The Leisure Manager introduced the report, summarising that the project had begun in 2019, but was paused in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following involvement in the pandemic response, Sport England would support the project and had approved the diagnostic report. A verbal funding commitment had been given by Sport England for the project to move on to the next diagnostic stage encompassing three key areas: technical aspects of Maidstone Leisure Centre; community consultations; and future populations in line with the Local Plan Review. Online workshops were planned to facilitate community consultations, and the results of the three areas would enable business plan modelling to be carried out.

The Committee were informed that the all-Member briefing date had changed to 19 April 2021.

In response to questions, the Leisure Manager explained that the collaboration with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council was due to their undertaking a similar exercise in terms of future provision of leisure facilities. Kent Sport had been consulted, and discussions with schools and the Local Education Authority could be included in the next stage.

RESOLVED: That the contents of the report be noted.