Issue - meetings

Consideration of recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in respect of the Angel Leisure Centre – replacement project.

Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of 11 September in respect of the Angel Leisure Centre replacement project.

Due regard was given to the views of the Committee and Cabinet noted that there had been detailed and robust discussion on financial and value for money considerations, the potential risks in respect of local government reorganisation, asset disposal, borrowing of funds, potential loss of investment and repayment of loans.

After careful consideration of the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and on the grounds that the replacement of the Angel Centre would help to facilitate the wider development plans for Tonbridge Town Centre and supported the aspiration to be carbon neutral by 2030, Cllr  Mehmet proposed, Cllr Boughton seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the Tonbridge Town Centre Programme Board give consideration to potential options around how any proceeds arising from the redevelopment of the current Angel Centre site could be used to offset any debt incurred in relation to the provision of the new leisure centre;

(2)            the intention to present a fully costed business case to Members in advance of seeking approval for the final construction of the Angel Leisure Centre replacement be noted; and

(3)             the progress being made on the replacement of the Angel Leisure Centre, Tonbridge be noted.

(Decision Notice D250112CAB)

Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of 11 September in respect of the Angel Leisure Centre replacement project.

Due regard was given to the views of the Committee and Cabinet noted that there had been detailed and robust discussion on financial and value for money considerations, the potential risks in respect of local government reorganisation, asset disposal, borrowing of funds, potential loss of investment and repayment of loans.  The Tonbridge Town Centre Programme Board would reflect on the feedback received.

After careful consideration of the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and on the grounds that the replacement of the Angel Centre would help to facilitate the wider development plans for Tonbridge Town Centre and supported the aspiration to be carbon neutral by 2030, Cllr  Mehmet proposed, Cllr Boughton seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the Tonbridge Town Centre Programme Board give consideration to potential options around how any proceeds arising from the redevelopment of the current Angel Centre site could be used to offset any debt incurred in relation to the provision of the new leisure centre;

(2)            the intention to present a fully costed business case to Members in advance of seeking approval for the final construction of the Angel Leisure Centre replacement be noted; and

(3)            the progress being made on the replacement of the Angel Leisure Centre, Tonbridge be noted.

This report provides an update on progress with the Replacement Angel Leisure Centre project and provides Members of this Committee the opportunity to ask questions of the Project Team and make any recommendations or comments to Cabinet.

Members were advised that good progress had been made with the Angel Leisure Centre replacement project as part of the RIBA Stage 2. 

The public engagement exercise had commenced and would run until 24 September 2025.  Currently, over 1,000 responses had been received and reflected a strong public interest in the project.   Members queried how many of these responses were outside of Tonbridge and it was indicated that this information could be collated once the consultation had finished.   It was also suggested that the consultation could be promoted wider throughout the Borough via Larkfield Leisure Centre, other suitable locations and parish/town councils. 

The selection of the main contractor was progressing alongside RIBA Stage 2 and Officers and the Cabinet Members for Infrastructure and Tonbridge Regeneration; and Finance, Waste and Technical Services would be involved in the procurement process.

Particular reference was made to the importance of meeting deadlines due to anticipated local government reorganisation and potential future borrowing controls. The potential for a new unitary authority to deprioritise local leisure facilities was identified as a risk by Members and it was reiterated  that the project timeline was designed to address these risks and that timely decision-making was critical.

Whilst the final design was currently being developed it was expected to include a larger gym, group exercise studios, dedicated spin studio, soft play and café, multiple use community facilities and a sports hall, together with changing rooms and flexible multi-purpose rooms.  

Members highlighted the need for the new centre to serve both leisure and broader community purposes and referred to feedback from the Tonbridge Civic Society and past uses of the centre. The Committee was assured that the proposed facility mix included three community rooms, flexible spaces and that community use was a key consideration in the design.

On the grounds that Members wished to discuss commercially sensitive financial information, the Chair proposed, Cllr Tanner seconded and the Committee

RESOLVED:  That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the consideration of this matter to avoid the disclosure of exempt information.

(The recommendations arising from this discussion are set out in OS 25/51)