Issue - meetings

Report of the Assistant Director of Communities, Leisure & Wellbeing

The Assistant Director of Communities, Leisure & Wellbeing introduced a report which had been circulated prior to the meeting to provide Cabinet with a structured programme update on the Carlton Active Leisure, Health and Wellbeing Centre project following the Cabinet decision of 25 September 2025 that agreed a business plan for the new facility.

This includes an update on the consideration of the inclusion of bowls provision following the petition debated by Council on the 12 November 2025. The report presents the outputs of RIBA Stage 2 design work, including the emerging design proposals, indicative capital cost position and key programme, affordability, equality and environmental considerations.

The report seeks Cabinet direction on the proposed next steps for the project, namely progression into pre-construction through RIBA Stages 3 and 4, to be delivered via the UK Leisure Framework, subject to affordability, statutory requirements and budget approval. No decision is sought at this stage, on construction commencement or entry into irreversible contractual commitments however information is provided on prospective construction timetable and indicative final scheme costs.

RESOLVED:

That:

1)    Cabinet noted and agreed the outputs of the RIBA Stage 2 design work for the Carlton Active Leisure, Health and Wellbeing Centre, including the emerging design proposals, business case position and indicative RIBA Stage 2 cost plan, recognising that these remain subject to further development and refinement and having regard to the evidence set out within the report in respect of indoor bowls provision.

2)    Subject to budget approval, Cabinet approved progression of the project into pre-construction, specifically RIBA Stage 3 (Spatial Coordination) and RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design), to be delivered through the UK Leisure Framework.

3)    Cabinet agreed the closure of the Richard Herrod Centre with effect from 1st May 2026, to enable the redevelopment of the site as the Carlton Active Centre, noting that the closure date aligns with the agreed programme for pre-construction and redevelopment.

4)    Cabinet agreed to withdraw from the Carlton Forum Leisure Centre joint use agreement and authorised the serving of notice by the Chief Executive, in the consultation with the Leader of the Council, at the appropriate time in accordance with the terms of the agreement, in order to enable an orderly transition of leisure provision in Carlton. 5. Cabinet agrees to delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in the consultation with the Leader of the Council, to seek all necessary approvals relating to final design and the progression of the scheme through the planning and statutory approvals process, including planning applications, building control and building regulations matters, where such decisions are required to facilitate the approved progression of the project.

5)    Each equalities impact assessment at each RIBA stage be disseminated to cabinet.

6)    A report be brought to cabinet regarding the rehousing of the bowls club within the borough.