In July 2020 Cabinet suspended the Bexhill Leisure redevelopment project given the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on leisure facilities and the uncertainty surrounding Council finances, with a view to reviewing the leisure requirements in the longer-term, including the possibility of a new facility in Bexhill, as demand for leisure services and the financial climate became clearer.

Contracts to maintain the existing leisure services up to 31 March 2024 were agreed with Freedom Leisure (FL) for Bexhill Leisure Centre and Bexhill Leisure Pool (the separate Rye Sports Centre contract, also operated by FL, expired on 31 March 2026).  The Bexhill buildings needed major refurbishment or replacement prior to a new contract beyond 31 March 2024.

In order to undertake the review, it was recommended that the Council appointed a strategist to undertake a full and thorough review of existing built leisure facilities across the district and provide an evidence-based (including full market research) proposal on a strategy that was realistic and achievable, and supported an active and healthy lifestyle across the district.  It was hoped that all sources of information would be gathered, including the research carried out as part of the Healthy Ageing through Innovation in Rural Europe project.  The report gave details of the strategists’ brief and a high-level indicative timeline in which to complete the Strategy by December 2022.  Members requested that the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture and Tourism and Leader of the Council were consulted on all necessary actions to appoint the strategist and market research company.    

Members were keen to ensure that the leisure services offer responded to all residents’ needs across the district and not just those centrally focused in Bexhill; this could include leisure services being delivered in a variety of ways across numerous locations in the district.

It was anticipated that the Strategy and market research work would cost in the region of £50,000 which could be funded from £140,000 included in the existing Capital Programme for minor refurbishments at Bexhill Leisure Centre. 

RESOLVED: That:

1)    £50,000 be allocated from £140,000 included in the existing Capital Programme for minor refurbishments at Bexhill Leisure Centre to:

i.                fund the drafting of a Built Leisure Facility Strategy for Rother District Council; and

ii.              fund market research on residents’ use and requirements from built leisure facilities across the district to inform the strategy; and

2)    delegated authority be granted to the Director – Place and Climate Change, in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture and Tourism and Leader of the Council, to undertake all necessary actions to appoint a Leisure Facilities Strategist and market research company.