Decision details

Summary

The Economy, Culture and Leisure Portfolio Holder presented a report seeking approval for the provision of an assurance and commitment to University Hospitals Morecambe Bay Trust (UHMBT) to grant UHMBT a two year (approximately) sub-lease of part of the Kendal Leisure Centre in the event that the Partnering Agreement with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) was not extended in 2024 so as to allow UHMBT to lease space within the Kendal Leisure Centre to deliver physiotherapy services away from a hospital environment.

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust (Muscular and skeletal services) were looking at their delivery model and were keen for a co-location at Kendal Leisure Centre to deliver physiotherapy services.  The service had a desire to move away from a hospital environment and a move to a Leisure Centre was an obvious way of enhancing the role of physical activity as a viable treatment option in NHS care.  This was a Cumbria-wide initiative which looked to bring local authorities, the NHS and other key partners from the leisure sector together to deliver shared leisure and health services that would free up much-needed space in hospitals.  The proposal would also help the public to access physiotherapy services in centres at the heart of the community.  This initiative and benefit had been driven as part of One Public Estate initiative.

Members expressed strong support for the proposal.

Decision

RESOLVED - That

(1)        the following be approved:-

(a)        the grant of a sub-underlease between GLL and UHMBT for approximately three years (2021, 2022 and 2023) of part of Kendal Leisure Centre; and

(b)       the grant of a sub-lease of part of Kendal Leisure Centre to UHMBT for a period of two years (2024 and 2025) following the grant of a sub–underlease between GLL and UHMBT for approximately three years of part of Kendal Leisure Centre (2021, 2022 and 2023), to provide security for investment made in Kendal Leisure Centre if for any reason that the contract with GLL is not extended following the formal bench marking exercise in 2023 of the Leisure Services Contract; and

(2)        the Director of Customer and Commercial Services be delegated authority, in conjunction with the Lead Specialist for Legal, Governance and Democracy, to agree terms and enter into appropriate agreements.

Reasons for Decision

To assist in the delivery of the Council Plan – working across boundaries – working with Morecambe Bay CCG to develop a population health approach.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

To not agree to the occupation of the NHS within Kendal Leisure Centre.  This is not considered appropriate when taking into account all the benefits as set out in the report at Appendix 3.