Agenda item

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 the item, welcoming the Council’s investment in the Aquadrome but also emphasising concerns over the lack of direct engagement with the residents since the consultation, particularly about the completed hydrological modelling, the proposed removal of the weir and the implications of the mill stream. The following questions were put to the committee and officers:

 

• Could the Council explain what assessment has been undertaken regarding the impact of the proposed removal of Bury Weir and associated works on the flood risk, water levels, neighbouring residential properties and the ecology of the mill stream and the River Colne
• Clarify the respective roles of the Council and Environment Agency in determining the future of Bury Weir, and what opportunities remain for residents to influence that process
• Confirm whether the detailed hydrological modelling and supporting assessments will be made available to residents before any final decisions are made, and how affected households will be engaged from this point forward.

 

Responding to the member of the public the officer reiterated that they are planning a community information session in September, where the outcome of the assessment will be shared, and advised that the RIBA stage 3 report, showing the journey through to stage 4, will be published.

 

The Natural Infrastructure Programme Manager introduced herself and provided a summary of the assessment that has taken place at the Aquadrome, including baselining that covered a detailed habitat system, river morphology, a suit of species specific surveys, a mammal survey using different methods, including environmental DNA technology. In addition, a bat survey and otter survey were also carried out, as well as the hydrological study and flood modelling, LIDAR scanning of the ground, preliminary ecological assessment, a SNIFFER assessment and a bathymetric survey; looking at the shape of underwater terrain. The officer also explained that the Council is the landowner of the Rickmansworth Aquadrome, and the EA are the regulatory body for main rivers, which both the River Colne and the mill stream are considered to be. The EA will have the final say in the decision through both the informal process and the FRAP (Flood Risk Activity Permit) process. The officer emphasised that the EA would not grant permission to do the work if there was any chance of increase to flood risk. The officer clarified that within the Aquadrome boundary there is an increase to flood risk, however, this benefits the flood plain of the Aquadrome. Outside of the boundary, there is no increase to flood risk.

 

The Chair proposed to invite the EA to the community feedback session in September and suggested that officers offer a number of possible dates to them to maximise the chance of attendance, and any further questions to be collated and forwarded to the EA, if they are unable to attend the September feedback session. – Action – TRDC Leisure Officers.

 

Councillor Mike Sims and residents present invited the lead officers and committee members on a tour to witness the natural treasures of the area. The Chair confirmed that he would join the tour and would work with the Lead Member to find a suitable date. Officers politely declined to attend the tour. The Chair also requested that Councillor Sims work with the residents to find the best date for everyone involved to attend, and discuss with committee members. – Action – Councillors Mike Sims, Chris Lloyd.

 

The request for officers to attend the tour was emphasised by Cllr Sims.

 

The weir and the hydraulic part

 

In response to a question raised seeking assurance that the water level of the mill stream will not be impacted, the officer assured that the EA will not allow anything detrimental to be done to the mill stream or the channel, therefore the water level in the mill stream is not anticipated to be negatively impacted. Further questions were put to the officers on the accuracy of the LIDAR, any risk of erosion, the flow split between the weir and the mill stream at different times of the year, and the next stage to follow the community feedback session in September. The officer confirmed that the next stage will be the FRAP application through the EA, running parallel to the work officer need to undertake to submit the lottery application in November. Officers also confirmed that regular updates on the Aquadrome project will be brought back to the committee, whilst balancing this against resource implications of ensuring the funding bid is completed and submitted to the Lottery in time.

 

Councillor Jon Tankard proposed that it should be included in the design format as a design generator, that there be no adverse effect on the water level in the mill stream, and to have a detailed explanation on what the RIBA stage 3 involves for the benefit of the public. The officer confirmed that the flow through the mill stream and the water level have always been part of the design format. The officer also explained that signing off the project depends on the Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as the funding party of the project, and the EA through the FRAP approval. The RIBA stages will be detailed in the feedback report. The Chair requested that the wording of the update reports moving forward are simplified without any jargon. Officers also confirmed that there will be a monitoring phase after the work is completed and feedback provided.

 

Members inquired whether any water circulation or chemical monitoring plans are in place for Bury Lake and Batchworth Lake to prevent toxic green and blue algae from disturbing local wildlife. In response, the officer confirmed that another study being carried out as part of the lottery funding is the regular monitoring of both lakes. However, the algae monitoring system on site is outdated and officers are looking into acquiring a better system that uses ultrasonic, as well as potentially using the nanobubbles technique through lottery funding.

 

Responding to a question regarding how exactly the mill stream is fed, officers explained that they are not able to advise regarding this as it is not part of the Aquadrome project, and recommended that the Colne Catchment Action Network (ColneCAN) would be better placed to advise. The Chair also recommended that interested parties can be invited to the Three Rivers Environmental Network meetings to further explore these topics.

 

Ebury Play Area

 

Members inquired about the cost information regarding the play area and management of the Japanese knotweed throughout the Aquadrome.

 

The officer responded explaining that all of the budget related to the play area comes through budget monitoring and the next budget monitoring report will come to the committee’s September meeting. The officer outlined the management of the Japanese knotweed, including plotting and treatment with stem injection and spraying. In addition, the company that removed the invasive plant has provided assurance that it will regularly monitor and inspect the site to ensure the plant does not return.

 

Woodland path

 

Responding to the Chair, the officer explained that the asbestos found on site must be addressed first before any other work can commence, and members of the committee and the public will be regularly updated in the process.

 

Members asked about the possible construction of any new pathway infrastructure without violating the ‘no dig’ asbestos management plan along the woodland. The officer clarified that the asbestos management plan identifies the Aquadrome as a ‘no dig’ site, however it does not restrict any digging as long as it is carried out safely and in the correct way.

 

Councillor Andrea Fraser proposed a vote on the reopening of the woodland path by the end of the month. The Chair responded and cautioned that the path could not be reopened due to the asbestos risk, and stated that there will be no voting on the reopening of the woodland path at this committee meeting. The officer also pointed out that if the Council is successful in obtaining the funding in spring 2027, the woodland path will be prioritised and works could be completed by the end of 2027, not 2030 as stated by the Cllr, which is the 3 year delivery period for the whole project, not for the woodland path specifically. Members also questioned whether there is a possibility of a wider spread of asbestos across the whole of the Aquadrome and requested further evidence whether investigations have been carried out elsewhere in the area, and whether the closure should apply to the whole of the Aquadrome. The officer explained about the high, medium and low risk categories of the asbestos survey that had been carried out, and emphasised that the restricted area is where high risk asbestos has been found, and therefore further works are required. Members argued that the woodland path should be opened as soon as possible, and pointed out that the woodland path has been closed for nearly two years, and it should not have been closed at all on health and safety grounds. Furthermore, they pointed out the contradiction that if the path is closed why is the public still able to walk around the fencing, potentially disturbing even more asbestos, which is also impacting wildlife. The Chair noted the comments and points raised, and asked officers to feedback to the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive. – Action – TRDC Leisure Officers. Officers also confirmed that timescales of the reopening of the woodland path will be provided in due course and will be available publicly once the work to remove the asbestos safely has been established and undertaken. Councillor Andrea Fraser stated that it will cause unnecessary delay and proposed a vote to agree the reopening of the woodland path. The Chair reasserted that he will not take a vote on it this time as there is consensus among the committee to reopen the path, and no one had spoken against it. Councillor Kerry Milliken stated that she was seconding the motion to vote. Councillor Mike Sims proposed a weekly or fortnightly update on the project. Other Members pointed out that pushing for reopening of the path at this point in time could potentially expose officers to legal liabilities. Officers also emphasised that they are bound by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 legislation, and the Associate Director for Environment and the Chief Executive can be held personally liable under these regulations. Therefore, it is critical that the correct process is followed under that legislation.

 

Any other questions on the Aquadrome item

 

Update on Bury Lake Young Mariners (BLYM):

 

The Head of Leisure & Natural Infrastructure provided an update on the development of the dry-side facility. Officers are supporting BLYM in their Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding application, which is expected to be submitted in the current application window, opened on 1 June 2026.

 

Members referred back to the woodland path with a question on the loose fill, natural material that will be replacing the existing path, and raised concerns whether this material will be washed away when the Aquadrome floods. The officer explained that there will be connectivity points and bridges along the river to encourage it to flow into the wet woodland, to keep it wet. Unless there is a significant flood event, officers don’t anticipate that the river will flood over the hogging. In the event it does flow over the hogging, the loose fill natural materials are more cost effective and easier to repair than asphalt would be. The officer also described the boundary towards Mill End, where the Council owned land stops in the Aquadrome park. The Chair requested a written response identifying the other landowners responsible for the two bridges outside of the Aquadrome boundary, leading to Uxbridge Road. – Action – Head of Leisure & Natural Infrastructure.

 

The officer also provided clarification on the Café in the Park, which is leased and outside of scope of the Aquadrome project. However, the land in front of the café will be enhanced with more seating, natural land forms and planting as part of the project, and those will be detailed in the RIBA 3 report.

 

Councillor Andrea Fraser proposed to form a sub-committee of the Aquadrome due to the complexity of the Aquadrome project, and Councillor Kerry Milliken seconded the motion. The Chair reminded the committee that there are other bodies already such as the Aquadrome Steering Group with relevant partners and the Aquadrome Users Forum. Furthermore, the Chair stated that the Climate Change & Leisure Committee is the appropriate committee to discuss the project, therefore he will not take a vote on the proposal. Councillor Kerry Milliken proposed reporting of the Aquadrome project at every meeting of the committee. The Chair stated that officers will report to the committee at appropriate milestones. The officer also emphasised resource implications and capacity strains if there was pressure for more frequent reporting. Councillor Aidan Bentley requested further information on the support for those who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) that was proposed through the green skills programme. – Action – TRDC Leisure Officers.

 

The Chair proposed to combine the committee’s September and November meetings into an October meeting, which would allow for an update report on the Aquadrome to be brought to the October meeting. The officer advised that they will need to review this timing due to the delivery phase bid having to be submitted in November, and that any update may need to be a verbal one. The Chair agreed a verbal report. Officers reiterated that this would still have resource implications and that they could not commit to that at that time, with the priority focused on submitting the funding bid to the National Lottery.

 

The Chair referred to the second bullet point in the recommendation of the report and asked the officer to explain the reasons behind it. The officer explained that under the Council’s Constitution officers are not permitted to accept external funding above £25,000 or to enter into contracts above the value of £25,000. This delegation enables officers to accept the lottery funding if successful in the bidding process, and to deliver the projects at the Aquadrome making use of that external funding.

 

Councillor Kerry Milliken pointed out the importance for members to be able to scrutinise expenditure and called for an urgent decision on this. The officer clarified that they can only spend the budget on the projects that this committee approves, and scrutiny is already provided through the budget monitoring process at both service committees and through the Policy & Resources Committee.

 

Councillor Chris Lloyd moved the recommendation as set out in the report. On being put to the committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being For: 6, Against: 0, Abstention: 3.

 

RESOLVED:

 

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.