Agenda item

(a)  That the terms of the agreement proposed with Slough Town Football Club as specified in Appendix 1 to the report be agreed.

(b)  That food and drink provision be operated at Arbour Park Community Stadium on match days and all other events/hiring of the asset, as outlined in section 5.2 of the report.

(c)  That the proposed changes to the Council’s Public Room Booking Policy and Terms & Conditions as specified in Appendix 2 to the report be agreed, so the requirements of the new Stadium are incorporated into the Policy and Terms & Conditions for each booking.

(d)  That the updated pricing schedule as specified in Appendix 3 to the report, reflecting Arbour Park Community Stadium proposed prices for hire be approved.

The Head of Facilities Management introduced a report that sought approval to enter into an agreement with Slough Town Football Club for use and profit share of Arbour Park Community Stadium and agree catering and bar provision arrangements.

The stadium had fully opened in May 2017 and was fully operational.  It was a priority to put in place and implement the necessary agreements as set out fully in Appendix 1 – Proposed Agreement with Slough Town Football Club; Appendix 2 – Public Buildings Booking Policy and Terms & Conditions; and Appendix 3 – Pricing Schedule.  The agreement with Slough Town included a discounted hire rate for the stadium and a profit share for bar and catering arrangements in return for a series of ‘social returns’ to the local community including 50 free children’s tickets for home league games, work with local schools and involvement in participation schemes.

Speaking under Rule 30, Councillor Plenty stated that it was a good proposal which reflected the community ethos of the stadium and he suggested some flexibilities in the implementation, for example the proposed use of mascots in the off-season and volunteers.  Councillor Smith addressed the Cabinet to highlight his concern that the proposed agreement would only cover running costs, would not contribute to the recovery of capital invested in the facility and provided an effective subsidy to Slough Town FC.  Councillor Strutton raised the concerns of local residents about car parking and littering in the vicinity of the stadium after matches.  The Cabinet noted the comments made and indicated that the practical suggestions made would be considered as the agreements were implemented.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the agreements and policies as set out in the appendices to the reports were agreed.

Resolved –

(a)  That the terms of the agreement proposed with Slough Town Football Club as specified in Appendix 1 to the report be agreed.

(b)  That food and drink provision be operated at Arbour Park Community Stadium on match days and all other events/hiring of the asset, as outlined in section 5.2 of the report.

(c)  That the proposed changes to the Council’s Public Room Booking Policy and Terms & Conditions as specified in Appendix 2 to the report be agreed, so the requirements of the new Stadium are incorporated into the Policy and Terms & Conditions for each booking.

(d)  That the updated pricing schedule as specified in Appendix 3 to the report, reflecting Arbour Park Community Stadium proposed prices for hire be approved.