Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Kevin Jones introduced the Connah’s Quay Swimming Pool: Cambrian Aquatics Overview of Business Plan 2016/18 report and welcomed Simon Morgan, Director of Cambrian Aquatics to the meeting.

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change) explained the background to the report following the transfer of Cambrian Aquatics as part of a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) scheme in May 2016. 

Since the swimming pool had opened in May 2016 it had operated successfully and the report summarised the positive progress made.  The report also proposed a grant of £0.065m for the second year of operation based on the updated business plan which was appended to agenda item number 15 and would be discussed in closed session due to commercial sensitivities.

Simon Morgan thanked the Leader for the opportunity to address Members to highlight the progress to date of Cambrian Aquatics.

He explained that since its inception 26 staff had been recruited and over £20k had been invested in staff training.  14 primary schools were accessing the pool for swimming lessons with the opportunity of quiet working following their swim sessions. All of the community benefits had been achieved and the numbers of public swim sessions had doubled and had received excellent feedback.  A clear maintenance schedule was in place with plans to replace the current less energy efficient lighting and work was underway to attract grant funding to subsidise that project.  Cash flow of the business remained a challenge but the target of £50 per hour was being achieved in the main.

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change) said this was an excellent example of a successful CAT.  The revenue grant of £0.065m would assist with the business moving into the second year and help it to build reserves for the future.

Councillor Attridge thanked Simon Morgan, the Chief Officer (Organisational Change) and Councillor Kevin Jones for their work on the CAT.  The report was positive and demonstrated that what the authority had set out to achieve had been met and resulted in the future of the swimming pool in Connah’s Quay being secured for future generations.

In response to a question from Councillor Bithell, the Chief Officer (Organisational Change) explained that work was ongoing with Town and Community Councils to seek investments for Cambrian Aquatics.  Simon Morgan added that the facilities were used by residents from a wide catchment area and demographic information on the broad usage had been shared with Town and Community Councils.

Councillor Shotton said this was a watershed moment for Flintshire County Council which saw an organisation grow from the grass roots, which had not been witnessed before, and the experiences could be shared with other CATs.  Simon Morgan confirmed that meetings had been held with other CAT groups and he was happy to provide any advice in their development. 

RESOLVED:

That a revenue grant of £0.065m be provided to Cambrian Aquatics to support the operation of Connah’s Quay Swimming Pool in line with the legal agreements already signed between Cambrian Aquatics and Flintshire County Council.