Decision
Analysis
outcome: The Chief Operating Officer has decided to proceed with the construction phase of the Bury Leisure Centre refurbishment within the approved budget envelope.
summary: The decision at stake is the construction phase of the Bury Leisure Centre refurbishment based on RIBA stage 4 and funding allocation approved by the Council.
topline: The Chief Operating Officer has decided to proceed with the construction phase of the Bury Leisure Centre refurbishment, staying within the approved budget envelope.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves public funds, construction projects, and potential impact on user expectations and income generation.
affected_stakeholders: ["Chief Operating Officer", "Portfolio Holder for Leisure", "Portfolio Holder for Resources", "Cabinet members", "Abbeycroft Leisure", "West Suffolk Council"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are no explicit mentions of political parties influencing the decision.
URL: https://democracy.westsuffolk.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=966
Decision Maker: Chief Operating Officer
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose: The Constitution authorises Officers to make decision within the scope of their responsibilities, unless it is required to be made by a Portfolio Holder or Cabinet. The Chief Operating Officer has exercised their delegated authority to proceed to the construction phase of the Bury Leisure Centre refurbishment on the basis of RIBA stage 4 and the funding allocation approved by Council.
Content: The Constitution authorises Officers to make decision within the scope of their responsibilities, unless it is required to be made by a Portfolio Holder or Cabinet. The Chief Operating Officer has exercised their delegated authority to proceed to the construction phase of the Bury Leisure Centre refurbishment on the basis of RIBA stage 4 and the funding allocation approved by Council. The Chief Operating Officer has made a decision, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Leisure, the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Cabinet members, to proceed to the construction phase of the Bury Leisure Centre refurbishment on the basis of RIBA stage 4 and gateway review. A Gateway Review has been completed on receipt of the RIBA stage 4 report, review of revenue implications (management fee reduction plan and one off income and cost cover support to Abbeycroft) and implementation plan. The capital project cost remains within the approved budget envelope (£10.3 million), and the work content remains in line with the proposals that underwent public consultation. Incorporated within the cost plan are works associated with the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) Salix grant for a substantial upgrade to mechanical plant. Funding to meet the £10.3 million cost remains in line with previous business case assumptions. Abbeycroft Leisure reaffirmed their commitment to offset borrowing made against the net revenue benefit through the management fee agreement with the Council thereby underpinning the borrowing and invest to save element of the capital budget. The detailed programme for the refurbishment assumes a formal instruction by West Suffolk Council to Alliance Leisure in early October to establish site facilities and commence work at the beginning of November 2025. The decision has considered the original business case to Council meetings on 16 July 2024 (report COU/WS/24/012) and 17 December 2024 (report COU/WS/24/029). Given the costs remain within the budget envelope available to fund the project, and the urgency in delivering the work programme to meet user expectations, the need to relocate clubs and group hire sessions and to avoid closure during peak income generating periods, the project will now move forward to the construction phase. Alternative options were not considered.
Date of Decision: October 8, 2025