By The Local Democracy Reporter ldreporter@post.com
Oakham Town Council has officially triggered a major initiative to modernise the town’s sports infrastructure, approving a comprehensive Phase 1 Feasibility and Redevelopment Study. The move signals a strategic intent to evaluate, and potentially overhaul, the town's sporting landscape.
The council has committed a total of £25,000 to fund this initial stage, drawing from two distinct financial pools, £10,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). £15,000 from the council’s general reserves.
The approved funding will support a wide array of professional assessments. This "Phase 1" work is designed to provide the council with a roadmap before any physical construction or relocation begins. The scope of the study includes:
Site Searches & Valuations, identifying potential locations for new or improved facilities.
Development Appraisals, assessing the economic and practical viability of proposed projects.
Planning Feasibility, navigating the regulatory and zoning requirements for redevelopment.
Professional Advice, engaging experts to ensure the strategy is robust and sustainable.
While the council is eager to move forward, the resolution included several "brakes" to ensure public accountability. Most notably, a motion was carried stating that any decision to move beyond Phase 1 must be referred back to the Full Council for approval. This ensures that the £25,000 investment is purely for research and does not automatically commit the town to a multi-million-pound build.
Interestingly, a proposal to allow "direct appointment" of contractors for this study bypassing the councils standing orders that mandate the procurement competitive bidding processes are triggered was withdrawn during the session.
The redevelopment talk has naturally sparked interest and perhaps some anxiety among local sports groups. The council specifically authorised the Town Clerk to begin "early, neutral engagement" with the local Tennis and Bowls Clubs.
The Clerk was tasked with informing these clubs that while work is commencing, no final decisions have been made. This proactive outreach aims to keep local stakeholders in the loop and prevent rumours regarding the future of their existing grounds.
The proposals, led by Cllr Ainsley and seconded by Cllr Clark, were largely successful, though not without some hesitation. The motions regarding the next phases of work and club engagement saw two abstentions and one vote against, reflecting the cautious nature of the council when balancing ambitious redevelopment with the preservation of existing community assets.
With the funding now secured, the feasibility study is expected to begin shortly, marking the first step in what could be a transformative era for Oakham's sporting community.
Editor’s Note: Clarification on the Sports Facilities Feasibility Study
Following our recent report on Oakham Town Council’s decision to fund a £25,000 feasibility and redevelopment study, we have been asked to clarify a specific point regarding the potential future of the land currently occupied by the local tennis and bowls clubs.
During the council’s discussions, Cllr Paul Ainsley expressed a his own desire to explore the possibility of selling and developing this land for housing. Projections suggest such a move could potentially generate millions of pounds for the council, which could then be reinvested into the community.
However, it is vital to emphasise that Oakham Town Council has not made any decision on this matter, or even considered his desire.
The current vote was strictly to approve Phase 1 of a feasibility study. This stage is designed to gather information, conduct site searches, and seek professional advice. As stated in the council resolution, any decision to move beyond this investigative phase must be brought back to the Full Council for further debate and a formal vote.
At this stage, no land has been sold, no developers have been engaged, and the future of the tennis and bowls clubs remains under consultation.
Oakham Town Council Published Minute:
04/26-13 SPORTS FEASABILITY AND REDEVELOPMENT STUDY: To consider the following items and to use £10k from UKSPF and £15k from reserves to fund the study.
1. To approve the commencement of Phase 1 feasibility work, as described in the confidential document Sports Facilities Feasibility & Redevelopment Strategy.
Proposed by Cllr Ainsley and seconded by Cllr Clark. Carried.
2. To approve the use of funds from the £10,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the balance of £15,000 to come from general reserves to support Phase 1 activities, including feasibility studies, site search, valuation, development appraisal, planning feasibility, and associated professional advice.
Proposed by Cllr Ainsley and seconded by Cllr Clark. Carried.
3. To approve the procurement approach set out in the strategy document, including the use of direct appointment where justified under the Council’s Financial Regulations. Withdrawn.
4. That any decision to move beyond Phase 1 must be referred to Full Council for approval. Proposed by Cllr Ainsley and seconded by Cllr Clark. 2 Abstentions Carried.
5. To authorise the Town Clerk to undertake early, neutral engagement with the Tennis and Bowls Clubs, informing them that feasibility work is commencing and that no decisions have been made. Proposed by Cllr Ainsley and seconded by Cllr Clark. 2 Abstentions, 1 Against Carried.
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