Agenda item

The report provides additional information requested from Audit & Governance Committee regarding the financial considerations for capital borrowing to fund a two-storey extension to Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre (2RM) to address the identified need for dedicated studio space in Christchurch.  The investment aims to enhance the centres health, fitness and cultural offer, increase membership and income whilst supporting community wellbeing and aligning with the Council’s corporate strategy.

NOTE: In relation to this item of business, the Committee is asked to consider the following resolution in relation to any discussion on exempt appendix 2, 3 and/or 5 to the report:

“That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act and that the public interest in withholding the information outweighs such interest in disclosing the information.”

The Chair amended the order of business on the agenda to take this item first.

The Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations provided an update on the report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Portfolio Holder asked the Committee to consider deferring this item until the next meeting on 19 March. Cllr M Tarling had been invited to provide feedback on the report following its publication. Although officers were able to respond verbally to the questions he had raised, it was felt best to answer these in writing as part of the report. Members noted that the amended timescale would still enable the Committee to consider the report before it was presented to full Council on 24 March. Members commented on the need to focus discussion on areas within the committee’s remit, including finance, governance and risk management.

It was agreed that any further questions be sent to the Chair for her to forward to the relevant officers to include the information in the report.

RESOLVED to DEFER until the next meeting on 19 March 2026.

Voting: Agreed with no dissent