^2.

(v)         Receive a contract award report for the Stadium Scheme by January 2016. ^3.

Reason:  To enable the delivery of this important council project .