Cabinet Members for Economic Growth and Health and Wellbeing
Minutes:
Councillor Mansel left the room at 18.54pm
25.1 The Chair invited Councillor Richardson to introduce paper MC/22/10
25.2 Councillor Amorowson asked if Chilton Field would remain open to the public and why the athletics track was not a full size track.
25.3 Councillor Richardson confirmed that Chilton Fields would remain open to the public and the Assistant Director – Economic Development and Regeneration stated that the National Athletics body suggested a mini athletics track.
25.4 Councillor Passmore enquired when the facilities would come to fruition.
25.5 The Assistant Director – Economic Development and Regeneration stated that it was hoped that the sporting facilities would be available by 2025.
25.6 Councillor Eburne asked if villages neighbouring Stowmarket would be included in future consultations.
25.7 Councillor Richardson stated that the planned engagement over the next couple of months would include opportunities for everyone to be involved including Stowmarket’s neighbouring villages.
25.8 Councillor Ekpenyong asked for assurance that sporting organisations other than those already on site would have unhindered access to the facilities.
25.9 Councillor Richardson replied that access to the facilities would be formed as part of the governance arrangements and the details would be part of the full business case.
25.10 In response to a question from Councillor Warboys regarding consultation with stakeholders, the Assistant Director – Economic Development and Regeneration stated that a stakeholders forum was established 9 months ago, the forum had a range of sporting clubs and national sporting bodies who had helped to design the master plan.
25.11 In response to Councillor Welham’s questions regarding facilities for sports not currently catered for in the area and public transport to the sites, Councillor Richardson replied that the facilities being suggested can be used for multiple sports including some less popular sports and that an advantage of the suggested sites are they are in the areas largest town which has good commuter links both by rail and bus.
25.12 Councillors debated issues within the report including connectivity to Stowmarket Town Centre and the railway station, consultation with neighbouring villages, the possibility of improving the existing leisure centre and facilities for disabled sports.
25.13 Councillor Richardson thanked Councillors for their comments and for championing sports provisions within the district.
By a unanimous vote it was RESOLVED:-
1.1 That Council notes Cabinets’ approval of the Masterplan (appendix a), and initial Business case (appendix b - restricted) for the proposed scheme which includes an indicative cost plan and funding strategy
1.2 That Council notes the work to date on the partnership strategy (appendix e - restricted)and future management models (appendix d – restricted) for the new scheme.
1.3 That Council approve the funding of £700,000 (as outlined in 6.2) to complete detailed design stage and submission of a planning application, next stage of operational management modelling and to appoint a partnership co-ordinator to fully maximise current and future partnership working and collaboration across the site, outlined in 6.4.
1.4 That a Member advisory working group be created for the development of the scheme that includes relevant Cabinet Members and local Ward Members.
Supporting documents: