Agenda, decisions and minutes

To take any questions from members of the Public.

Please note: Members of the Public are requested to inform the Democratic Services Officer before the meeting begins if they wish to ask a verbal question to the Committee.

No questions were received by members of the public.

No questions were received by members of the public.

Members are asked to declare the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in respect of any item of business to be considered at the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made in relation to items on the agenda.

No declarations of interest were made in relation to items on the agenda.

The Committee is asked to confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 19 March 2019 (attached) and to authorise the Chair to sign them.

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Community and Wellbeing Committee held on 19 March 2019 were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Community and Wellbeing Committee held on 19 March 2019 were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

The Committee is asked to consider a proposal to change the existing use of the underutilised bowls hall into a soft play area for families with young children.

Following consideration, it was resolved:

(1)            To note the results of the consultation exercise undertaken by GLL with users of the Rainbow Leisure Centre.

(2)            To approve the Change Control Notice submitted by GLL at Annex 1, and agree to change the use of the Bowls Hall at Rainbow Leisure Centre into an Indoor Children’s Soft Play area.

(3)            To locate the provision of bowls into the Sports Hall of the Rainbow Leisure Centre, as a programmed sport.

(4)            To recommend that consideration is given to bringing a report to Environment and Safe Communities Committee regarding opening Hook Road Car Park on a Sunday.

The Committee received a report proposing a contractual change from Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) in relation to changing the use of the underutilised bowls hall into a soft play area for families with young children.

It was anticipated that the change would enable greater access to the Leisure Centre by families with young children, boosting activity rates, and address the current short-fall in provision for young children.

A consultation had been undertaken involving the existing users of the bowls hall, the details of which were set out in Annex 2 of the report.

Following consideration, it was resolved:

(1)            To note the results of the consultation exercise undertaken by GLL with users of the Rainbow Leisure Centre.

(2)            To approve the Change Control Notice submitted by GLL at Annex 1, and agree to change the use of the Bowls Hall at Rainbow Leisure Centre into an Indoor Children’s Soft Play area.

(3)            To locate the provision of bowls into the Sports Hall of the Rainbow Leisure Centre, as a programmed sport.

(4)            To recommend that consideration is given to bringing a report to Environment and Safe Communities Committee regarding opening Hook Road Car Park on a Sunday.

This report sets out the action taken by the Council in recent months to increase bookings at Ewell Court House as part of the Council’s agreed approach to enterprise and income generation.  This approach aims to make discretionary Council activities more financially sustainable, ensuring that valued services continue to be available in both the short and longer term.  Although the actions taken by the Council to date have led to some improvements in bookings, this has not been at a level needed to make the venue financially sustainable. 

This report explores the opportunity and potential benefits from entering into a partnership with a specialist from the wedding and events sector to maximise the public and community use of this important and treasured building and recommends a way forward. 

Following consideration, it was resolved:

(1)            To recommend to the Strategy and Resources Committee that the Council seek to enter into a partnership agreement with a specialist wedding venue company to increase bookings at Ewell Court House and put the building on a more sustainable footing.

The Committee received a report seeking approval for the Council to enter into a partnership agreement with a specialist wedding venue company with the aim of increasing bookings at Ewell Court House and put the building on a more sustainable footing.

It was noted that despite a targeted marketing campaign Ewell Court House had not reached income targets and Members appraised three options for the future management of the venue in terms of potential financial implications and risk.

The Committee reiterated the importance of ensuring that any partnership agreement would include a commitment to maintain bookings for community events.

Following consideration, it was resolved:

(1)            To recommend to the Strategy and Resources Committee that the Council seek to enter into a partnership agreement with a specialist wedding venue company to increase bookings at Ewell Court House and put the building on a more sustainable footing.

This report asks the Committee to agree its forward plan for 2019/20.

Following consideration, it was resolved:

(1)            To approve the forward plan 2019/20 attached at Annex 1, subject to the removal of two reports listed for the 10 October committee namely; Review of Bedding Operations and CCTV Review.

The Committee was asked to agree the Community & Wellbeing Committee forward plan for 2019/20. 

It was intended that the forward plan would support the delivery of Key Priority Targets and would be updated and reported to all Committees.

It was agreed to explore adding to the list of subjects in the plan, in particular allotments.  Any changes to the forward plan would be presented to a future committee.

Following consideration, it was resolved:

(1)            To approve the forward plan 2019/20 attached at Annex 1, subject to the removal of two reports listed for the 10 October committee namely; Review of Bedding Operations and CCTV Review.