Decision
Analysis
outcome: The decision was made to split the Woodmill site, sell the Stoneham side, lease the Mill site, and delegate authority for necessary actions.
summary: The decision involves splitting the Woodmill site and selling the Stoneham side to Southampton Scouts/Southern Water, leasing the Mill site to Above Board Limited, and delegating authority for necessary actions.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to split the Woodmill site, sell the Stoneham side, lease the Mill site, and delegate authority for necessary actions.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves the future of a leisure site and potential impact on the community.
affected_stakeholders: ["Southampton Scouts", "Southern Water", "Above Board Limited", "Residents of Southampton"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are mentions of Cabinet members and consultation with political figures in the decision-making process.
URL: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/modernGov/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3552
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose: To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services and the Cabinet Member for Compliance and Leisure outlining the future delivery model for Southampton Water Activity Centre and Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre
Content: (i) To approve the splitting of the Woodmill site and the freehold sale of the Stoneham side of the site to Southampton Scouts/ Southern Water. (ii) To approve the lease appointment of the Mill site at Woodmill to Above Board Limited. (iii) To delegate authority to the Executive Director – Resident Services following consultation with the Executive Director of Growth and Prosperity and Cllr Simon Letts, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance & Corporate Services to take the necessary actions to give effect to this decision. (iv) To delegate authority to the Executive Director of Growth and Prosperity following consultation with the Executive Director – Resident Services and Cllr Simon Letts, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance & Corporate Services to take the necessary actions for the contracts and agreed terms on the property aspects. 1. A number of options have been considered (see the “Alternative Options Considered and Rejected” section of this report). 2. The following points outline the approach taken to secure the future of the Woodmill site: • Cabinet approval was obtained in July 2024 to find an alternative provider for the site. • An open and transparent competitive process in January to find a tenant. • Engagement with the interested parties on various aspects of the site. • Progressing partnerships and engagement with other services and organisations. Permanently cease leisure services at Woodmill This option has been rejected as it does not meet the needs of the community or the Council’s objectives, this would be a short sighted decision for the city of Southampton. Transfer the operation of Woodmill to in-house council management This option has been considered and rejected as the council does not have the expertise, funding nor the infrastructure to enable provision of quality leisure services. This option is likely to be more expensive and provide poorer quality of services than through the approval of the recommendations of this report. Retain Woodmill within the leisure contract under a new operator One option considered but ultimately rejected was to retain Woodmill within the leisure contract under a new operator. It was acknowledged this site cost the council approximately £150,000 per year. The decision was made that the most appropriate course of action would be to remove it from the contract and seek a more suitable operator or freehold arrangement to support the long-term success of the site.
Date of Decision: July 15, 2025