Billingham Forum FAQs

How long will the refurbishment take?
In order to carry out the works the Forum will close on 30th June 2009 and re-open in January 2011. This is a total of 75 weeks (actual construction).

Why are we going ahead with a full closure when initially it was due to be a phased closure?
During 2007 when we carried out the 'option analysis' work which informed Cabinet/Council's decision to opt for refurbishment, we anticipated that a phased refurbishment would offer a number of benefits to the Council, Tees Active Ltd and users of Billingham Forum. Primarily the benefits encompassed the continuation of service and the ability to factor in any maintenance works into early refurbishment works. At this time we also advised Cabinet that a detailed procurement strategy would be produced in order to ensure associated risk management issues would be fully addressed and that the next stage of the design process would focus heavily on 'value engineering' and 'cost effective procurement.'

As part of this procurement strategy the Council carried out some preliminary discussions with major contractors who indicated that it would be preferable to carry out the refurbishment works under a full closure. The contractors also indicated that this would deliver significant time and cost savings whilst minimising risk. As a result, Council Officers and Tees Active Ltd undertook the feasibility analysis (since updated with the preferred contractor, Morgan Ashurst's input) comparing the advantages and disadvantages of both a full and phased closure.

Following consultation with numerous Council officers, Tees Active Ltd, Billingham Members and the relevant Portfolio Holders a decision was made to carry out a full closure based upon the following reasons:

? Overall cost savings to the contract - it has been identified that a saving of approximately £1.9m is achievable by using the full closure development against a phased partial closure. This ensures that no overspend would be projected and as such no reduction in specification would be required to meet any overspend. Therefore the scheme is able to be delivered at the projected cost of £14.6m.
? Better managed Health & Safety and overall site, project and risk management
? An anticipated 12-15 months time saving i.e. estimated 18 months for full closure whereas the phased closure was estimated to span 2.5 years
? Grand opening for the whole building as oppose to piecemeal (n.b. piecemeal has varying insurance and Health & Safety impacts)

As previously indicated, Tees Active Limited, who manage the building on the Council's behalf and Billingham Members are in full support of a full closure and understand that an investment of this magnitude needs to be approached with diligence and sensitivity.

Tees Active Ltd and the Council are committed to working with users to minimise their inconvenience and support them through the refurbishment period.

It should be noted that all of the Forum facilities would have been subject to a period of some closure under a phased refurbishment. It was initially estimated that the pool and theatre would have to close for approximately 8 months, and the dry sports and ice rink for around 11 months each but working with our contractors it is now known it will take at least 15 months and more likely 18 months to refurbish the ice arena alone.

What has been/is being done to help the user groups at the Forum during the closure?
Tees Active Ltd and the Council are fully committed to assisting individuals and/or groups who need support and have been meeting with users and user groups for several months to discuss their needs and how best we can support them during the refurbishment period. The public were made aware of the closure a year in advance so that where possible alternative arrangements can be made.

Presently, Tees Active Ltd is working to co-ordinate the relocation of existing user groups for the period of refurbishment. Additionally, casual, pay and play style opportunities are also being reviewed and information relating to the relocation of these services/facilities will be provided in the near future. Further to this, specific activities such as the 'Sporting Start for Kids' in partnership with the Primary Care Trust are also being planned. All of this information will be disseminated across the Borough via the Council and Tees Active Ltd websites, Stockton News and community meetings / the Residents Network etc. prior to the refurbishment closure of Billingham Forum

Can a temporary ice rink be provided during the closure?
Last year following Cabinet approval an initial feasibility study was carried out to determine whether a temporary ice rink could be provided. Unfortunately, it was not found to be viable because of the level of investment and risks associated with delivering a facility of this scale, nature and size - a suitable site would need to be identified, planning would need to be sought, and there would be car parking, accessibility and drainage issues to consider. Public safety and the impact on the road network and surrounding area (noise etc) would also need to be taken into account. The costs associated with providing a temporary ice rink would also be prohibitive. It is considered to be more prudent to use the £14.6m secured at Cabinet to fully upgrade the Forum to be enjoyed by everyone for the next 25+ years rather than use a significant amount of these monies to provide a temporary ice rink for 18 months.

However, a private sector company has seen the closure as an opportunity to provide a temporary ice rink and the Council is currently assisting the company by appraising potential site options. If a suitable site is identified the private sector company would have to consider whether a temporary ice rink would be feasible as it would be provided entirely at their own risk and cost.

How will the ice pad opening in Durham affect the Forum?
If the proposed ice rink in Durham opens during the Forum's closure it would be beneficial to local people as it would provide an ice facility closer to Stockton Borough/Tees Valley.

(Are you not concerned it will take some of your customer base?)
When the Forum reopens it will be refurbished to provide for our sporting and leisure needs. Billingham Forum has a very loyal customer base, local people relate to it - it is part of their heritage which is one of the main reasons the Council has committed to investing £14.6m to refurbish it as opposed to funding a new build leisure centre. It would be expected that any new rink at Durham would be visited by people to the north; Durham and its surrounding areas; and the Forum would be used primarily by people in the Tees Valley and further south ensuring a state of the art facility available for all.

Is any support being given to the Billingham Bombers - they'll be out for 2 seasons?
The works to the ice rink are the driver for the refurbishment programme and once completed will realise great benefits to users such as the Billingham Bombers.

Given the extent of the works required to the ice pad itself, it will be necessary to close it for at least 15 months but more likely 18 months to allow these works to go ahead. This is the quickest it can be done - it is not possible to phase this work.

It is possible should the new rink at Durham be developed that this could be used as a temporary base for ice activity usually taken in the forum. Discussions would be held should that avenue be available.

What facilities are to be included in the refurbished Forum?
? A standardised swimming pool (6x25m), with the creation of an additional training pool together with the retained learner pool. Refurbished changing rooms, toilets & spectator areas
? The gym will be extended to offer an additional 30 health & fitness stations making 70 in total & changing facilities will be improved
? Structural improvements will be carried out to the theatre & it will also benefit from a new enhanced entrance.
? The ice rink is to benefit from a new ice pad, an improved café / refreshment area. Upgrading of the spectator area, toilets & skate hire distribution point and changing facilities are also to benefit from the works.
? The indoor 2 lane bowls court will benefit from a new floor together with new decoration throughout.
? A 4 court sports hall
? 2 squash courts
? A Multi-purpose room
? An Enhanced reception area
? A New dance studio
? An Exhibition space in the entrance is to be made available for bespoke art work
? A Children's Play barn
? A New central café area is to be created to allow visitors to the centre to relax and refresh themselves.
? More stylised appearance created through the provision of a glass atrium covering a modern central hub, around the new glazed entrance.

How long will the refurbishment maintain the Forum for?
25 years +. The refurbishment scheme includes a planned programme of maintenance works to ensure the life of the Forum beyond the next 25 years. The costs associated with the development include future proofing the various elements of the works and putting in place appropriate management and maintenance regimes to repair and or replace as necessary any aspect of the works for the next 25 years and beyond.

Will the sale of the Town Centre pay for it?
The capital receipt from the sale of the Town Centre has been invested in order to offset the loss of annual revenue from Town Centre businesses /retailers. The Council however is committed to upgrading the Forum and has identified a significant amount of resource (£644,000) per annum for the next 25 years to fund works. In addition Tees Active Ltd have also committed to a significant investment of £450,000 per annum for the next 25 years. In addition the Council is in the process of securing £500,000 capital from Sport England (subject to approval) and £200,000 capital from the Department of Culture, Media and Sports SWIM initiative which is administered by Sport England. (subject to approval)

Will Billingham tax payers be paying for this for the next 25 years?
Billingham and Borough residents will not see an increase in their Council Tax as a result of this scheme.

Where will people be able to access sporting activities when the Forum is closed?
Presently, Tees Active Ltd is working to co-ordinate the relocation of existing user groups for the period of refurbishment. Additionally, casual, pay and play style opportunities are also being reviewed and information relating to the relocation of these services/facilities will be provided in the near future. Further to this, specific activities such as the 'Sporting Start for Kids' in partnership with the Primary Care Trust are also being planned. All of this information will be disseminated across the Borough via the Council and Tees Active Ltd websites, Stockton News and community meetings / the Residents Network etc. prior to the refurbishment closure of Billingham Forum.
As a member /user of the Forum you will be able to use Tees Active's other leisure facilities in the Borough which include:

? Thornaby Pavilion - in the process of benefiting from a £1.4M investment which includes the recent installation of a new 70 station gym with brand new state of the art fitness equipment and a refurbished 6 lane indoor bowl centre. The café, crèche and nursery, changing rooms & entrance are also being refurbished. The works will all be complete by spring 09, before the Forum closes. The Pavilion also offers a large indoor sports hall, and a range of Health and Fitness classes.

? Thornaby Pool - a recently refurbished 25 metre, five-lane swimming pool that is very much family orientated. It is very popular with early morning swimmers, offers an extensive swimming programme for local schools, and family fun sessions and Weekend Pool Parties with fun floats and inflatable

? SPLASH - Stockton's newest leisure facility has been designed to meet 21st century needs and offers a 25 metre pool with wave machine, water features, spa pool and flume slide. Its Activ8 fitness suite is currently being increased from 45 to 75 stations as part of an exciting extension programme (£2.5M) set to be complete in November 2009. Two new multi functional rooms will also be created to accommodate a wider range of activities, many of which will be brand new. A modern, larger café will also be built alongside new changing accommodation. Additionally, the Council has bid for £100,000 from Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) SWIM initiative, administered by Sport England, to improve the family swim changing offer.
In addition Tees Active Ltd will be providing free swimming for under 16's and over 60's for 2 years as part of the Department of Culture, Media and Sports SWIM initiative.
Please refer to Tees Active's website http://www.teesactive.co.uk/ for more information.

What will happen to the fish / tree / commemorative plaques?
We are liaising with the Council's Animal Welfare officers regarding the safety and welfare of the fish currently in the Forum pond. It is intended that a new home will be found for them.
Unfortunately, as the tree would not survive any replanting, it will have to be removed in order to complete the scheme and incorporate the outdoor courtyard into the refurbished building. Officers will attempt to take cuttings before it is removed.
All commemorative plaques will be retained.

Is the design affordable?

Robust financial analysis has been carried out with the Council, Tees Active and Morgan Ashurst to ensure that the scheme can be delivered within the £14.6m budget.
Of course, with a building of this age and scale there may be additional works however an extensive risk management exercise has been completed to identify any such works. We have set aside a construction contingency risk within the constraints of the existing budget to account for this. These risks are continually analysed to determine whether the risks are realised and if so what affect against the budget and programme this would have.
Local Authorities are able to borrow as much money as required, without government consent, provided they can demonstrate that the planned borrowing is affordable.