The Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss a call-in of a Cabinet decision regarding the capital fit out of Manor Park Gym. The committee ultimately decided to refer the decision back to the Cabinet for reconsideration, citing concerns about the robustness of financial appraisals and the exploration of alternative funding options.

Manor Park Gym Capital Fit Out

The main item under discussion was the call-in of the Cabinet Decision made on 16 September 2025 concerning the capital fit out of Manor Park Gym. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee voted to refer the decision back to the Cabinet for reconsideration. The committee raised two primary concerns:

Financial Appraisals

The committee expressed reservations about the thoroughness and detail of the financial documentation supporting the £2.1 million expenditure on the gym's facilities and equipment. They were not convinced that comprehensive financial appraisals had been conducted to justify the investment. The committee recommended that the Cabinet revisit this aspect of the proposal.

Exploration of Alternative Options

The committee also voiced concerns regarding the exploration of alternative funding sources beyond the council's budget. They were not satisfied that sufficient efforts had been made to identify and secure funding from sources other than the public purse. The committee recommended that the Cabinet undertake a review of potential alternative funding avenues.

The original cabinet report noted that in February 2025, the Cabinet agreed to allocate £2.1 million of service improvement capital for the fit out of Manor Park Gym. The report sought approval to release this capital to enable the fit out. The report also noted that the provision of Manor Park Gym is an integral component of Greenwich Leisure Ltd's (GLL's) overall financial model submitted at tender stage and supports the year on year reduction in the Councils management fee contribution up to year 5, after which there is no management fee.

The cabinet report also outlined alternatives that were considered:

Do Nothing capital budget not agreed leaving a vacant space within the new development. Not only could this attract anti-social behaviour but there would continue to be a lack of Council run physical activity provision i.e. affordable gym provision, in the north east of the Borough. The provision of a replacement gym was included in the resident consultation phase for the Greenhill site.

and

Request GLL agree to vary the contract to reduce the specification of Manor Park Gym fit out to reduce fit out costs. This was rejected as it might have an impact on revenue income at Manor Park Gym. The consequence would then be the management fee would increase to reflect the loss of revenue. Furthermore, under the terms of the Agreement the Council would need to compensate GLL for the loss of predicted profit. If GLL considered the change would materially affect their ability to deliver the Manor Park services they would be entitled to refuse such a request.

Other Business

The committee also dealt with the following items:

• Welcome and Introductions: Councillor Lester Hudson, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny, welcomed members, attendees, and introduced the agenda.
• Membership: The committee received notice of any apologies for absence and/or substitutes.
• Declarations of Interest: Members and officers were invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary and/or non-pecuniary interests in matters being considered, in accordance with the Members' Code of Conduct.
• Exclusion of the Public and Press: The committee resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following item(s) of business to the extent that exempt information as described in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972[^2] was likely to be disclosed. [^2]: Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 defines categories of information that can be kept confidential in council meetings, including information relating to financial or business affairs.
• Exempt Appendix: The committee reviewed exempt documentation relating to the Manor Park Gym – Capital Investment.
• Date of the Next Meeting: The committee agreed that the date of the next meeting would be Thursday, 23 October 2025.