Medway’s Full Council will be asked to consider increasing the capital budget to continue funding the development of a new sports centre in Rainham.
This is due to an increase in costs being experienced by the construction industry nationally.
At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 18 October 2022, it was agreed to take the decision to add an amount not exceeding £7million to the capital budget to Full Council on Thursday, 10 November 2022, to allow Medway Council to proceed with plans for the facility on the former Splashes site in Bloors Lane, Rainham.
The plans revealed earlier this year included a state-of-the-art sports centre with swimming pools and a fitness gym.
Independent design contractors had provided projected costs for the development earlier this year, which had been considered and confirmed in council budgets. A recent procurement process has outlined an increase in costs as a result of pressures being experienced nationally.
Committed to providing a state-of-the-art sports facility
Cllr Howard Doe, Portfolio Holder covering Community Services, said: “I recommended to Cabinet that we continue to support the development of a new family-friendly sports centre in Rainham and this was agreed. A report will now be taken to Full Council to consider adding a sum not exceeding £7million to the capital budget, to meet the unfortunate national trend in a rise of costs in the construction industry. The former Splashes facility was much-loved by families across Medway and the council is committed to continuing with plans to provide a state-of-the-art sports facility for residents of all ages to enjoy.”