Agenda item

[Report to follow the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 14^th July 2016]

(a)  That the recommendation of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee be endorsed and that Officers explore the procurement of a full sized temporary ice rink to meet the needs of all users for the duration of the refurbishment of the current ice rink.

(b)  That subject to the outcome of the exploratory work in resolution (a), the Cabinet considers a further report on the costs, risks and community benefits of the provision of a temporary ice facility and considers making any recommendations to full Council.

(c)  That Officers continue to work on a programme for the capital improvement scheme to Slough Ice Arena, closing the facility in November 2016 to enable works to commence on site.

A report was considered that set out the options for the Cabinet to consider in relation to the provision of a temporary ice facility during the period of closure for refurbishment of Slough Ice Arena.  The matter had been discussed by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 14^th July and had recommended as follows:

“Cabinet be recommended to explore the procurement of a full sized temporary Ice Rink to meet the needs of all users, for the duration of the refurbishment of the current Ice Rink.”

The background and options considered since the original decision not to provide a temporary facility during the nine-month period of closure were reviewed.  The estimated revenue cost of a full size facility was between £632,000 up to a worst case scenario of £1,200,000 primarily for utility and enabling works, and there was currently no provision for this cost so any decision to provide such a facility would result in either additional in year savings or calling on General Fund reserves.  It was confirmed that there was some headroom in the available reserves, but the costs could not be capitalised.  Commissioners recognised the concerns that had been raised by the community and ice users about the period of closure, which is why they had asked the Overview & Scrutiny Committee to consider the options and make a recommendation on the way forward.

A number of questions were asked about the availability of such a temporary facility; the location and associated planning issues; and the financial risk in view of the revenue budget pressures facing the Council.  Officers confirmed that they had made preliminary inquiries into the availability of a full size temporary rink and it was believed such a facility could be sourced.  The likely location was close to the existing Ice Arena and further work could be done to try to reduce the estimated costs if the Cabinet agreed in principle to explore this option.  Speaking under Rule 30, Councillors Anderson, Swindlehurst and Carter raised a number of issues including whether a temporary facility would delay the refurbishment timetable; the findings of the Equalities Impact Assessment; the potential to reduce the cost by implementing a travel plan for Council staff currently using the Montem car park; and the wider costs of not providing a temporary facility in terms of physical inactivity and health.  The questions were answered and comments noted.  It was confirmed the refurbishment was still scheduled to begin in November 2016.  The Leader confirmed all of these issues would be taken into account in reaching a final decision that was in the best interests of the whole community.  The Cabinet emphasised the importance of communication with user groups to ensure they understood the Council’s position.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Cabinet endorsed the recommendation of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee to explore the option of a full size, temporary ice rink that met the needs of the range of ice users.  Officers were asked to seek to reduce the cost of temporary provision and complete this work as quickly as possible to minimise uncertainty to ice users.

Resolved –

(a)  That the recommendation of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee be endorsed and that Officers explore the procurement of a full sized temporary ice rink to meet the needs of all users for the duration of the refurbishment of the current ice rink.

(b)  That subject to the outcome of the exploratory work in resolution (a), the Cabinet consider a further report on the costs, risks and community benefits of the provision of a temporary ice facility and considers making any recommendations to full Council.

(c)  That Officers continue to work on a programme for the capital improvement scheme to Slough Ice Arena, closing the facility in November 2016 to enable works to commence on site.