Decision details

Following a comprehensive review of current provision, analysis of future requirements and a site options appraisal, this report sets out to agree the indicative facility mix required in a new leisure facility for Trowbridge, East Wing as the preferred location for that new facility, and the progression of the project to the next stages of development.

I confirm the decisions set out in the attached report to

i.                 agree to progress the project based on the facility mix, identified in the SOPM.

ii.                agree that the project should progress on the basis that the new facility will be located on the East Wing site, subject to the site and facility mix remaining viable at each stage of the process.

iii.              agree that the project is progressed up to the award of the construction contract. The award of the construction contract will be subject to a separate decision.

This decision was published on 1 June 2023 and will come into effect on 9 June 2023.

The SOPM reviewed a wide range of evidence and data to identify an optimal and sustainable facility mix for Trowbridge. The site option analysis determined, that whilst there are planning and build issues to consider, East Wing is expected to present the least risk to the Council and is considered the ‘safest’ option in terms of deliverability.

Progressing this site to the next stages enables the development of the project and will continue to test viability and deliverability through all stages.  This process is required to facilitate the final construction of the new leisure facility and is the most prudent approach to take.

In developing these proposals, consideration was given to retaining the current facility mix.  However, evidence gathered by the SOPM has demonstrated that this is not the optimal facility mix to meet the project outcomes, including the delivery of a financially sustainable facility.

Multiple sites were considered ahead of making this decision. The consultancy team, which included architects and construction partners, completed a site options analysis of these sites.  Further consideration has been given to progressing more than one site to the next development stage.  This approach would significantly increase the costs of the project and lead to abortive works.  Based on the available evidence, the Council is satisfied that the proposed site provides the best opportunity to meet the identified outcomes, is the most deliverable site and provides the least risk to the council.

There is a residual risk that the next development stage may identify issues that require a review of this approach, with other sites potentially coming forwards at that stage. Safeguards will be built into the project to ensure continuous review of the approach. 

The Council has utilised Sport England’s Strategic Outcomes Planning Model (SOPM) to ensure that future provision is evidence-led, based on an agreed set of outcomes and robust data analysis.  This has included extensive engagement with key stakeholders and the community.

Stakeholder workshops have been held with Cabinet members, local Members, and senior officers and with key community stakeholders to develop the project outcomes.  Public consultation surveys have been issued and focus groups held with representatives from key community groups and organisations.  This data has been used to shape the facility mix and potential site locations.

Additional comments received from stakeholders since publication of the report are included with this decision together with responses.