Issue - meetings

To review the post project evaluation report for the Grange Community and Leisure Centre, Midhurst.

RESOLVED

That the post project evaluation (PPE) report (Appendix 1) for the Grange Community and Leisure Centre be noted, and that the actions and review plan in sections 7 and 8 of the PPE report be agreed.

The Cabinet considered the report circulated with the agenda (copy attached to the official minutes).

Mrs Keegan introduced the report on the post project evaluation of The Grange Community and Leisure Centre, Midhurst. She commented that, just over a year after the opening of the Centre, it had met its main objectives and had been well-received by the local community. She thanked the staff who had managed the project and those who operated the Centre.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Mrs Apel (Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee) reported that the evaluation report had been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 2 July. The Committee had been pleased that The Grange had been a tremendous success. The Committee had asked officers a range of questions, particularly about the project and operational budgets of the Centre.

Mrs Hotchkiss (Head of Commercial Services) explained the main points of the post project evaluation report, drawing attention to the achievements against the original objectives. She pointed out that there had been a c£25,000 overspend on capital costs against the approved budget, which was offset by partnership funding.

On the revenue budget, there had been some small overspends, due mainly to the national non domestic rates valuation being higher than expected. Income was below prediction and a detailed explanation was given in the report. She was pleased that the 800 direct debit memberships on which the scheme had been modelled had now been exceeded and were still rising.

Mr Finch noted that, although the target for direct debit membership had been achieved, casual membership had reduced and enquired whether the Centre was at capacity for its catchment area. He also expressed surprise that no sponsorship had been achieved.

Mrs Hotchkiss replied that the Centre had sought one main sponsor; two potential sponsors had expressed interest but did not materialise. This year advertising space was being sold for sections of the Centre.

RESOLVED

That the post project evaluation (PPE) report (Appendix 1) for the Grange Community and Leisure Centre be noted, and that the actions and review plan in sections 7 and 8 of the PPE report be agreed.