Agenda item

Michael Naughton, Head of Capital Programme, was present for this item and summarised the Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre project for the Committee, giving an update on the progress made through the construction phase of the project. It was highlighted that the project had been years in the making with an initial feasibility study showing that there was a need for swimming space in the West Drayton area. The specific site on Rowhleys Place had been originally chosen because it had space for a 25 metre, eight lane swimming pool with an ancillary leisure pool and slide. The Committee heard how the project had been designed to be commercially viable, to cover its costs and to deliver funds back to the Council whilst improving the sports and leisure offer in the Borough. The project was due to come online in summer 2024 and officer noted that they were happy with the progress being made highlighting that, despite the difficult economic environment, the project remained on-time and on budget.

On climate matters and the Council’s move to net zero carbon emissions, it was highlighted that the production of the concrete and steel was always going to be a very carbon intensive process, however the project was expected to achieve its net zero carbon emissions target by the mid-2040s, this included the carbon generated during construction of the leisure centre; the project would eventually be carbon negative. Members commented that the development would be a fantastic addition to the Borough and were specifically encouraged by the eventual carbon negative nature of the scheme. Officers noted that air quality at the site was being extensively monitored during the construction phase and that the green nature of the development had been built into the design.

The Committee sought to explore the local employment opportunities facilitated by the new leisure centre development. Officers highlighted that, in addition to the employment opportunities brought about by the final development, it had been a part of the construction contractor’s requirements to employ locally and that there had been a number of apprenticeship roles arising from the project.

On parking matters, it was confirmed that once finished, the site would have 140 available car parking spaces and one coach drop off/pick up point; it was not expected that coaches would remain on site. It was highlighted that the parking provision was lower than at the larger Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Centre but more than was provided at the Botwell Leisure Centre.

Members sought assurance that the £37M budget for the project was inclusive of all design and build phases and that it had taken account of inflationary pressures. Officers noted that, of the £37M, £32.9M came under a fixed cost contract with the contractor, meaning that there would be no extra cost to the Council due to inflationary pressures unless the requirement of the build was legally changed. The remaining £4.1M was inclusive of design, procurement, and all other costs associated with the project.

The Committee thanked officers for their work on this project highlighting that it would become a valuable community asset for Hillingdon. The Committee discussed the possibility of conducting a site visit to the project construction phase, to which officers commented that a site visit would be most appropriate in early 2024 when the framework of the building was more established and there would be more for the Committee to see in way of a semi-finished development.

RESOLVED: That the Property, Highways and Transport Select Committee noted the contents of the report.