Issue - meetings
Lido Drainage Works Contract
Meeting: 25/08/2022 - Executive (Item 29)
29 Guildford Lido Drainage and Modernisation Project PDF 108 KB
Additional documents:
Decision:
That a virement of £600,000 from the capital contingency fund for the Lido Drainage and Modernisation Project be approved to enable the project to start on time and hopefully be completed during the winter period to ensure the minimum disruption to the potential customers of the venue.
Reason(s):
The Lido cannot operate without satisfactory drainage, it is recognised that replacement of the failed below ground drainage is not practicable without the corresponding demolition of the changing facilities and breaking out of the existing concrete floor slab that sit directly above. The external changing facilities are beyond their economical and useful life expectancy. The existing facilities fall short of expected modern standards, which can be addressed as part of the process.
Other options considered and rejected by the Executive:
None.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.
Minutes:
The report was introduced by the Lead Councillor for Environment.
Guildford Lido was a popular local attraction built in the 1930s. There was a 50-metre open air swimming pool which was set in 6 acres of grounds. A survey had identified that the original drainage had failed and needed to be replaced. To access the drainage significant demolition was required. This presented an opportunity to update and modernise the changing, toilet and shower space at the Lido. The timetable of works was challenging but it was hoped that completion would be by April 2023 in readiness for the summer season. The ‘Friends of Guildford Lido’ has been engaged with the proposed changes and upgrades to the site.
The scheme has been subject to an open tender process and nine tenders were received. The tenders were all significantly over budget. For the scheme to go ahead, a virement of £600,000 was required from the capital contingency to supplement the use of £1.5 million from the ear-marked Leisure Partnership Reserve.
The Executive noted the impact of the current rates of inflation on any construction project at present as well as obstacles to supply chains which could cause delays. The Leader observed that the increased costs had accounted for additional working hours to try to mitigate challenges and to deliver on time. It was noted that leisure services were discretionary but that the Council recognised the value of the site to local residents.
The loss of revenue to the Council whilst works were undertaken could be estimated on last year’s figures which provided an income from the Lido of £636,000 (to be validated in Freedom Leisure’s Annual Report). The Council supported the Lido within the Management fee to Freedom Leisure at around £182,000 per year. Visitor numbers were variable and dependent upon the summer weather ranging between 60,000 and 140,000 visits. It was estimated the Lido made a surplus on average every three years, but that given the investment in facilities proposed this could see an improvement in future years as a more attractive offer to the customer and the operator.
Consequently, the Executive,
RESOLVED:
That a virement of £600,000 from the capital contingency fund for the Lido Drainage and Modernisation Project be approved to enable the project to start on time and hopefully be completed during the winter period to ensure the minimum disruption to the potential customers of the venue.
Reason(s):
The Lido cannot operate without satisfactory drainage, it is recognised that replacement of the failed below ground drainage is not practicable without the corresponding demolition of the changing facilities and breaking out of the existing concrete floor slab that sit directly above. The external changing facilities are beyond their economical and useful life expectancy. The existing facilities fall short of expected modern standards, which can be addressed as part of the process.