Agenda item

(Voting: 37 in favour, 0 against, 17 abstentions)

The Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture introduced the report and reminded Members that it had been presented at four committee meetings where Councillors had opportunity to ask questions of officers.  She noted that Members were debating the recommendation to approve a loan of £1,865,046 and they should not refer to any of the information contained in the confidential papers. She also advised that the owners of the site, Finmeccanica – AgustaWestland, had been approached regarding the dividing of the sports facilities from the leisure centre but they were not supportive of this proposal. 

The Assistant Director (Finance and Corporate Services) provided Members with a power point presentation of the financial implications of the proposed loan, financing and future ongoing operating costs to the Council of taking on the Westland Leisure Complex. 

The Arts and Entertainment Manager advised that there were certain events which could not be held at the Octagon Theatre like conferences and flat floor events which could be held at the Westland Leisure Complex.  It would also allow a larger public audience to attend some comedy and live music events which were currently held at the Octagon.

The Assistant Director (Health and Well-Being) explained the proposed ticket levy to raise funding towards the Westland Leisure Complex as an agreement made between the artist and the venue. 

During a lengthy debate, varying views were expressed.  The majority of Members were in support of the proposal to take over the future management and operation of the sporting facilities at the Westland Leisure Complex but some expressed reserve at taking on the leisure facilities.  Their comments included:-

·         We are one of the largest district councils in the country and we deserve a county facility for the area.

·         To support the future of the complex, a Friends of Westlands Sport Club could be set up.

·         Support the take-over of the sporting facilities but concerned that taking on the leisure complex could put the Octagon Theatre at risk.

·         There is not a realistic business case for the entertainment complex. 

·         The population in Yeovil is growing and both older and younger people need access to sporting and leisure facilities.

·         The complex will need an excellent management team and they should be incentivised to make it profitable.

The site is a hub of sustainability with allotments and a cycle path. 

·         This is not just a facility for Yeovil as people travel across the district to use it.

·         Reservation that there is no 5 years business plan to demonstrate a break-even or profit during this period. 

·         There are risks in taking on this facility but we will monitor and manage them as the project progresses.

Councillor Derek Yeomans asked that his concerns that estimates for the work on the leisure complex could rise and the implications of additional staff to operate a hospitality event be minuted. 

At the conclusion of the debate, a named vote was requested by more than 10 Members present.  The named vote was taken as follows:-

(Voting: 37 in favour, 0 against, 17 abstentions)