Decision details

From August 2022 until February 2023 IBC has been working with SLC (Sport, Leisure & Culture consultancy) on the design development of a new Aquatics centre to replace Crown Pools, which will be situated on the IBC owned surface car parking to the East of Portman Rd itself, as part of the Council’s commitment to the Sports Facilities Strategy 2022-30, including drafting of a Masterplan for the site bounded by Portman Rd, Princes St, Friars Bridge Rd and Great Gipping St.

The cost of designing the master plan and aquatics centre has increased due to design complexities which could not have been foreseen. As such, and in order to be able to submit a planning application early in the new year, it is necessary to enter into a new contract with SLC under a new ESPO Framework Agreement to revise all the plans, undertake a value engineering exercise, and issue all drawings and associated documents required to submit a Full Planning Application.

The Aquatics Centre is a critical element in the IBC investment in the health and well-being of Ipswich residents, particularly as Crown Pools is reaching the end of its useful life and is incurring significant maintenance costs.

To appoint SLC (Sport, Leisure & Culture consultancy) to undertake the design review noted above and liaise with IBC officers and associated consultants to submit a Full Planning Application and enter a new agreement under ESPO framework 664_21 (Lot 7) which was launched on 1 September 2023 and is effective until 31 August 2025, to a maximum value of £175,000.00.

Reason:

To ensure continuity of the consultants and that the replacement for Crown Pools can be delivered in an acceptable timescale and provide facilities that will benefit the health of Ipswich residents.