Public reports pack PDF 6 MB - East Lindsey District Council

APPENDIX A1. CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORDThe development of the Meridian Leisure Centre has been a majorcapital project for East Lindsey District Council and the project hasreceived a great deal of publicity throughout the development phaseand also since the facility opened in February 2010.The purpose of the review was to check the performance of thecentre since opening, undertake a financial health check of theoperation and consider any lessons learnt from the project thatcould prove of benefit to future projects.During the course of our work Committee members have been mostimpressed with the range of facilities on offer at the MeridianLeisure Centre and I am delighted to be able to report that thecentre, in its first year of operation, has been an outstandingsuccess and should be seen as a credit to the District Council. Thisis a facility that will continue to be enjoyed by our community formany years to come.I would like to record Scrutiny A Committee’s thanks to the officersfrom Leisure Services who helped with the review, attendingmeetings to answer Member questions and providing data fromwhich our conclusions have been drawn.Councillor Mrs. J. HarrisonChairman, Scrutiny A Committee2. INTRODUCTIONThe Comprehensive Performance Assessment of the Council,published in 2004 rated the Council ‘Weak’ and highlighted ‘lack ofclarity of direction and lack of investment’ in leisure and the need tohave a Leisure Strategy.A Leisure Strategy was developed and launched in 2005. Itidentified a need to have a clear approach to proving theappropriate level of ‘fit for purpose’ leisure facilities and specificallyrecommended replacement for the old 1970’s Louth Swimming Pooland Louth Sports Association facilities.In April 2005 the Executive Board considered the rationale behindthe development of the capital scheme in Louth, this being:o To replace and improve upon the Louth swimming Pool,which is near the end of its economic life;3Page 19