Decision ref
0054 2024/25
Decision date
23/10/2024
Portfolio
Business, Culture and Leisure
Wards
Newton-le-Willows East, Newton-le-Willows West
Title
Newton-le-Willows Health and Fitness – Outdoor Sports Pitch Improvements
Summary
To approve the execution of the delegation approved by Cabinet on the 24th March 2024 for the Executive Director of Place and the Executive Director of Corporate Services to accept a grant of up to £455k and proceed with the scheme.
Purpose
At its meeting in March 2024 Cabinet approved:
1) Approve submission of external grant funding application to the Football Foundation for £445k by 11th January 2024.
2) Subject to a successful football foundation funding application approve prudential borrowing of £123,000.
3) Subject to a successful football foundation funding application approve the use of £72,000 of Section 106 funds towards the scheme.
4) Approve a Restriction being registered on the asset title by the Football Foundation for a period of 21 years not to dispose of the asset without their consent.
5) Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place and the Executive Director of Corporate Services to accept a grant of up to £455k and proceed with the scheme.
This report seeks to approve the application of the delegation by the Executive Director of Place and the Executive Director of Corporate Services by way of issuing a Letter of Intent to the nominated contractor.
Background
The pitch carpet at on the artificial sports pitch at Newton Health and Fitness is reaching the end of its life span and the existing playing surface is now 10 years old, the estimated life expectancy of a carpet of this type. Whilst the pitch is still playable, it is starting to deteriorate and will need replacing in the next five years if usage and income are to be protected. There is no alternative artificial pitch provision in the east of the Borough therefore the existing facility is vitally important to many local community clubs.
There is no longer any demand at the site for hockey, which cannot be played on a 3G surface, as the previous club has successfully been relocated to Sutton Leisure Centre. This creates an opportunity to replace the existing surface with a modern 3G carpet, the addition of a division net will also allow a reconfiguration to accommodate more pitches.
The existing floodlights have been in place since the original pitch was constructed in 1996 and the fittings have started to fail. Replacement part’s including the halogen bulbs are now obsolete so there is a requirement and opportunity to replace the floodlight infrastructure with a more energy efficient LED alternative.
The Football Foundation have provided funding for the improvements as demand for 3G pitches from clubs in the borough is extremely high. The Football Foundation require all applicants to use their frameworks for both technical advice, project management and construction. This has been the case for the two previous funded pitches at Ruskin Sports Village (2017) and more recently Sutton Leisure Centre (2021).
At its meeting in March 2024 Cabinet approved:
1) Approve submission of external grant funding application to the Football Foundation for £445k by 11th January 2024.
2) Subject to a successful football foundation funding application approve prudential borrowing of £123,000.
3) Subject to a successful football foundation funding application approve the use of £72,000 of Section 106 funds towards the scheme.
4) Approve a Restriction being registered on the asset title by the Football Foundation for a period of 21 years not to dispose of the asset without their consent.
5) Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place and the Executive Director of Corporate Services to accept a grant of up to £455k and proceed with the scheme.
Conclusion
Option B, to replace the surface with 3G and upgrade the lights to LED provides the best outcomes for the Community, Schools, and Council. As it will:
• provide a surface better suited to both Football and Rugby.
• reduce the energy used by the floodlights.
• attract the highest level of external funding.
• increase income to a level to meet the costs of both prudential borrowing and the establishment of a sinking fund.
Risk Implications
Risk -Failure to progress the scheme will increase the likelihood of temporary closure of the existing pitch during winter. This is because the surface is more susceptible to extreme weather conditions than 3G pitches. It is anticipated that the pitch will need to close completely on safety grounds by the 2026/27 season should the scheme not proceed.
Mitigation - funding has been secured to undertake the upgrade
Measures to Redress Risk
The Football Foundation Framework has been used to ensure the appointed contractor has the necessary skills and materials to undertake the work to an agreed quality standard.
Declarations Of Interest
None
Equality Impact Assessment
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More information
Please contact Dave Boocock on 01744 675408
