Agenda item

The Leader introduced the report. In December, the Cabinet agreed to consult with the public on proposals to build a new environmentally sustainable and energy efficient leisure and wellbeing facility on a brownfield site overlooking the River Usk, allocating the existing Newport Centre land to Coleg Gwent for the purpose of relocation of their further education campus into the city centre.

The Leader invited the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture to present the report.

Councillor Harvey advised that it was clear from the over 1,000 separate responses received that the public was excited and engaged in the plans.

The existing Newport Centre building was suffering from a range of structural issues and required significant investment to bring it up to modern day standards.

The building configuration was neither efficient nor sustainable and changes in demand over the decades meant that it was no longer able to compete with modern facilities.

The plans put forward were for a modern leisure pool, with family friendly changing facilities, fitness suite and a roof garden / active roof. The facility would also encompass more informal relaxation areas and be seamlessly connected to the expanding active travel network.

The building of a new facility not only allowed us to provide an enhanced user experience, it also freed up land to re locate Coleg Gwent’s further education provision into the city centre, close to the existing high education provision.

The proposals would bring increased footfall into our City Centre and help support retail and hospitality business as it sought to recover from the impact of Covid.

The project would cost £20M, but only £4.5M would come from council funds. Far less than the cost of refurbing the existing centre.

A large part of the project would be financed from efficiency savings as a result of operating from a modern facility which would attract greater patronage. The council was also seeking capital investment from Welsh Government through its Targeted Regeneration and Investment Fund.

The last year was extremely challenging, but throughout the pandemic, we have not stopped working on plans to improve the City and the lives of our residents, particularly in supporting our City Centre to return stronger.

Based on the consultation feedback officers would now work with cabinet to develop detailed plans and deliver this project for our residents.

Comments of Cabinet Members:

Councillor Mayer noted that this was an exciting project and was shocked by the structural damage to the Newport Centre but was pleased that were we in a situation where we would have one of the best leisure facilities in Wales and possibly the UK.  94% of residents thought it was a great idea to build a new leisure centre and 85% agreed that Coleg Gwent should be part of the Knowledge Quarter.

Councillor Davies considered that the level of response from residents was outstanding.  The Council was listening to residents, which was integral to what we did.  It was pertinent to Councillor Davies’ Cabinet Member role in Sustainable Development, that it was environmentally friendly and contributed towards the Council’s commitment to reduce carbon footprint.  Wellbeing objectives had also been achieved by independent and resilient communities as well as extending the knowledge quarter.

Councillor Truman added that this was fantastic news and welcomed by all residents.  It was a logical decision to move further education and higher education into the same location and would provide an opportunity to help regenerate the city. Councillor Truman welcomed the report.

Councillor Jeavons echoed colleague’s comments adding that this was a responsible move to consider the recovery and wellbeing of Newport.  In addition, there had been 30 Welsh responses received and overall, a high response rate, which was exciting and proved that we were doing something right for the city.

Councillor Rahman noted that the council clearly had wide ranging support and thanked officers for their contribution.  Delivering this project on top of the budget discussed was outstanding, as well as supporting small businesses.  Councillor Rahman highlighted that this was what the council tax was contributing towards and that the leisure centre benefitted us all.

Councillor Cockeram congratulated the Leader on the report and considered that the report summary highlighted the objectives succinctly and added that we must not forget the other partners involved in this project who had confidence in us. 

The Leader added that the project seamlessly connected to our active travel work and thanked partners Coleg Gwent and Newport Live as well as thanking the Head of City Services and Acting Head of Regeneration, Investment and Housing for their hard work and ongoing contribution.

Resolved:

Cabinet agreed to the following:

·         To proceed with the design and construction of a new leisure and wellbeing facility on the expansion land site, subject to obtaining all necessary consents.

·         To approve the capital envelope and proposed funding of £19.7 million to deliver the scheme.

·         To the re-appropriation of the Newport Centre site from Leisure provision to regeneration purposes and agree to the disposal of the site to Coleg Gwent by way of a 250-year development lease at net market value, taking account of all demolition and other allowable costs, and on such other terms and conditions to be agreed by the Head of Law and Regulation and Newport Norse, subject to all necessary consents.

·         To authorise officers to agree and complete all necessary documentation in relation to the scheme and the disposal.