Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Programme, including funding progress and opportunities.

Recommendation

That the Climate Change and Leisure Committee:

·        Note the content of the report

·        Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance to enter into contracts or funding agreements above the value of £25,000, subject to securing external funding, or where a project is in existing/agreed budgets providing that the purpose of such is in line with the approved Aquadrome Management Plan and actions proposed within this report.

The Chair proposed that the discussion of this item is structured as follows:

1. Introduction of the report by the Head of Leisure & Natural Infrastructure.

2. Questions from a member of the public

3. The weir and the hydraulic part

4. Play area

5. Woodland path

6. Any other questions on the Aquadrome item

The Head of Leisure & Natural Infrastructure presented the report and provided a detailed update on the Aquadrome Programme and business as usual activities on site. Key topics highlighted include; public engagement, completion of key studies, such as the hydrology, flood modelling, ecology, SNIFFER assessment, asbestos investigation as well as an accessibility audit. The officer also highlighted the different ways the public engagement was promoted, including online, through social media, onsite notices through My Ricky News and direct letters to households next to the River Colne, along the Uxbridge road. The drop-in session was well attended and valuable feedback received. Unfortunately, the project team, including the consultants and officers experienced significant verbal abuse and aggression from the public during the session. Feedback is currently being collated from the online survey and wider engagement into a comprehensive RIBA stage 3 report, which will show the journey from stage 2 through to stage 3. Officers are also planning a community information session in September, with further details to follow once the report is complete. A key outcome of the development phase was the accessibility audit, which was very positive and looked at pan disability not just physical disability.

The officer emphasised that the Aquadrome programme focuses on the site as a local nature reserve and on enhancing its ecology. Furthermore, the officer highlighted the importance of hydrology, the aim to improve the ecology and flow of the River Colne and the adjacent mill stream, and also explained that the weir removal and river-bed regrading will improve the chalk stream and support more consistent river levels. Detailed RIBA stage 4 design work is underway to ensure the mill stream levels remain. Current data shows that a riffle, a raised hard section of the riverbed, feeds the mill stream during low flow. This will remain unaffected by the proposals. The officer also emphasised that the Council is committed to maintaining levels in both the main channel and the mill stream. The officer confirmed that works relating to the river will be subject to approval from the Environment Agency and that the EA would not approve any work that would have a detrimental impact on the river and millstream.

The officer also explained that the planning permission will be required for Bury Point, the Visitor Hub, the Woodland Walk and the Pinetum Pathway; the river restoration and the works to the causeway between Bury Lake and Stocker’s Lake will require Environment Agency (EA) approval through a flood-risk activity permit (FRAP).

The officer concluded with the confirmation that the work at the Ebury Play Area is progressing well, and it is on track to re-open as advertised.

Question from a member of the public

Mrs. Gillian Lipton spoke on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7