Presentation to be given to the Panel on the Oaks Leisure Centre.

Dan Brunt (ReFormat Architects) and Kevin Mist, Directorates Project Lead (RBWM) gave a presentation on the above item. It was outlined that the proposal for the Oaks Leisure centre in the south of the borough would include an indoor wet and dry sports facility. It was noted that this project had been worked upon for the last two years and that it was at RIBA Stage Two report. There had been no planning application submitted as of yet but that there were plans to do so later this year. Members of the Panel were show visuals of facades and intended floor plans.

The Panel were told that the building would be partly trenched below surface level to ensure that there was limited impact to the settings surrounding the buildings and to reduce massing and scaling. It was proposed that there would be both wet and dry facilities on site and the access to the building would be from Charters Road. It was highlighted that there would be an increased number of parking spaces (107 spaces). Panel Members were told that there would be a 25m swimming pool with 6 lanes, gym facilities, a dance studio and spinning room. The design was aimed to be modern, inclusive of the surroundings by being open and that the approach to the building would be visible from the Charters Road entrance. There would be two separate buildings for the proposed leisure facilities. It had been proposed that there would be an open reception and café space incorporated into the design. The presentation showed the face of the building and it was confirmed that there would be some visibility to the swimming pool and dry sports area. The building would comprise of high quality materials which were both robust and modern.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Members discussed the following:

·         Would there be extra congestion at peak use times? It was noted that there would be a spread of congestion, such as high levels of traffic around school pick up and drop off times, but that these in theory would be times when facilities use would be lower. There was further work to be done surrounding on street parking to increase flow of traffic.

·         What is the timescale for completion? It was reiterated that there was no planning application at yet and that this would be dependant upon granting of approval. Further details would return to the Panel when more information was known.

·         Did this project form part of the continuing work of enhancement of RBWM schools? It was confirmed that this would be similar to the projects erected at Cox Green, Furze Platt and that this would also benefit the community with regards to day time public access in addition to use outside of school times..

·         Members discussed whether any feedback had been received in relation to the look of the building and its use of cladding? It was noted that all feedback had been positive and that the ambition was to be architecturally distinct. Panel Members were told that there was still work to be done with regards to the look of the building but that Sunningdale Parish had been positive regarding the design.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Members noted the presentation and commended officers for their ongoing work with this project and asked for this to be added to the agenda for November.