Agenda item

Appendix A details the annual report from April 2024 – March 2025 from the council’s leisure facilities management contractor, Sports and Leisure Management (SLM). The annual report shares a reflection on the previous 12 months’ work and outlines the work programme for the coming year.

Recommendation

       i.          That the 12-month work plan presented by Sports and Leisure Management is noted.

      ii.          That the 12-month work plan presented by Sports and Leisure Management be made available as part of the minutes of the meeting.

The Leisure Assets Manager introduced the external attendees; John Sewell, Contract Manager and Mark Leahy, Regional Contract Manager from Everyone Active.

The Contract Manager and the Regional Contract Manager provided highlights of the report, which covers the period of April 2024 to March 2025.

Members raised concerns regarding the accuracy of the maintenance statement of the report, specifically the replacement of the shower heads at the leisure centre, stating that several of them remain non-functional, contrary to the statement in the report. Members also acknowledged the positive impact of solar panels, but suggested that larger carbon savings might be realised through other projects, such as demolishing older buildings at the Skanska site. The Chair redirected the discussion, emphasising the committee’s focus on the leisure report and requested that questions remain relevant to the topic at hand.

Members enquired about the factors contributing to the solar panels’ outperformance, and the increased usage at the leisure centres, to which the Contract Manager explained that the panels have exceeded industry standard predictions based on weather conditions. Additionally, they explained the impact of introducing new sports, particularly pickleball, which has significantly increased usage at both Wiliam Penn and South Oxhey Leisure Centres. However, it was noted that while pickleball contributed to higher attendance, it has also replaced some badminton court usage, implying that the rise in attendance is due to multiple factors.

Members also raised questions about the accuracy of gas usage figures at the Rickmansworth Golf Club due to a software miscalculation and the impact of the clubhouse reopening. They also enquired about swimming lessons availability, and expressed concerns about irrigation and drainage issues at the golf course affecting nearby residential areas. The Contract Manager responded by clarifying that the inflated figures were due to event attendance being counted hourly rather than as totals, and confirmed the increase in gas usage is mainly from the kitchen reopening with gas appliances. On irrigation, the Contract Manager outlined recent improvements, including securing a mains water supply and drainage enhancements to prevent water damage to homes. With regards to swimming lessons, the Contract Manager explained ongoing efforts to optimise lesson availability by adjusting entry-level spaces and working with schools to manage demand. In response to questions raised regarding the planned refurbishment at the South Oxhey Leisure Centre, the Contract Manager advised that the refurbishment will include new gym equipment, redecoration, and upgrades to studios to match the look and feel of William Penn’s facilities. During any temporary closures, members of the leisure centre will have access to nearby local facilities at no extra cost. The SPIN facility will receive only light redecoration as it remains in good condition. Additionally, the centre is continuing its partnership with local schools through the ‘Adopt a School’ scheme, offering free access to families, and expanding efforts to include adopting local sports or community clubs to increase participation and membership.

The Chair stated that the earlier question on shower heads replacements had not been answered and requested a response. The Contract Manager responded that he will look into it. In response to questions raised on feedback, the Contract Manager advised that feedback is provided as part of the monthly report to the Council. The Chair advised that the feedback can be forwarded to the Leisure Assets Manager who can circulate them to all Councillors.

Members highlighted paddle as a rapidly growing sport with low barriers to entry and emphasised the importance of affordable access for the community. The Regional Contract Manager acknowledged the popularity of paddle but outlined significant changes in finding suitable locations for paddle courts, citing space constraints, planning complications related to floodlighting and canopies, and the need for covered courts to maintain year-round use. They expressed willingness to collaborate with local organisations to identify potential sites with Three Rivers. The discussion then shifted to the golf pod project where the regional Contract Manager explained delays due to planning requirements, lease agreements and Section 106 payments, despite strong ambitions to establish the facility. The golf pod is expected to enhance community engagement by making golf more accessible, similar to paddle sports, allowing people to try golf without significant equipment purchase.

The Chair requested a call to be facilitated with the Contract and Regional Contract Managers at the end of July, beginning of August via the Leisure Assets Manager.

The Chair offered a brief comfort break to all at 19:57.

The meeting resumed at 19:59.

The Chair requested that the committee move onto one of the reports by the Climate Chang and Sustainability Officer.

RESOLVED:

Recommendation

1. That the 12-month work plan presented by Sports and Leisure Management is noted.
2. That the 12-month work plan presented by Sports and Leisure Management be made available as part of the minutes of the meeting.