Agenda item

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The Assistant Director presented the report which asked Members to consider progressing the option of relocating St James Pool to Lynnsport and a wider refurbishment of this site to RIBA stage 3.

The Assistant Director reminded Members that in 2024 Cabinet had resolved to award funding to carry out a feasibility study and as part of the study a range of options had been considered and preferred options were set out in the report.

The Chair thanked the Assistant Director for the report and invited questions and comments from Members as summarised below.

In response to a question from the Vice Chair, Councillor Spikings, the Assistant Director agreed to provide information on insurance of the facilities via email.  It was also confirmed that costs of demolition and remedial costs would be included in the final scheme.  The costs to take forward the feasibility study included architects, design work, planning application fees and ground surveys to achieve cost certainty.

In response to questions from Councillor Ryves, officers provided information on the cost of similar schemes and officers explained that in terms of operating the facilities, a range of options would be considered to achieve best value.

In response to a question from Councillor Bearshaw it was explained that the work would involve improvements to Lynnsport as a whole, including improvements to the current layout and more detail would be available in the RIBA Stage 3 report.

In terms of timescales, officers highlighted that they were aware of the impact of Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution.

Councillor Dickinson raised concern that the Oasis scheme was not being progressed and there was no timeline for the Hunstanton Masterplan to come forward.  She commented that Hunstanton residents contributed to the economy and felt that there was disparity between Hunstanton and King’s Lynn. 

The Deputy Leader, Councillor Ring commented that the Oasis was costly to maintain and in need of repair or rebuild, however the Masterplan would regenerate Hunstanton and the Oasis was an integral part of this.  He also referred to the Promenade and the work required to repair this.

Councillor Ring provided information on the type of pool that could be installed at Lynnsport to provide a greater offer and how the site would be looked at overall.

The Assistant Director explained that the conclusion of the study relating to the Oasis had concluded that the best location for the facility would be to remain on the promenade, therefore it would form part of the Hunstanton Masterplan area.

Councillor Spikings commented that work to the promenade and Oasis should take place at the same time to minimise disruption.  She commented that the Oasis was an important facility in Hunstanton and needed an uplift.

Councillor Collingham commented that a systematic approach was needed, but hoped that work would be carried out as soon as possible for the benefits of tourists and residents.

The Assistant Director reminded the Panel of the need to provide swimming facilities for schools.

In response to a question from Councillor Ryves, it was explained that a timetable would be drawn up and this would have regard to Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution.

RESOLVED: That the Corporate Performance Panel support the recommendations to Cabinet as set out below, but wished the Cabinet to note that they were disappointed with delaying delivery of improvements to the Oasis, but understood the reasoning behind this.

That Cabinet recommend to Full Council:

-        Note x 2 RIBA stage 2 reports (not full Council)

-        Recommendation to progress to RIBA 3 for Lynnsport (not full Council)

-        Cabinet recommends to Council an amendment to the capital programme of £1,462,184 to progress to RIBA Stage 3.

-        Cabinet and council note that a further report at the end of RIBA stage 3 for Lynnsport will be brought forward in December 2025.