Attendees: Cllr R R Dray (Chairman), Cllr D S Efde (DE), Cllr A H Eves (AE), Cllr D J Sperring (DS), Cllr M J Steptoe (MS), Cllr Mrs J R Lumley (JM), Matt Harwood-White (MHW), Naomi Lucas (NL)
Guests: Cllr S E Wootton (SW), Cllr M G Wilkinson (MW), Cllr J E Newport (JN), Cllr C M Stanley (CS) Colin Taylor (CT)
Apologies: Cllr J L Lawmon
Notes: Kay Tinson
Duration: 10:00 to 11:45
Note 17/22
Notes of previous meeting/matters arising
The notes of the meeting held on 4 February 2022 were agreed as an accurate record.
No comments had been received to the previously circulated Statement, therefore, this will now be published.
Note 18/22
Community Centre Workstream
Outputs from last meeting
CT advised that further discussion had taken place with Fusion Lifestyle, regarding the operating model and use of the building for some of the larger bookings. Cllr Sperring also spoke with Rayleigh Operatic & Dramatic Society (RODS) on an informal basis and provided feedback to the Panel that confirmed RODS maximum seated capacity was 250 and that a flexible approach to provision of a stage was acceptable, this could include some raked seating which would negate the need for a stage and would be welcomed by RODS as this would remove the need to lift items onto a stage. A temporary stage was also a possible solution as this would ensure any future proposal would ensure the space was as flexible and efficient as possible. RODS also confirmed to Cllr Sperring that they had used temporary solutions (such as portacabins) for changing facilities in the past and this could be considered within any future proposal. RODS also stated that appropriate lighting was considered important for their use.
Cllr Sperring also spoke with Rayleigh Boys & Girls Football Club who confirmed that they previously used the facility for an awards ceremony once a year and agreed a flexible approach could be taken forward.
It was noted there are multiple flexible design opportunities that could be considered to provide temporary solutions for larger events.
Funding Options
Due to today’s physical meet not being able to take place due to travel complications as a result of storm Eunice, it was agreed that the basic principles would be discussed with further detailed discussion at the next meeting. CT provided a presentation slide and discussion was held on options for funding including:
- Reserves
- Borrowing
- Council Tax
- Commercial Income
- Grant Funding
NL clarified resources available to the Council and advised that detail of reserve levels, including projected income and expenditure against these, are set out in the latest Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) report to Full Council.
Action: Summary of reserves position to be produced (NL)
The operating model with Fusion Lifestyle was discussed and it was noted that the original proposed new community centre was anticipated to deliver savings in running costs.
SW reminded Members that flexible community use is central to what the facility should offer to ensure optimal configuration of the space for a variety of group size.
It was noted that the Partnership Panel is not a decision making group but should strive for consensus in order to inform the position paper.
Note 19/22
Communication and engagement
The Statement shall be published as per note number 17/22.
Members were encouraged to attend one of the Member Briefings scheduled on 28 February via zoom or 8 March physical meet where an update on the progress of the planning applications would be provided.
Note 20/22
Items for next Partnership Board
- Market research/demand along with a competition matrix (CT)
- Summary of Outline Business Case key facts
- Summary of reserves position (NL)
Action: Visit to Champions Manor Hall, South Woodham Ferrers to be arranged (KT)
CT anticipates being able to produce a draft position paper post the next meeting which will feed into the final position paper.
The Chair thanked CT for his presentation and members for their attendance and closed the meeting.
Note 21/22
Next meeting - Friday, 4 March 2022