Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item 6

29 May 2003

Tile Barn Outdoor Development Centre

Report by the Director of Recreation and Heritage and the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1

Summary

1.1

The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage approves the project appraisal for the construction of a Bunkhouse and replacement reception/office/storage building at Tile Barn Outdoor Development Centre at an estimated cost of £413,000 including fees, and authorises the installation of a sprinkler system

2

Reason(s)

2.1

Tile Barn Outdoor Development Centre has operated successfully as a camping centre for young people for over 30 years. The fixed camping facilities currently limit residential options to spring and summer months. The new facilities will allow students to reside on site throughout the year.

2.2

Over a year ago, the use of the temporary structure that housed the Centre's administrative office was formally restricted on structural safety grounds. Since this was condemned, staff have operated from the single classroom on site and, very recently, from a `shipping container' temporary office. There is an urgent need to resolve this situation and to provide more appropriate accommodation for centre staff and visitors.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

The requirements of the Tile Barn for the facilities in question have been identified as a priority and the works set out in the design project appraisal are considered to be the most appropriate and cost effective way of meeting that need.

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or a member or officer consulted

4.1

None

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1

Not applicable

6

Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1

Not applicable

Approved by:

..........................

Date of decision:

.........................

Councillor J Waddington

Hampshire County Council

Recreation and Heritage Policy Review Committee Item: 9

22 May 2003

Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item: 6

29 May 2003

Tile Barn Outdoor Development Centre

Report by the Director of Recreation and Heritage and the Director of

Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1

Summary

1.1

The Tile Barn Outdoor Development Centre is located off Church Lane in Brockenhurst. The residential facilities at the Centre currently limit use to the warmer months and the construction of a purpose-built, permanent accommodation block would enable an additional 5,000 `bednights' per annum, representing up to 2,000 new young people in the first year of operation. This would be in addition to the current level of 15,500 `bednights' spent under canvas.

1.2

The replacement office building has been designed to provide a more effective reception point for the centre, providing better working space for staff and a clearly designated arrival point for groups. In addition, the design incorporates much needed improvements for equipment storage, and provides a more appropriate `observation point' from which to supervise the site as a whole.

1.3

In April 2002, members of the Recreation and Heritage PRC formally endorsed the Outdoor Service Strategic Plan, in which the development of the Bunkhouse was accepted as a key element for Tile Barn's development. This was ratified by the Executive Member in May 2002.

2.

Scope of the Works

2.1

The new accommodation block will house 34 young people and four staff in separate male/female units. The facility will extend from and incorporate the current classroom, which will become a multi-use space for groups using the Bunkhouse - an activity/dining/work room. Two bedrooms with wheelchair accessible wc/shower will also be formed in the existing classroom building, adjacent to the multi-use space.

2.2

The new admin block will comprise an office, reception area and improved storage facilities. The Warden's accommodation, (for staff on overnight duty) comprising a bedroom/kitchen/bathroom will be provided adjacent to the office accommodation.

3.

Funding and Timing

3.1

The capital cost of the bunkhouse facility (£213,000) is being met in part by the successful application to the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) for Sport and PE, which will provide £102,000. The balance is included in the Recreation and Heritage capital programme for 2003/2004.

3.2

The capital cost of the reception/office/storage building will be met entirely from Recreation and Heritage resources. Of this, £90,000 has already been set aside, and the remaining £110,000 will be funded from the Recreation and Heritage capital programme for 2003/04.

3.3

There are clear cost-benefit savings to be achieved by commissioning the two projects together and operational benefits of undertaking parallel construction of the buildings. It is therefore intended to tender the two projects as one package. It is intended to complete the work during the `close' season, ie commence October 2003, complete March 2004.

Conclusion

The proposed scheme will provide a permanent residential facility for young people, an improved office facility and removal of temporary buildings from the site. Approval is accordingly sought to the attached building design appraisal.