Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 19, 2024

Purpose: Approval to proceed with refurbishment

Content: RESOLVED   KEY DECISION   That the Executive:   a)    Approved the delivery of the Kettering Pitch, Track and Pavilion Refurbishment project.   b)    Approved the procurement process as outlined at Section 4 of this Report which was completed as part of the Football Foundation Capital Grant Application Process.   c)    Noted the request contained in the Capital Update Report (The Report) elsewhere on the agenda for budget approval for the scheme totalling £1.021m in 2024/25, £810k from the Football Foundation grant, £33k from external contributions and a virement of £178k from the Leisure Minor Works budget within the approved capital programme.   d)    Approved the award to the contractors that have been identified to complete these works as part of the Football Foundation Capital Grant Application Process.   e)    Delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Assets & Environment and the Assistant Director of Communities & Leisure in consultation with the Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism to take all necessary actions to deliver the project including awarding of the contracts.     Reasons for Recommendations   ·       To utilise the capital grant award of 81% of a total project cost from the Football Foundation. ·       This project will have a positive impact on multi-sport, but particularly football and athletics development within the North Northamptonshire Community, but particularly for Kettering. ·       This is a high-profile site which has been underinvested in for many years and the pitch is condemned and out of use. ·       Increased opportunity for local people to be more active and for coaching and development programmes to be established for local clubs and coaches to reinvest into sport in the area. ·       The project will support people to live healthier more active lives. The programme of delivery will offer accessible opportunities for all members of the community to be more active. This meets the Councils Corporate Plan objective of “Active, fulfilled lives” and the Health and Wellbeing Strategy priority for “Keeping Active”.   Alternative Options Considered   ·       A range of funding opportunities for the project have been explored including being fully funded by the Council. However, this would not create a collaborative approach with Northamptonshire Football Association and the athletics club, would have limited success of funding, reduced opportunities to develop more of the facilities and therefore would not provide best value for the Council.   ·       Kettering Town Harriers Athletics Club, who currently have part of the pavilion on a lease agreement, have limited funding to invest into the scheme, their governing body England Athletics do not have capital funding opportunities, and they do not have the resource, skills, or experience to take on the full management of the project and facilities.   ·       The Athletics track and facilities have had some investment by the Council However, the track itself needs additional investment to ensure that it provides a quality surface for future use by the club.  Although the track and equipment improvements for athletics do not form part of the funding award from the Football Foundation, the improvements to the club house will and Northamptonshire Football Associations experience and skills will be able to support future funding opportunities for investment for the club and facilities.