Public reports pack PDF 3 MB - Blaby District Council

2. Refurbishment of Changing areas / Squash courts / Ancillary facilities
It is proposed to fully overhaul the changing facilities (including floors, walls and
seating arrangements, giving attention to colour schemes and utilising materials to
minimise ongoing maintenance costs), refurbish and decorate squash courts and to
provide heating to the squash court corridor. The intention is to provide facilities to a
standard similar to that available at Enderby.
Reasons
• The existing provision for male and female changing is in urgent need of attention.
The open communal showers in the male change are considered to be a barrier to
participation by some segments and the changing facilities generally are looking tired
and whilst staff work hard to keep them clean and to a level that meets customer’s
expectations, they are dull and dingy with mould at high levels. They currently fall
below the current expectations of customers and as such represent a risk to the
continued levels of usage and income.
• The only heating in the squash court area is provided by radiant electric heaters in
the courts themselves. The glazing of openings between the squash area and the
main sports hall carried out many years ago resulted in disruption to the air
movement within the building. This means that the corridors get very cold in the
winter months as do the courts when they are not in active use. The original tiled
floor is still in place; replacement tiles are not available as they are now
discontinued.
• The Squash courts need redecoration and some require continual of the wall
plaster due to general deterioration due to age and usage. The need to add value
and properly maintain our squash facility is of growing importance with the continued
reduction of alternative squash venues in the area which is creating an opportunity to
benefit.
• The Pavilion now has 4 Squash teams competing in local Leagues and socialising
at The Pavilion, in 2008 there was only 1 team and little or no social or club
networking. This demonstrates the potential for growth and increasing income
through secondary spend in the centre.
Financial
The capital cost of the works is estimated to be £40,000
It is proposed to make provision for increased staffing of the bar (12 hours per week)
to cater for increased centre usage arising from all the developments (£4,400pa)
(actual spend will depend on demand and income will more than balance
expenditure).
The refurbishment will help to reduce the risk to the current annual income of
£150,000pa.
Potential Barriers
• None identified
Update
It is now proposed that this refurbishment be extended into the main staircase area
to encourage greater use and development of the existing bar and kitchen facilities.
The initial cost for this is in the region of £65,000. The potential for growth is
demonstrated as 5 squash teams competing in local leagues in Leicestershire are
based at the Pavilion with this now becoming the preferred choice within the area.
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