Issue - meetings

The Leisure Manager introduced his report providing an update on activities at the Cobtree Manor Estate since the meeting of the Committee in January 2022.  It was noted that:

Cobtree Manor Park

·  Latest car park usage data showed more than £110,000 net income for the financial year 2021/22, which was a positive variance of £5,000 against the revised budget.

Golf Course

·  There had been good course usage despite mixed conditions due to some extreme weather.  During the period January to mid-March 2022, there had been a similar number of rounds (4,451) as in the same whole quarter in 2019 (4,591).  The golf course improvement works were ongoing.

Kent Life

·  Planning Solutions had introduced a new pricing structure with a standard entry fee for everyone.  A new online ticketing system had been implemented.

·  Severe weather conditions in February 2022 had impacted on half-term customer numbers and, for a time, it had been necessary to close the lower car park due to flooding.

·  The Environment Agency was still using part of the car park as their works were over-running.  There had been discussions between the operator and the contractors about compensation for their extended use of the area, and an outcome was awaited.

·  Leaks in the artefact store had been resolved by roof maintenance and some remedial works had been undertaken to reduce cellar flooding.  Further investigations were planned, and an insurance claim was being investigated.

Cobtree Café

·  The operator had been required to carry out and had completed some emergency plumbing works in the toilets.  The operator was also required to resolve some maintenance issues there too, and these would be completed this month.  The Council had completed some minor drainage improvements at the toilet entrance thresholds.

·  The operator had reported a Quarter 3 performance 34% better than the same period in 2019, but, during the pandemic in 2020, business was 26% better than this year.

During the discussion, Members thanked the Officers for a very positive report.

RESOLVED:  That the update on activities at the Cobtree Manor Estate since the meeting of the Committee in January 2022 be noted.