Decision details

To seek approval to progress the demolition of the Richard Herrod Centre as part of the Carlton Active development and the approved Leisure Transformation Programme. The report sets out the rationale for demolition, the delivery arrangements, and the statutory processes that have been undertaken to enable the works to proceed.

Approves the demolition of the Richard Herrod Centre as part of the Carlton Active development and the approved Leisure Transformation Programme.
Notes the demolition works are delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, with Alliance Leisure Services Limited acting as Development Partner and Universal Civils and Build Ltd acting as Principal Contractor in accordance with the framework arrangements already established for the Carlton Active project.
Notes the Asset of Community Value designation relating to the indoor bowls hall as part of the Council's consideration of the proposed demolition.
It is proposed that authority is delegated to the relevant Director, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and the Monitoring Officer, to finalise and enter into the JCT contract and any associated documentation required to give effect to these proposals.

The recommendations are necessary to enable the progression of the Carlton Active development, which forms a key part of the Council’s approved Leisure Transformation Programme. Demolition of the Richard Herrod Centre is required to facilitate redevelopment of the site subject to final business case approval and support delivery of a modern leisure, health and wellbeing facility for residents of the Borough. Demolition is also necessary to ensure safety and security of the site.

One option would be to take no action and retain the Richard Herrod Centre. This option was not considered appropriate as the facility has closed and its retention would prevent the delivery of the Carlton Active development. It would also result in ongoing security, maintenance and holding costs for the Council. Whilst the construction of the new Carlton Active development is still subject to final business case approval, early demolition of the building is considered essential to maintain the safety of the site.
The option to delay demolition was considered but discounted. Delaying demolition would adversely impact the approved Carlton Active programme, introduce additional costs and project risks, and delay the
redevelopment of the site. This option would not represent an effective or efficient use of Council resources and increases security risks and ongoing liability for the Council.
The option of retaining the indoor bowls hall as a result of the Asset of Community Value designation was considered. The Council recognises the community value of the facility and has taken the designation into account as part of its decision-making process. However, previous Cabinet decisions approved the closure of the Richard Herrod Centre and the redevelopment of the site for the Carlton Active development subject to final business case approval. The future of indoor bowls provision was also considered through the Leisure Transformation programme and RIBA design process, which concluded that retention of the bowls hall was not compatible with the approved redevelopment proposals or the affordability and deliverability of the Carlton Active scheme. The Asset of Community Value designation does not prevent demolition or redevelopment of the site, and, for these reasons, this option was not considered appropriate.