Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor R C Stewart be elected as Chair for the 2016-2017 Municipal Year.

RESOLVED that Councillor C Richards be elected Vice Chair for the 2016-2017 Municipal Year.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M C Child, J E C Harris, D H Hopkins and R C Stewart.

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the External Funding Panel held on 6 April 2016 be approved as a correct record.

The Development & Outreach Manager presented a report seeking approval to submit a proposal to the Collaborative Sports Facilities Group (representing Sport Wales and the Governing Bodies of Rugby, Football and Hockey in Wales) to develop 3^rd Generation (3G) artificial sports pitches in 2 strategically identified locations in Swansea.

Members queried the running costs, maintenance of the pitches and sought assurances that the costs for both sites would at least break even.

The Development & Outreach Manager clarified that the potential running costs for each facility would be in the region of £40,000 - £45,000 and would be funded from the income generated at both sites.  This included the provision of a sinking fund for replacing the carpet and shock pad (if applicable) as well as either repair or replacement of fencing and floodlighting.  On the assumption that there is life expectancy of 10 years depending on usage and maintenance then it is proposed that a sinking fund of between £15,000 and £20,000 pa per site is put aside.  The Business Case had identified that the sites would break even.

RESOLVED that the External Funding Panel notes the implications contained in the report and approves the submission of a business case to attract up to £400,000 of funding.

The Development & Outreach Manager then raised an urgent issue in relation to assistance that Bishopston School / Leisure Centre required in relation to funding for a 3G facility on the existing Tennis Courts.  A Trust had been set up in order to pay for the project; however there was a shortfall of £15,000.  He confirmed that the maintenance of the facility would be via the Bishopston Leisure Centre staff and the facility would be utilised by both the school and the Leisure Centre patrons.  It was hoped that the work would be undertaken during the School Summer Holidays in order to avoid disruption.

The External Funding Panel agreed the funding in principle, subject to a formal report being submitted to the next meeting.