Strategic Leisure Limited (SLL), Roberts Limbrick (architects) and Leonie Cowen Associates (LCA) were appointed in October 2018 to undertake two separate, but linked projects for the IACC:
- An appraisal of the alternative delivery models (ADMs) for the future operational management of the leisure centres
- A short, medium and long-term capital investment plan for the four existing IACC leisure centres
The capital investment project included:
Phase 1 – An assessment of community, leisure and fitness needs on Anglesey inc a comprehensive public, school and club consultation programme
Phase 2 – A condition survey of the leisure centres (including structural analysis where required)
Phase 3 – Identification of potential investment options
Phase 4 – Preparation of narrative, drawings, sketches and floor plans to illustrate preferred investment proposals
Phase 5 – Development of detailed capital and revenue costs for all investment proposals
A summary of capital investment needs are detailed below:
Across the four local authority facilities recommendations included:
Facility 1 – recommendations for a new build as the most cost-effective and long-term solution located on adjacent school site.
Facility 2 – Priority investment to address immediate maintenance and condition issues with the option to develop extended fitness and outdoor artificial pitch provision in the medium term
Facility 3 – New build option due to age and condition of current centre. This would be on the same site (slightly different location). The footprint would be smaller and more efficient with a larger swimming pool to address demand. There is the opportunity for a ‘Hub’ approach with co-located services and multi-purpose social spaces based upon consultation feedback.
Facility 4 – New build however, if a new build option cannot be afforded immediately, the short-term option should be to invest in the key income-generating areas, to ensure the facility is updated and participation is increased
Funding:
There are a number of options for funding the above, including:
- IACC Core budget
- Grants
- Prudential borrowing
- Developer contributions (S106)
- Anglesey Charitable Trust support
Summary:
Building on the successful pitch and fitness investment IACC had delivered, there is a need to look at investment in the leisure centre portfolio to ensure:
- Future facilities are fit for purpose and future-proofed
- Future facilities operate more cost effectively and sustainably
- Accessibility is maintained to meet the needs of rural and urban communities on the Island
- Future facilities provide more flexible space to facilitate wider partnership working
- Continued co-location with education remains a key delivery partnership, which enables young people to experience high quality physical opportunities from a young age
- Reduced operational costs, increased participation and income generation
- Facilities are attractive and engaging, reflecting current and future participation trends, to meet customer expectation, encourage, and support healthy lifestyles
- Ensure facilities conform with safeguarding, Welsh language & equality requirements
- The life span of facilities is extended to 30 years+
- Establish Leisure Centres as community hubs
- Identify and develop a new management model
Despite being discretionary, the importance and role of IACC’s leisure provision cannot be under-estimated; it is a service area that enables the County Council to respond proactively to key national well-being objectives, including promoting good (physical and mental) health for everyone; and building healthier, more resilient communities, as well as the statutory responsibilities of the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
Strategic Leisure 