Purpose

This report summarises the considerable work undertaken since Cabinet last considered the project on 23 February 2026, sets out the current financial position and potential delivery programme timeframe.

This report is for information and precedes a final options and governance report due at Cabinet in December 2026. The substantive December report will be presented with significant detailed project information including legal, financial and equality information sufficient for Cabinet to decide which option to take forwards.

This report informs Cabinet about project progress with a focus on:

·         The works of RIBA Stage 4 and the change of construction partner from Curo Construction to Speller Metcalfe.

·         The crystallisation of two previously reported risks into live issues – construction cost inflation and a fundamental structural engineering issues associated with the existing swimming pool tank;

·         Revised financial positions for three options, together with a potential enhanced Sport England Place Capital grant of an additional £500,000 for Option 2;

·         The revised General Arrangement floor plan with some additional software generated images.

Decision

AGREED to:

·         Note the progress made since February 2026;

·         Note that costs and delivery programme will be revised for a future Cabinet paper, expected in December 2026, at which time Cabinet will be presented with considerable detailed information that is anticipated to allow Cabinet to select the preferred option for the Council as follows. The figures presented in the report remain provisional and subject to final quantity surveyor review, contractor pricing validation and completion of RIBA Stage 4;

·         Note the replacement of the original main contractor, Curo, with Speller Metcalfe;

·         Note the engineering finds relating to the existing swimming pool tank;

·         Note the increase in the cost of £105,000 to complete RIBA Stage 4 due to the engineering issues confirmed with the swimming pool tank and the replacement of the pool hall structural steel works;

·         Note that the Council has submitted a fresh planning application for the complete demolition of the existing pool building;

·         Endorse the completion of the Value for Money assessment and remaining due diligence work;

·         Note the further cost increases due to inflationary pressures in the construction industry and some design changes in the past 8 months

·         Note the final floor plan within the attached schedule;

·         Note the revised delivery programme due to the necessary delay in the project for reasons highlighted above;

·         Note that a substantive options report will be presented in December 2026 seeking a decision on the Council’s preferred option.