Tendering process for the proposed feasability study on the future use of Fort Regent

1240/5(1891)

QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE COMMITTEE ON TUESDAY 10th JUNE 2003, BY SENATOR E.P. VIBERT

Question 1

1. Now that the tendering process is complete in relation to the proposed feasibility study into the future use of Fort Regent, would the President inform membersof the cost ofthewinning tender for this work?
2. Will thePresidentinformmembers –

( i) w hether it has yet been established that the sports activities currently carried out at Fort Regent can all

be re-located elsewhere to the satisfaction of the 42 groups using these facilities, and, if not the reasons why? and,

( i i) w hether the Committee has obtained the view of the Environment and Public Services Committee

regarding the construction of a sports centre at the Le Rocquier site, and, if not, the reasons why?

Answer

1. I am afraid that theSenator is misinformed. Tenders for the Feasibility Study will notbe considered by the Education, Sport and Culture Committee until 16th July 2003.
2. (i)  This will form part of the Feasibility Study,whichhas not yet commenced.

( ii ) No decision has been taken to construct a sports centre at Le Rocquier and, therefore, there is no need at

this stage to obtain the views of the Environment and Public Services Committee. I can confirm, however, that the Director of the Planning and Environment Department is a member of the Client Team.

Question 2

1. Would the President advise membersof the cost of the currentreplacement of the escalators at Fort Regent and building of a bistro/clubhouseforActiveCardmembers?
2. Would the President alsoadvisemembersof the business rationale ofcontinued spending onFortRegent when theCommittee is actively looking for ways in whichitcanbe handed over to private enterprise within the nextthreeto four years?

Answer

1. A request was submitted in April 2001 to replace the escalators as part of the 2002 Minor Capital Programme. This request wasdeferredbut subsequently included in the 2003 MinorCapitalProgramme.

T h e cost of replacing both escalators is estimated at £220,000, with associated building work estimated at

£78,000. A sum of £47,000 has been set aside for fees and contingencies.

T  he existing escalators, which were installed in 1978, frequently break down, despite regular servicing in

accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. We have recently been advised by the manufacturer that some replacement parts may no longer be available. A major breakdown could result in the loss of the escalators for a considerable period of time which would seriously affect access to the facilities, particularly for major events, shows and conferences.

T h e Active Bistro' is being offered to an outside caterer on a concession basis. All costs will be borne by the

operator and not the Education, Sport and Culture Committee.

W e will be providing a small rest area for Active Card Members' using the Health and Fitness facilities. This

is common practice in Health and Fitness provisions and a further indication of the Committee's commitment to improve the facilities for Active Card Members in order to retain customer loyalty. The cost of this additional amenity is £8,000, which will be funded through income derived from the Active Brand.

2. Until the Feasibility Study iscompleteand the States has hadan opportunity to debate the outcomeof the study, we must continue to operate Fort Regent to the high standards we have set to meet customer expectations. TheFortRegent Leisure Centre will continue to be used formanyyears regardless ofany recommendationswhichmay result from the Feasibility Study.Therefore,continuedinvestment in upgrading and modernising facilities whereappropriate,including meeting any requirementswhichmayimpacton Health and Safety such asthereplacementofsuspectequipment,is essential.