Agenda item

The Group is invited to note and approve the recommendations contained within the report.

The Management Group received and noted a report by the Head of Leisure, Health and Environment (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) containing an update on the proposed additional 3G Artificial Turf Pitch at One Leisure St Ives Outdoor following Cabinet approval to proceed with the project in January 2026. The proposal was a strategic priority for the Council, would increase year round capacity for schools and clubs and would strengthen the One Leisure outdoor facilities.

Members were advised of the terms of an offer of grant funding from the Football Foundation towards the cost of the pitch. They then considered the options available to the Council. On the grounds that it would enable the Council to retain greater control over procurement, pricing, programming, booking arrangements, operating income and future pitch replacement arrangements, Members endorsed Option 3: that the Council should withdraw from the Football Foundation funding offer and deliver the project directly through it Capital Programme. This option would also avoid the long-term grant conditions and compliance requirements that would otherwise apply and would allow the Council to operate more commercially. Having noted that any further decisions would be submitted to the Cabinet, it was

RESOLVED

  That the Management Group:

a)  Note the progress made on the proposed additional 3G Artificial Turf Pitch at One Leisure St Ives Outdoor since Cabinet approved the project in January 2026.

b)  Notes the revised total project cost of £836,883 and the Football Foundation funding offer of up to £216,883.

c)  Supports Option three, to withdraw from the Football Foundation funding offer and deliver the project directly through the HDC capital programme, subject to planning permission and confirmation of the final project cost following procurement.

d)  Supports an increase to the capital budget for the project (subject to funding being confirmed being in place within the existing capital funding approved by Council and which may include CIL and confirmed by the s151, – in the context of the overall capital programme) in year of up to £251,883, comprising:

• £216,883 to replace the Football Foundation grant contribution; and

• £35,000 for the repayment of Football Foundation preliminary costs.

e)  Notes that delivery of the project will continue to support the priorities and actions identified in the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy, Local Football Facility Plan and the Independent Review of the Long-Term Operating Model for One Leisure.

f)  Noting existing delegations to Officers, support that the Head of Leisure, Health and Environment, in consultation with the Corporate Director (Place) and Corporate Director (Finance and Resources) and subject to funding being secured, the overall financial viability and affordability being confirmed by the s151:

• Formally notify the Football Foundation of the Council’s decision;

• Conclude any associated financial and contractual arrangements;

• Progress the scheme through planning, procurement and delivery; and

• Make any non-material amendments required to facilitate delivery within the approved capital budget.

g)  Notes that the project will be managed through the Council’s Transformation Hub process to provide appropriate governance, assurance, financial monitoring and benefits realisation.