Issue - meetings

That the Committee supports the work undertaken in relation to the Community Asset Transfer of Holywell Leisure Centre and appreciates the work by the Council’s officers and Holywell Leisure Centre Board and employees.

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change) presented the report to consider progress of the Holywell Leisure Centre Community Asset Transfer (CAT) in its first three months of operation since the transfer on 31 March 2017.

A phased approach had been taken to the transfer of the building and employees, and relocation of the library to the leisure centre as this was the largest CAT undertaken by the Council.  The Chief Officer drew attention to the documents made available which demonstrated the robust process on due diligence of business plans up to the point of transfer.  He shared details of the initial revenue support provided by the Council and capital funding allocated to deal with future condition issues.

Councillor Tudor Jones (speaking in his capacity as Chair of Trustees of the leisure centre) and Mr Chris Travers (Manager of the leisure centre) were both invited to give their perspective of the progress made since the transfer.

Councillor Jones thanked both the Chief Officers for Organisational Change and various Council departments for their work in supporting the transfer.  He gave a brief overview of his involvement in the project and commended the Council for its early public engagement.  He explained that the short delay in transferring had been necessary to resolve issues and that the leisure centre had remained open during the transition.  He spoke about the establishment of the multi-skilled Board of Trustees to support the development of the business plan and praised the enthusiasm of the employees in contributing to the current position of the leisure centre.

Councillor Ian Dunbar commended the Council’s initiative on CATs to help protect and sustain much-needed assets across all areas of the county.  He agreed with the view that cashflow and business planning were the two key factors.

In response to queries from Councillor Paul Shotton, Councillor Jones referred to learning from the model of the Connah’s Quay Swimming Pool CAT.  He commented on engagement with Town and Community Councils and that financial support offered by some was welcomed.  He also praised the community for their goodwill in supporting the facilities which would benefit the wider community.  He went on to provide information on the all-weather pitch and the terms of the Service Level Agreement.

As Manager of Holywell Leisure Centre, Mr Chris Travers detailed various capital projects underway and summarised financial performance as at 30 June 2017 which showed a comfortable position.

The Chief Officer referred to the benefits available through the transfer of community-based facilities in offering flexible opening times and access to savings such as rate relief.  He paid tribute to the efforts of employees, the Board and Trade Union colleagues in reaching working solutions.

Councillor Billy Mullin welcomed the ‘can do’ attitude demonstrated by all those involved in the project.

Councillor Mike Reece asked that the information sent to Town and Community Councils be forwarded to Bagillt Community Council as the neighbouring ward.  He suggested that the Committee visit Holywell Leisure Centre at a future meeting to view the work undertaken.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9