Issue - meetings

To consider approving an additional protect spend of £162,300.

The Council’s budget for 2017/18 includes a sum of £294,700 for the development of the gym and spin studio at Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre.  The project, since its conception and budget estimate, has had to be changed to be compliant with planning permission and building regulations and has been through the procurement process on that basis.  After evaluation there is a shortfall of £162,300.

Timing is critical with this project to minimise loss of income and potential negative impact on the curriculum of Ringwood School, which is a major user of the Centre.   The Cabinet are therefore asked to approve the suspension of financial regulations and to authorise the Section 151 Officer to approve the additional spend of £162,300 on this project.

Portfolio Holders’ Comments:  I am supportive of the recommendation.  Ringwood is in need of investment to increase the quality of the facilities to ensure that it is on par with our other existing centres.

RECOMMENDED:

That financial regulations be suspended to authorise the Section 151 Officer to approve the additional spend of £162,300 on this project.

RESOLVED:

That financial regulations be suspended to authorise the Section 151 Officer to approve an additional spend of £162,300 on this project.

The Cabinet was advised that proposed improvements to the gym and spin studio at the Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre had been amended to be compliant with planning permission and building regulations.  In particular, it had become necessary to provide an additional, safe, evacuation route in the event of fire.

The procurement process had established that the additional works required would cost  £162,300.  Time was critical in implementing the project to avoid loss of income and potential disruption to Ringwood School, which was a major user of the centre.  Accordingly it was:

RESOLVED:

That financial regulations be suspended and that the Section 151 Officer be authorised to approve the additional spend of £162,300 on this project.