Tamworth BMX track feasibility report (Draft) (2)democracy.tamworth.gov.uk/documents/s561/BMX track...

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FMG Consulting Business solutions for sport & leisure FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR A NEW BMX TRACK IN TAMWORTH TAMWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL A REPORT BY FMG CONSULTING MARCH 2011

Transcript of Tamworth BMX track feasibility report (Draft) (2)democracy.tamworth.gov.uk/documents/s561/BMX track...

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FMG ConsultingBusiness solutions for sport & leisure

FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR A NEW BMX TRACK IN TAMWORTH

TAMWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL

A

REPORT

BY

FMG CONSULTING

MARCH 2011

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction and Background ................................................................................................ 1

2. Background and local context ............................................................................................... 3

3. Consultation ...................................................................................................................... 10

4. Current provision ............................................................................................................... 13

5. Site options ....................................................................................................................... 18

6. Financial analysis ............................................................................................................... 27

7. Summary, conclusions and way forward .............................................................................. 35

Appendices

Appendix A - Tamworth BMX Club Business Plan

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1. Introduction and Background

Background and scope of the study

1.1 Tamworth BMX Racing Club was reformed in 2009 with the aim of re-introducing BMX within Tamworth and establishing a club capable of competing at regional and national level. It is led by a committee of enthusiastic, hard-working volunteers who have already attracted a number of grants and offers of financial support to provide equipment and coaching within the Borough.

1.2 Tamworth hosted a successful BMX Club (Tamworth Crusaders) in the 1980’s & 90’s, which ran regular race meetings at local, regional and national levels, with a home track in Tamworth. In order to achieve the aspirations of the reformed Tamworth BMX Racing Club, the Club need to develop a new ‘home’track, ideally in Tamworth.

1.3 The key objectives of this study were therefore to determine:

• the strategic need for a new BMX track

• potential locations for a new track

• what the facility mix should be and indicative capital costs

• likely income and expenditure to run a new facility

• headline funding options.

Methodology

1.4 FMG Consulting was appointed by Tamworth Borough Council, in February 2011, to undertake the feasibility study for a new BMX track in the Borough.

1.5 In order to meet the objectives set out above, the study has involved carrying out the following tasks:

• undertaking a strategic review of existing policy documents, strategies and data of relevance to the study

• undertaking a demographic analysis, via an assessment of the local population within a 10 and 20 minute drivetime to understand the local market

• an assessment of existing provision, via the preparation of a facility audit which details all potentially competing facilities both within the borough and also within the region

• undertaking consultation interviews with key stakeholders to explore their views on the need for a BMX track within the borough

• undertaking site visits to potential locations

• preparing a recommended facility mix, with specific reference to required size of facilities

• undertaking a headline, visual site appraisal

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• the preparation of indicative capital cost estimates for the recommended facility mix

• appraisal of headline income and expenditure projections for the agreed facility mix for a period of up to five years (prepared by the Club)

• identification of potential funding routes.

Report Structure

1.6 The key findings from this work are set out into the following sections:

• section two – background and local context

• section three – local need

• section four – current provision

• section five – site options appraisal

• section six – financial analysis

• section seven – summary, conclusions and way forward.

1.7 Additional supporting information is also provided within the accompanying appendix from Tamworth BMX Club.

Basis of information

1.8 It is not possible to guarantee the fulfilment of any estimates or forecasts contained within this report, although they have been conscientiously prepared on the basis of our research and information made available to us at the time of the study. Neither FMG Consulting Ltd as a company nor the authors will be held liable to any party for any direct or indirect losses, financial or otherwise, associated with any contents of this report. We have relied in a number of areas on information provided by the client and Tamworth BMX Racing Club and FMG Consulting has not undertaken additional independent verification of this data.

1.9 For further information on the contents of this report, please contact Andy Farr, FMG Consulting, on 07971 837531.

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2. Background and local context

2.1 In order to understand the local context and need for a BMX track, the study has included a desk-based review of relevant strategic data and documents. This work has included:

• a demographic review to identify key population and socio-economic trends within the borough and also within a 20 minute drive time of Tamworth town centre

• a review of key health indicators and statistics

• a review of participation trends in sport and physical activity, particularly cycling

• a review of key strategic policy documents for Tamworth that are of relevance to the study.

Borough profile

2.2 Tamworth Borough, located in the south eastern area of Staffordshire County in the West Midlands, is the smallest of the eight district authorities in Staffordshire.

2.3 The Borough covers circa 3,000 hectares and is predominantly urban and densely populated with a small amount of countryside and Green Belt encircling the urban area. Comprising a large town that serves the needs of its own residents and those of the surrounding rural villages in the adjoining districts of Lichfield and North Warwickshire.

2.4 The total population has increased significantly over recent decades and now stands at approximately 75,400 (2006 mid-year estimates) and is forecast to grow further to around 82,000 by 2026.

2.5 As can be seen in Table 2.1 below, the existing population comprises a higher proportion of younger residents, although the future population is expected to contain a higher proportion of elderly people.

Table 2.1 – Age profile of Tamworth residents

Age profile Tamworth WM Region England

0 – 16 years 24% 22% 21%

17 – 25 years 11% 11% 11%

26 – 39 years 22% 20% 21%

40 – 59 years 28% 26% 26%

60+ years 16% 21% 21%

Deprivation

2.6 2007 Indices of Deprivation showed that for Health and Disability Tamworth has 1 Lower Level Super Output Area (LSOA) which falls into the top 10% nationally and there are a further 4 LSOA’s which fall into the top 20%. (2007 Indices are the latest datasets available for England as the 2010 data has not yet been published).

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2.7 In terms of socio-economic classification, there is also a significantly smaller proportion of residents within the higher socio-economic groupings; with just 45% of Tamworth residents classified as being from ABC1 groups compared to 47% in the West Midlands region and 52% in England.

2.8 Key economic data recorded for 2006/07 suggests above average levels of economic activity in Tamworth with circa 80% classified as being economically active and lower levels of unemployment, at just 4.0%, compared to 5.6% in the West Midlands Region and 5.5% nationally.

2.9 In addition, of particular relevance to this study and site selection issues, is the high level of households within the district that have access to a car, with Census data indicating that:

• whilst 78% of households have access to a car in Tamworth

• at a national and regional level; the corresponding proportion is just 73%.

Catchment population within a 20 minute drive time

2.10 Within a 20 minute drive time of Tamworth town centre, there are circa 248,800 people. When compared to the borough profile, the population within this catchment comprises:

• a higher proportion of older people, with 27% aged 55+ years compared to 21% in Tamworth

• a lower proportion of young people, with 43% aged under 35 years compared to 49% in Tamworth

• a higher proportion of people from the higher socio-economic groups ABC1 (56%) compared to 47% in Tamworth

• a slightly lower proportion of households which do not have access to a car (19%) compared to 22% in Tamworth

• a slightly higher proportion of people from BME communities (2.7%) compared to 1.9% in Tamworth.

Health Issues

2.11 Whilst many residents in Tamworth are in good health and feel in good health, there are still health inequalities. For example, circa 9% of residents described their general health as ‘not good’ in the 2001 Census and around 17% are living with a limiting long-term illness. Furthermore, health statistics show that:

• teenage pregnancy rates in Tamworth are significantly above national rates

• many estimates suggest that residents are leading an unhealthy lifestyle, in terms of smoking, alcohol consumption and an unhealthy diet.

2.12 See Table 2.2 overleaf.

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Table 2.2 – Key Health Statistics

Key statistics Tamworth England

Adults who smoke 27.6% 24.1%

Healthy eating adults 17.0% 26.3%

Obese adults 24.6% 23.6%

Binge drinking adults 19.8% 18.0%

Teenage pregnancy 50.1% 41.1%

Health Profile (2006)

Participation in sport and physical activity

2.13 The health benefits of taking part in sport/physical activity on a regular basis have long been recognised. The national survey (Active People) undertaken by Sport England in 2005/06 and repeated in 2007/08 and 2008/09 captured data relating to participation levels in sport and physical activity that could be analysed at local authority level.

2.14 The headline KPIs for Tamworth are set out in Table 2.3 below which also shows comparisons with both regional and national data. As can be seen, levels in the West Midlands region are generally below the national average. However, of particular note, from a Tamworth perspective, is the fact that a lower proportion of adults:

• take part in sport/physical activity for 30 minutes or more three times per week

• are a member of a sports club

• take part in competitive sport.

Table 2.3 – Participation levels in sport and physical activity

Measure Tamworth WM Region England

Participation 3 x 30 mins per week 19% 19.3% 21.0%

Volunteering 4.7% 4.7% 4.7%

Club membership 21.0% 23.5% 25.1%

Organised competitive sport 14.0% 13.9% 15.0%

Satisfaction with sports provision 76.7% 69.1% 69.5%

Source: Sport England Active People Survey 2005/06

2.15 Sport England has subsequently undertaken further analysis of the Active People survey data to model participation rates at middle layer super output area (MSOA – ie smaller areas within a local authority). The information from this analysis for Tamworth is shown in Map 2.1 overleaf. The higher rates of participation ie the ‘hot spots’ are shown in the darker colours and the lower rates of participation, ie the ‘cold spots’ shown in white and lighter blue colours. Of particular note, is the fact that there are lower levels of participation within the central areas of the borough.

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Map 2.1 – Sport and physical activity participation levels

Source: Sport England Active People Survey 2005/06

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Active People Survey 3

2.16 Further analysis of AP3 data for sport-specific participation shows that cycling and swimming are the top ranked sports in Tamworth, both with participation rates of 12.5%. In comparison, the cycling participation rate for Tamworth is higher than both the regional and national average.

2.17 There therefore appears to be considerable data to support provision of improved cycling facilities as a means of addressing the low levels of participation in the borough, particularly in light of the popularity of the sport generally.

Strategic policy

Tamworth Corporate Plan

2.18 The Council has developed a number of strategic policy documents. Of particular importance is the Corporate Plan, which sets out a vision that by 2020:

“Tamworth will be an ideal place to live, work and raise your family in the Heart of England”

2.19 To achieve this vision, the Council aims to work within effective local, regional and national partnerships to influence and improve the services delivered by us and a range of other public and private sector organisations. The key priorities identified in the plan are as follows:

• to work with others to actively tackle the cause and impact of crime and anti-social behaviour in order to:

- make sure people feel safe

- reduce levels of crime and anti-social behaviour

- encourage the involvement of local communities in addressing crime and anti-social behaviour

• to work with others to create and maintain a clean and green environment in order to:

- make sure that Tamworth has clean streets and high quality open spaces

- promote a sustainable lifestyle across local communities.

• to work with others to provide a vibrant and prosperous town centre in order to:

- continue to develop an integrated Master Plan for Tamworth Town Centre

- undertake a review of leisure and entertainment demand

• to work with others to improve housing standards for the people of Tamworth in order to:

- make sure that Good Quality Housing will be available

- improve housing and environmental conditions for everyone

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- address the housing needs of vulnerable people and improving services in preventing homelessness

• to work with others to continue to raise our positive profile within the Heart of England in order to:

- increase public pride in the borough of Tamworth and encourage positive feedback relating to Public Services in the Borough

- involve local businesses and partners in raising the profile of Tamworth.

• to work with others to improve health and education standards for the people of Tamworth in order to:

- help people live a longer, healthier and active life

- reduce the number of people not in employment, education or training

- provide best leisure options to meet local needs.

Town Centre Masterplan

2.20 In addition, a Town Centre Masterplan has been developed for the borough, which sets out a vision and long-term regeneration strategy for the town centre. The plan identifies a range of key issues in relation to existing provision and considers a number of options in response. The options proposed aim to enhance the town centre’s vitality and viability as a thriving and sustainable mixed use centre offering a full range of retail, leisure, employment and residential facilities. As such, the opportunity to develop a new leisure centre within or close to the town centre could hep achieve these aims.

Tamworth Community Plan

2.21 The role and purpose of the Community Plan is to help change and improve Tamworth, whilst planning ahead for that change. It is the overarching strategic document for the Borough and as such, it sets out six priority themes; of particular relevance are priorities around developing:

• an inclusive and healthy town

• a sustainable and attractive environment with good transport.

Summary

2.22 The data and information set out above shows a clear strategic rationale for looking to improve local provision, in order to help:

• encourage increased participation levels in sport/physical activity

• provide activities for young people

• support club development in the borough

• contribute towards improving the health/quality of life amongst local residents

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• meet the strategic objectives set out in the corporate documents, particularly in relation to:

- raising the profile of Tamworth (based on events use of the new track)

- helping people to live a healthier and active lifestyle.

2.23 Specifically for BMX participation, cycling is the joint highest participation activity in Tamworth, with higher participation rates than the regional and national average. The age profile of the borough is also younger than the regional and national average, again supporting provision of activities for younger age groups.

2.24 Also, the level of club membership is well below regional / national averages and this project offers the opportunity to develop an additional club base in the borough.

2.25 In relation to site selection, the lowest participation levels can be found centrally, which supports a central site for the new track.

2.26 There therefore appears to be a supportive strategic context in which provision of a new BMX track can be justified.

2.27 Sections three and four which follow set out in more detail key information relating to consultation findings and existing facility provision to further explore the requirements / aspirations for a regional standard BMX track.

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3. Consultation

3.1 To assess the local need/demand for a new BMX facility in Tamworth, a number of key stakeholders have provided feedback on the proposals, as listed below:

• Tamworth BMX Club

• Tamworth Council Members & Officers (leisure & planning)

• Staffordshire County Council

• British Cycling

• Sport England

• County Sports Partnership.

3.2 Given the potential strategic fit from a policy / participation perspective, as noted in section 2, the consultation focused on practical issues associated with delivery, affordability and sustainability of a new BMX track.

Key findings

3.3 Key findings from the consultation process are set out below:

Sporting need / fit with local priorities • There is a need to develop more sports clubs in the area, with Tamworth below

regional and national averages for club involvement;

• There is a clear opportunity to develop school / club links for BMX, due to the sport appealing to young people in particular

• There is a Staffordshire-wide initiative to develop cycle sports, which this project could contribute to. Therefore the County Sports Partnership would be supportive of a track development in Tamworth

• Sport England’s Sportivate programme for 14-25 year olds could provide funding for coaching sessions and support exit routes from schools / groups into formal club structures

• A significant focus for British Cycling is women and girls participation, which could attract funding if suitable development plans were put in place

• Tamworth BC are keen to support club development, and youth provision fits with the Council’s wider sports development objectives

• In the context of other sports, the Council has a demonstrable need for a new leisure centre and swimming pool, which means council funding could be difficult – funding is likely to be prioritized towards multi-sport provision

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• From a Sport England perspective, any loss of grass playing fields would need to be compensated by alternative provision – this is a significant issue for Tamworth, given the already limited supply of pitch sites and shortfall of provision in Tamworth generally

• There are recently developed examples of BMX tracks on school sites (such as Sinfin in Derby), where cycling has then become part of the curriculum

• Sport England are launching an inspirational facilities fund in summer 2011, which could provide partial funding for the project

• The regional standard track could compliment the planned ‘play’ track, providing a pathway for development of the sport

• The west midlands has seen significant development for cycling in recent years, with two new national standard BMX tracks in Redditch and Perry Park being constructed in the last 18 months

• In relation to event use, there is a limited supply of events, meaning any new facility would need to be primarily justified on local need

• A key national issue for BMX is its long term sustainability and proactive management of clubs / facilities, in order to avoid the previous decline in the early 1990’s.

Management / site selection

• Out of hours supervision was a key theme for consultees, particularly if the track is to be ‘open’ with no restrictions on access – this could lead to anti-social behavior concerns. General concensus was that a ‘closed’ venue is required with appropriate fencing

• How will site maintenance be undertaken – do the club have the capacity and expertise to manage and maintain a regional quality venue?

• British Cycling do not have any money in their whole sport plan to support a project of this nature, either in capital or revenue terms

• Could a facility be developed adjacent to other leisure facilities, to create a sports village-type concept, with passive supervision of the BMX track through high levels of activity on the wider site? For example, co-location with the athletics track and a new leisure centre

• If provided on a school site, how would out of hours access be managed?

• Is there a city centre site available, as this could provide a central venue to maximize passive supervision and reduce anti-social behavior issues. Co-location with the skate park could also provide a focal point for non-traditional sports in the borough

• If a central venue could be found, this would maximize economic impact and make better use of existing infrastructure (shops / cafes / amenities etc.) in the town.

3.4 Clearly, there are a number of ways in which the project can contribute to local / regional needs and a number of opportunities to coordinate activity with wider programmes on a

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county and national basis. However, there are a number of practical issues emerging from the consultation, which require further exploration:

• Management of ‘out-of-hours’ use of the track (i.e. outside of formal club use)

• Club capacity to manage and maintain a regional standard facility

• Funding sources, particularly matched-funding to support any grant application

• The opportunity for coordination with other leisure provision could be explored further

• A town centre site could provide greater economic benefits – is there a site available?

3.5 Reflecting on the consultation process, a wider opportunity for consideration would be the ‘branding’ of Tamworth as a venue for a number of adrenalin sports, given the existing skate park, existing snow dome and potential BMX track – this could be used to develop economic activity and provide a marketing ‘hook’ for the town.

3.6 Building on the perceptions of key stakeholders, and given the local need/demand expressed for providing a new BMX facility in Tamworth (section 2), it is important to compare this with actual local / regional provision which is detailed in section four.

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4. Current provision

4.1 Having set out the strategic context and local need/demand expressed through the consultation process, we now need to understand the current picture with regards to BMX provision in Tamworth and the surrounding areas and whether there is any evidence of need for a new facility.

Existing provision

4.2 In order to assess the adequacy of current provision in the region, the following tasks have been undertaken:

• the preparation of an audit of existing provision within Tamworth and the surrounding boroughs;

• analysing the plans for any new facilities, identified through the consultation process

• a review of relevant facility strategy documents.

4.3 The key findings from this research and consultation work are set out below.

Audit of provision

4.4 A facility audit was prepared to identify all existing (and planned) BMX facilities within Tamworth borough and also within the West Midlands region.

4.5 The audit was prepared using on-line databases with facility information then checked where possible via the stakeholder consultation.

BMX facilities within the region 4.6 The audit identified that there are currently a limited number of formal BMX tracks

within the West Midlands, comprising:

• Corbet BMX track (Shrewsbury)

• Perry Park BMX track (Birmingham)

• Doe Bank BMX track (Birmingham)

• Alan Higgs BMX track (Coventry)

• Nuneaton BMX track

• Redditch BMX track (Stratford-on-Avon).

4.7 In addition, Staffordshire has relatively new ‘play’ tracks in Fenton and Stourbridge which provide for local informal use.

4.8 These facilities are shown on Map 4.1 overleaf. In addition, the map shows tracks in the East Midlands also, given Tamworth’s transport links to the major conurbations of Derby, Nottingham etc.

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Map 4.1. Map of existing BMX tracks

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4.9 Map 4.1 identifies that the majority of venues in the West Midlands are towards the south of the region, towards Birmingham and across the M6 corridor. This leaves a significant gap in Staffordshire and the middle / north of the region, which an accessible venue in Tamworth could fill.

Access

4.10 The aspiration for a regional standard track will necessitate good transport links being provided, in order to facilitate event usage and maximise accessibility for use as a training venue for other clubs in the region. Therefore, good road access will need to be considered, alongside the local access requirements – cycle paths / public transport etc.

4.11 Map 4.2 identifies the existing cycle network in Tamworth – it will be important to ensure the track is accessible from existing cycle paths in order to promote participation. This is considered further in section 5 with regard to potential locations for the track.

Map 4.2. Cycle routes in Tamworth

Adequacy of BMX track provision

4.12 Unlike a number of other sports facilities (swimming pools / sports halls / synthetic pitches) there is no nationally recognised demand model against which the adequacy of provision can be assessed. We have therefore taken into account the views of British Cycling as the governing body for BMX, Sport England in terms of overall sporting governance and Sport Across Staffordshire (County Sports Partnership) from a county perspective.

4.13 Combining the feedback from these key consultees with the findings of the audit of provision, indicates that:

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• There is no regional standard facility in the county, indicating a potential market for events of sub-regional and regional significance;

• Analysis of the British Cycling events calendar indicates that a small number of tracks are used repeatedly for regional competition, with the opportunity to spread the competitions to an additional venue (in other regions with more tracks, each track only hosts 1 or 2 events per annum). However, this would require further discussion with British Cycling, who have invested heavily in two national-standard tracks in the region recently (Perry Park & Redditch);

• In terms of overall events use, the calendar is still limited, meaning that only a handful of events could be transferred to a new Tamworth track. Therefore, the majority of use would need to be local or sub-regional;

• Locally, there is very little alternative provision for the club to use as a home base, with a clear gap in provision and a significant catchment within a 20 minute drivetime.

National, Regional and County Facilities Strategies

4.14 British Cycling activities are directed by their Whole Sport Plan, which runs in line with their funding cycles from 2009 – 2013. In relation to facilities development, their focus is:

• Create a comprehensive network of accessible traffic free multi-disciplined cycling facilities enabling the effective and safe delivery of cycling activities both at a Participation and Excellence level.

• Encourage and support clubs and groups who wish to develop new, or improve existing, facilities and infrastructure.

• Continue to work with the appropriate agencies to secure the long-term future and availability of sporting events on the public highway.

• Continue to work with the appropriate agencies to ensure the public highway is a safe environment for all cyclists.

4.15 Both Sport England West Midlands Region and Sport Across Staffordshire have recently developed Facility Strategies which set out current provision and identify future priorities for action. Key information from these strategies that is of particular relevance in terms of cycling provision is that:

CSP Sports Facilities Framework (2009)

• The biggest single rate limiting factor to participation and excellence in cycling is the lack of purpose built facilities

• British Cycling try to work with clusters of activity e.g. the ideal model would be a Clubmarked club working with a local secondary school and feeder primary school, located close to a purpose built facility

• There is currently a lack of high quality competition venues for BMX but Birmingham City Council is currently developing options for both national and international standard venues

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• Recommended a further detailed feasibility study for the development of a floodlit closed road circuit (such as Shrewsbury) and BMX track close to Stoke on Trent/Newcastle and linked to a key club.

Sport England Regional Facilities Framework (2007)

• BMX facilities are very limited in West Midlands. Deficiencies have been identified in the Wolverhampton and Birmingham areas (no specific location) as well as Telford and Redditch, specifically where there are already strong clubs in existence.

• The area is in desperate need of a high quality competition venue of National Standard for BMX. This would require an area of land roughly the size of a football pitch with significant ancillary facilities plus ideally, access to an area for camping/caravanning as events usually take place over a weekend.

4.16 Since the Sport England strategy was written in 2007, new national standard tracks have been provided in Birmingham and Redditch, which meet the needs identified in the regional plan.

Summary

4.17 Based on the key findings from our assessment of current provision, there would again appear to be a clear rationale for providing additional BMX provision within Tamworth, as the key points below highlight:

• There are no regional standard facilities in Staffordshire, with clear opportunities to develop a pathway of provision from the ‘play’ tracks in the County;

• The nearest facilities are in Birmingham, Derby and Nuneaton, which are not easily accessible for local young people;

• A regional standard track could host a small number of events, enhancing the image of Tamworth and increasing local awareness of cycling opportunities;

• Development of a new facility in association with a club that is working towards Clubmark accreditation would be in line with British Cycling policy – British Cycling should therefore provide support to develop the club and coaches;

• The Staffordshire Facilities Framework identifies a gap in provision, however, it suggests Stoke as a more appropriate location given population density. Also, the gaps identified in the regional strategy have been filled by facilities in Birmingham and Redditch, meaning a track in Tamworth has to be based on local and sub-regional need.

4.18 The first four sections of this report have therefore outlined the gaps in provision locally and sub-regionally, the supportive demographics and participation levels, the perceived need as identified by consultees and the strategic need and fit with regional and sub-regional strategies. However, there are also a number of practical issues identified, which require further consideration, particularly in relation to funding, management and sustainability.

4.19 Given this identified rationale for providing a new BMX facility in Tamworth, our study has investigated a range of potential site options to locate a new facility – the strengths and weaknesses of the potential options are considered in section five, which follows.

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5. Site options

5.1 Having identified a clear rationale for a new BMX facility in Tamworth, the next stage of the feasibility study was to conduct an initial evaluation of the potential site options for such a development.

Background

5.2 Consultation with key officers at Tamworth Borough Council identified a list of three potential sites within the borough which should be considered in the first instance as potential locations for a new BMX track. The sites identified comprise:

• TORC campus site

• Anker Fields

• Rawlett Sports College.

5.3 The locations of the three potential sites are shown on Map 5.1 overleaf.

5.4 Through the consultation process, a couple of additional options have been highlighted as follows:

• Castle grounds

• Land outside of borough boundaries.

5.5 These additional options have not been included in the site analysis, as the first option (Castle Grounds) is contrary to Council policy to retain the amenity value of the grounds, which a fenced-in BMX track would compromise, whilst the second option could be a myriad of sites, and is considered a fall-back plan given the club’s stated desire to remain in Tamworth.

5.6 In order to carry out an initial evaluation of the potential site options, further research was carried out which included:

• consulting with key stakeholders to explore the relative strengths and weaknesses of each site

• a visual site appraisal by the consultant team to evaluate each site against a site options matrix.

5.7 It should be noted, that at this stage, the site options appraisal has not included any detailed design/technical appraisals and that sites were evaluated in terms of their location rather than a specifically identified building plot.

5.8 The key findings from this work are set out in summary format after Map 5.1.

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Map 5.1. Site options

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Site assessment

5.9 The key strengths and weaknesses highlighted via the stakeholder consultation, visual site assessments and catchment analysis are summarised in Table 5.1 overleaf. In undertaking the site assessments, the following key criteria were taken into consideration:

• Site size

• Planning policy compliance

• Visibility / profile of the site for events use

• Transport accessibility (road / public / pedestrian)

• Relationship with wider development opportunities

• Impact on any existing facilities

• Compatibility with existing uses / adjacent site usage

• Operational viability

• Site ownership / development potential.

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Table 5.1 – Key strengths and weaknesses of each site

Site Site background Strengths Weaknesses

TORC campus

The site is owned by

Staffordshire County Council and was formerly earmarked

for development through the

BSF scheme.

The site now houses the TORC centre and a special school,

with the playing fields used for school activities on an ad hoc

basis.

The site is adjacent to the

existing athletics track and was earmarked as the

preferred venue for

development of a new leisure centre in Tamworth.

• The site is large enough to house a

regional standard BMX track, and

possibly still contain a leisure centre (assuming parking was shared with

the TORC centre);

• Site has suitable access from Silver

Link Road; • Site is adjacent to the A5. If same

access as athletics track can be used,

then site is easily accessible for events use;

• Site is adjacent to a major residential

area, providing local access for young people, and is situated in an area with

various traffic-free cycling routes, thus

providing safe pedestrian / cycle access;

• If the site could be masterplanned

appropriately, there is an opportunity for a sports village style scheme,

including a new leisure centre, new

BMX track and the existing athletics track, thus creating a ‘hub’ site in the

Borough; • The proximity of existing leisure

activities is likely to enhance the

operational viability of the site, with the opportunity to share certain

elements such as storage, clubhouse,

changing etc. This would however be subject to agreement with the

athletics club.

• Proximity to existing residential units

would need to be considered for

floodlighting and therefore situating the site at the Southern edge would

be deemed more suitable;

• The site has been identified as a

potential site for a new community Leisure centre as a key

recommendation arising from the Joint Indoor and Outdoor Sports

Strategy which may lead to capacity implications at this site;

• The site does have existing playing

fields on it, which would be a

significant concern to Sport England, unless alternative provision could be

made available to compensate for the loss. It would be difficult to argue a

case based on ‘greater sporting need’,

as Tamworth already has a shortfall of playing fields;

• Negotiation with SCC would be

required to obtain a suitable long-term lease on which to apply for grant

funding – this may be time-consuming and SCC may require an

income from the lease in order to

satisfy best consideration and state aid rules.

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Site Site background Strengths Weaknesses

Anker playing fields

The playing fields are the main grass pitch provision in

Tamworth, providing multiple pitches with a large changing

pavilion capable of use by a

number of teams simultaneously.

The site is owned by Tamworth BC meaning there

are no ownership issues to development on this land.

• Anker Playing Fields is an existing

recreational site in the Borough, so is well known in relation to leisure

provision and a track on this site could widen the range of activities offered

to the community;

• The existing changing pavilion could

be used by the club during club sessions and for events, negating the

need for further built provision; • The site is relatively flat, thus

minimising the earth works required

to deliver the new track.

• Access to the site is very poor, with

single track road access off minor roads. This would make events use

very difficult; • Highway improvements may be

required for access over the West

Coast Mainline as a result of increased

traffic on Moor Lane; • The site houses existing playing fields,

and loss of any pitches would be a

significant concern to Sport England, unless alternative provision could be

made available to compensate for the loss. It would be difficult to argue a

case based on ‘greater sporting need’,

as Tamworth already has a shortfall of playing fields;

• Although the general principle is ok in

relation to floodlighting, there are concerns over the impact of light

spillage on the open countryside to

the North especially given the topography of the land from the

Amington Hall Conservation Area, the proximity to hedgerows in relation to

existing habitats (specifically bats) and holiday homes to the East of the

site;

• Operationally, the site is remote, with

limited natural supervision; • Existing traffic free cycle paths are

more limited in the north east of the

borough, making pedestrian / cycle access more difficult.

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Site Site background Strengths Weaknesses

Rawlett Sports College

Rawlett Community Sports College is a secondary

education site to the north of the borough, with existing

facilities including an indoor

sports centre, full-size floodlit synthetic pitch and a number

of grass pitches.

The School is receiving

additional playing pitch provision following recent

purchase of adjacent farmland. The additional pitches are

being provided to compensate for loss of pitches elsewhere in

the Borough through the re-

organisation of secondary school provision in the

Borough.

Staffordshire County Council

own the site and adjacent land purchased for the new grass

pitches.

• From a planning perspective, the site

has suitable access and adequate existing parking provision;

• There is existing infrastructure on site

to support sports provision, including changing accommodation and

floodlighting of the existing synthetic

pitch; • Development of a BMX track on a

school site is a popular recent trend,

with a number of good examples, such as Sinfin in Derby, where BMX

has become part of the curriculum offer;

• In relation to future operations, co-

location with the school provides

positive links, in line with British Cycling policy for club-school

pathways.

• Floodlighting would need to consider

the impact on the open countryside, hedgerows surrounding the site and

the proximity to residential accommodation;

• There is no spare land for

development, as the additional land

recently purchased is required to meet the loss of pitches elsewhere in

the borough; • The site houses existing playing fields,

and loss of any pitches would be a

significant concern to Sport England, unless alternative provision could be

made available to compensate for the

loss. It would be difficult to argue a case based on ‘greater sporting need’,

as Tamworth already has a shortfall of playing fields;

• Access out of school hours would

need to be carefully managed to meet

school requirements and site security concerns;

• The site is remote from the main

town centre and residential areas, with no traffic-free cycle routes from

the town centre – this causes pedestrian / cycle access concerns.

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Preferred options

5.10 None of the identified sites provide a clear solution for the development of a new BMX track.

5.11 The Rawlett Community Sports College site can be ruled out on the basis that there is no land available for development, unless additional farmland is purchased adjacent to the site.

5.12 Both Anker Fields and TORC campus are possible, but the significant access concerns with Anker Fields make this a difficult option to deliver and highways costs could be significant. It is also more remote from the town centre and has limited non-car access, whilst loss of playing fields would be difficult to justify.

5.13 It is therefore considered that the TORC campus site offers the greatest potential for a new track, but this is certainly not straight-forward and would require careful masterplanning to achieve both the aspirations for a BMX track and for a community leisure centre. Even if the site can be physically developed to accommodate both schemes, there are likely to be planning issues associated with floodlighting, access and car parking.

5.14 Therefore, it would be prudent to undertake a further review of sites outwith the Tamworth Borough boundary to ascertain whether any other sites are more deliverable in the short term.

Implications for future development of a new leisure centre

5.15 Map 5.2 overleaf identifies a potential site layout for the TORC site, which houses both a small community leisure centre (25m swimming pool, learner pool, gym & sports hall and BMX track. This type of scheme has a number of benefits in relation to co-location of facilities and creation of a ‘hub’ site, but will require detailed modelling in relation to parking provision, access arrangements and planning implications. Parking is likely to be a particular issue as the indicative plan indicates limited space on site, without some sharing with the TORC centre and athletics track.

5.16 However, if the practical issues can be resolved, the ‘hub’ site may offer the most sustainable plan for long-term delivery.

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Map 5.2. TORC site – possible layout

BMX track

Community

Leisure Centre

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Financial appraisal of preferred site options

5.17 Further work has subsequently been carried out to determine an optimum facility mix, indicative capital costs and revenue/expenditure implications for a new track. This information is provided in section six which follows.

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6. Financial analysis

6.1 This section sets out facility mix proposals for a new BMX track in Tamworth together with:

• estimates for associated capital and revenue costs.

• Information on potential funding sources

• procurement and delivery options.

Facility mix

6.2 Based on the research and consultation findings, a range of potential facilities have been identified – these have been set out in Table 6.1 below in terms of being either ‘essential’ or ‘desirable’ to the project.

Table 6.1 – Propose facility mix

Essential facilities Desirable facilities

• Regional standard track, with

associated tarmac hill and starting gates;

• Storage container;

• Site fencing around the perimeter;

• Car parking.

• Spectator areas and railings;

• Temporary areas for camping on event

weekends.

6.3 The track will be approximately 350m in length, requiring an area of approximately 80m x 40m, or similar to a football pitch. The start gate will be up to 4m in height above ground level, providing the required slope at the start of the race.

Capital and revenue costs

6.4 Given this feedback, in relation to the essential facilities required – indicative capital and revenue costs have been prepared.

6.5 The estimated capital cost of developing the baseline option is circa £160k + VAT. This is based on recent estimates for similar standards of track and includes c.£30k for fencing around the site – this may however be a higher cost, depending on the final specification of fencing.

6.6 The club will not be able to reclaim the VAT on the capital build, meaning that the total cost is likely to be in the region of £200k. There are examples of lower cost track solutions, however, providing a high quality surface initially will minimise future running costs and promote sustainability of the track, which is intended to be used intensively.

6.7 Alternatively, the Council could act as procuring party for the development, thus providing an opportunity to save the VAT on construction (c. £35k).

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6.8 Table 6.2 provides a recent comparator cost, as provided by Tamworth BMX Club. This is in line with other estimates for similar types of regional standard tracks.

Table 6.2. Capital cost estimate

Area of construction work Cost estimate

(£)

Site set up 3,750

Dirt / sub base 24,350

Sub stone layer 11,500

Top surface 8,900

Tarmac to berms, finish line and start hill 18,700

Drainage to track 3,000

Top soil / turf and grass seed 3,500

Start hill 8,600

Gate system 11,500

Preliminaries 5,000

Flood lights 30,000

Pens area 3,000

Design / plans / project management 5,000

TOTAL 136,800 + VAT

Cost estimates provided by Tamworth BMX Club – taken from a build quote by Hall Isherwood for a track in Penrith.

6.9 Table 6.3 presents a summary of the operational business plans for years 1-5, taken from the business plan prepared by the BMX Club. This is followed by a critique of the proposals and assessment of deliverability and affordability. The Club’s business plan identifies a new track being provided by year 4, so year 5 is the first full year of operation in the figures in table 6.3.

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Table 6.3. Club business plan

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Income

- Membership fees 2,000 2,500 5,000 6,000 7,750

- Subscriptions 1,000 2,080 3,120 4,160 5,250

- Club meets 3,200 6,400 6,400 6,400 12,800

- Local meets 0 1,600 3,200 3,200 6,400

- Regional meets 0 0 0 0 7,200

- National event 0 0 0 0 14,400

- Fundraising 2,200 2,200 4,400 4,400 4,400

TOTAL Income 8,400 14,780 22,120 24,160 58,200

Expenditure

- Club bikes 3,000 6,000

- Race kit 2,400 4,800

- Coaching 800 1,600 4,800 1,600 1,600

- Training 1,040 1,040 1,040 1,040 1,040

- Club helmets 600 1,200

- Body armour 480 1,200

- Gloves 240 960

- Trailer 3,000 3,000

- General running costs

1,200 1,200 1,200 2,400 2,400

TOTAL Expenditure 12,760 3,840 24,200 5,040 5,040

Net position (4,360) 10,940 (2,080) 19,120 53,160

Cashflow (4,360) 6,580 4,500 23,620 76,780

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6.10 A review of the club’s business plan would suggest the following observations / areas of concern:

• The plan assumes significant volunteer input, which is logical for a voluntary sports club but does raise risks in relation to sustainability of delivery and the requisite skills for management and maintenance of the track – further confirmation should be sought from the club on their skills / continuity plans etc;

• The membership income is based on £25 full member, £15 casual member and £10 associate member, which is considered reasonable and affordable so should encourage membership. Projected membership of approximately 400 across all categories is also considered reasonable assuming a balanced and comprehensive programme of activities is offered across the spectrum of ages and abilities;

• There is no scenario testing of different membership levels – it would be useful to understand the break even membership level for sustainability of the club / track;

• £20 per rider income for a regional / national meet is considered reasonable, in light of entry fees / food & beverage sales etc, plus income from spectators;

• It is positive that significant funds are allocated to training and coaching, which should allow the club to develop a network of qualified coaches (which is a major issue for BMX nationally);

• The expenditure base appears to have a number of cost omissions, including:

- Cost of sales – there are no cost of sales included for food & beverage sales at race meets;

- Insurance – this is likely to be a significant cost given the nature of the sport and the facility;

- Maintenance – whilst some level of maintenance can be volunteer-led, we would anticipate a requirement for annual formal maintenance of the track and perimeter fencing;

- Electricity – costs of floodlighting need to be considered;

- Sinking fund – the track has a finite lifespan and will require future re-development in order to maintain a high quality facility. Likewise, bikes and kit will require regular replacement. A sinking fund for this future work should therefore be considered best practice in financial planning.

6.11 Taking into account these comments, additional expenditure is likely to be incurred and the following allowances are considered appropriate:

- Cost of sales – 50% of income from food & beverage, so estimated at £10k pa;

- Insurance – estimated at £2k pa, although formal quotes required;

- Maintenance – allowance of £10k pa for external contractor maintenance;

- Electricity – allowance of £8-10k pa assuming a full programme of use, 5-6 days per week;

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- Sinking fund – allowance of £2k pa for floodlight bulbs plus £5k pa for track (assuming a £50k major refurb in year 10) and £5k pa for kit replacement (based on c.£15k expenditure on a 3-yr replacement cycle).

6.12 This would add c.£42k pa to the cost base in a mature year, meaning the year 5 costs would increase to c.£48k. Therefore, based on the projected income streams, the track could still be sustainable based on volunteer management.

6.13 In the first instance, it is recommended that a more detailed business plan is prepared which contains the full site management costs in order that the club can develop a more robust management and maintenance plan for the track.

Funding options

6.14 Having considered the financial costs of delivering and sustaining a new track, table 6.4 outlines the various funding options available for the scheme.

Table 6.4. Funding options

Funding source Description of fund Timescales Likelihood of

success

British Cycling Through their Whole Sport Plan (WSP), British Cycling have

money allocated to specific

facilities projects on both a capital and revenue basis.

Facility projects need to meet overall WSP objectives to be

considered for funding, but there is no specific minimum /

maximum amount to bid for.

No specific bid timescales

Remote. A significant amount of investment

in BMX in the West

Midlands has been undertaken in recent

years, focused on Perry Park and

Redditch. Tamworth is not identified in the

WSP for any

additional funding.

Tamworth BMX

Club

Fundraising by the Club could

help to contribute towards

partnership funding to match any grant aid received.

Monies raised are likely to be £000’s rather than 10’s of £000’s

via fundraising activities.

No specific bid

timescales.

Dependant on fundraising

activities

High. The Club

appear to be

motivated to invest significant time and

effort in developing the project, which

supports the

likelihood of successful fundraising

activities.

Sport England Sport England have a number of

tiers of funding available for

facilities projects of this nature – the two most applicable are:

Sportsmatch - Sportsmatch makes awards to not-for-profit

organisations that have secured

sponsorship to deliver new

Sportsmatch

funding has to be

applied for by September 2011

and spent by March 2012.

Inspired Facilities

funding –

Likelihood of success

unclear as will be

based on the ability of the club to

generate commercial sponsorship (to

access Sportsmatch

support) and will depend on finer

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community projects to grow or

sustain participation in sport. Priority is given to applications

seeking to match sponsorship from the commercial sector but

donations from private

individuals or charitable trusts are also acceptable provided

they meet sponsorship eligibility criteria. Awards of between

£1,000 and £100,000 can be made to match funding from no

more than five sponsors, with

each sponsor contributing a minimum of £1,000. Sport

England funding for the project must be spent by 31 March

2012.

Inspired Facilities – to be launched in Summer 2011, with

a maximum grant of £150,000. Further details will emerge over

the next few months.

Sport England also have a small

grants programme, which

provides funding up to £10,000, so may be applicable in the

event of a small shortfall in the project at a later stage.

timescales unclear

but Summer 11 likely to open for

bids.

details of Inspired

Facilities fund, which are yet to be

confirmed.

Tamworth Borough Council

The Council could provide capital funding via its Capital

Programme or via use of its

Prudential Borrowing powers.

However, we understand that

the Council’s capital programme is severely constrained and

there is no provision for Prudential Borrowing without a

revenue income stream to cover

the repayments.

No specific timescales

Unlikely. The Council has an over-

subscribed capital

programme already and from a leisure

perspective a new community Leisure

Centre is top priority for any capital

expenditure.

Coalfields

Regeneration

Trust

Following the Department for

Communities and Local

Government’s recent announcement of £30m for the

English coalfields the Trust is now making plans for the

delivery of their future

Unclear at this

stage

Unclear until the

exact scope of the

fund is confirmed.

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programme of activity. Details

are scheduled to be available from early Summer onwards.

Private

sponsorship / ‘in kind’ support /

private donations

The club may be able to attract

significant local sponsorship, donations or ‘in kind’ support,

via gifts of manpower / equipment / services, which

could help to deliver the project.

No specific

timescales

The likelihood of

commercial interest will depend on a

number of factors, including the ‘fit’ of

the sport with a particular business,

level of publicity to

be generated, affinity of the sponsor with

BMX, local economic conditions etc – it is

therefore very

difficult to predict.

Other grant

agencies

There are a significant number

of grant funding providers, including the following who have

a track record in funding sports

projects:

- ASDA Foundation

- Comic Relief: Sport for Change

- SITA Trust

- Sport Relief

- The Bernard Sunley Charitable Trust.

Dependant on

funding source

All monies require

funding application submission in

competitive

situations, meaning the chances of

success are unclear.

6.15 As outlined in table 6.4, there are a variety of sources of funding available for the project, but most are uncertain and require funding applications and partnership funding to be in place. Therefore, the focus of fundraising efforts should be to obtain 30-50% of the required funding from sponsorship / donations / fundraising / in kind support, which can then be used to support grant funding applications for the remainder of the capital required.

Summary

6.16 This section has outlined that the cost of a new regional plus standard track, with perimeter fencing, could be in the order of £160k + VAT, with the majority of the cost required to be met by grant applications. However, 30-50% of this cost is likely to be required to be partnership funding, so the focus of efforts should be on generating c.£50k + from sponsorship / donations / in-kind support, which can then provide a foundation on which to submit detailed funding applications for the remainder of the money.

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6.17 Feedback from consultation has been clear in suggesting that it will be difficult to access financial support from the Council or British Cycling, given existing constraints and commitments. However, both parties are willing to support applications in principle (via letter of support etc.), which will be needed if other applications are to be successful.

6.18 From a revenue perspective, further work is required on the business plan before partners can be confident of a sustainable development. In particular, consideration needs to be given to management and maintenance of the facility, both in terms of costs and manpower required.

6.19 It is clear from consultation that the track would need to be fenced in, which adds to the cost and to planning issues. For information, the two recently developed tracks in the West Midlands (Redditch and Perry Park) are currently being managed / maintained by the local Council’s, as the Clubs are insufficiently developed to deliver their own facilities –impacting on risk, sustainability and affordability.

Recommendations

6.20 Further detailed work is required to develop the financial plans required for both the capital and revenue aspects of the track. The Club may benefit from ad hoc support from the Council’s finance team in relation to developing a robust financial planning system that can support sustainability of the club and track.

6.21 Overall conclusions, recommendations and next steps are identified in Section seven, which follows.

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7. Summary, conclusions and way forward

Summary key findings

7.1 Sections two – four of this report have highlighted that there is a clear strategic and needs-based rationale for providing a new BMX facility in Tamworth – the key factors are summarised below:

Strategic background/local need

• The data and information shows a clear strategic rationale for looking to improve local provision, in order to help:

- encourage increased participation levels in sport/physical activity

- provide activities for young people

- support club development in the borough

- contribute towards improving the health/quality of life amongst local residents

- meet the strategic objectives set out in the corporate documents, particularly in relation to:

- raising the profile of Tamworth (based on events use of the new track)

- helping people to live a healthier and active lifestyle.

• Specifically for BMX participation, cycling is the joint highest participation activity in Tamworth, with higher participation rates than the regional and national average. The age profile of the borough is also younger than the regional and national average, again supporting provision of activities for younger age groups;

• The level of club membership is well below regional / national averages and this project offers the opportunity to develop an additional club base in the borough.

Adequacy of current provision

• There are no regional standard facilities in Staffordshire, with clear opportunities to develop a pathway of provision from the ‘play’ tracks in the County;

• The nearest facilities are in Birmingham, Derby and Nuneaton, which are not easily accessible for local young people;

• A regional standard track could host a small number of events, enhancing the image of Tamworth and increasing local awareness of cycling opportunities;

• Development of a new facility in association with a club that is working towards Clubmark accreditation would be in line with British Cycling policy – British Cycling should therefore provide support to develop the club and coaches;

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• The Staffordshire Facilities Framework identifies a gap in provision, however, it suggests Stoke as a more appropriate location given population density. Also, the gaps identified in the regional strategy have been filled by facilities in Birmingham and Redditch, meaning a track in Tamworth has to be based on local and sub-regional need.

Site options

• The sites identified comprise:

- TORC campus site

- Anker Fields

- Rawlett Sports College.

• The Rawlett Community Sports College site can be ruled out on the basis that there is no land available for development, unless additional farmland is purchased adjacent to the site;

• Both Anker Fields and TORC campus are possible, but the significant access concerns with Anker Fields make this a difficult option to deliver and highways costs could be significant. It is also more remote from the town centre and has limited non-car access, whilst loss of playing fields would be difficult to justify;

• the TORC campus site offers the greatest potential for a new track, but this is certainly not straight-forward and would require careful masterplanning to achieve both the aspirations for a BMX track and for a community leisure centre. Even if the site can be physically developed to accommodate both schemes, there are likely to be planning issues associated with floodlighting, access and car parking;

• it would be prudent to undertake a further review of sites outwith the Tamworth Borough boundary to ascertain whether any other sites are more deliverable in the short term.

Proposed development and associated costs

• the cost of a new regional plus standard track, with perimeter fencing, could be in the order of £160k + VAT, with the majority of the cost required to be met by grant applications;

• 30-50% of this cost is likely to be required to be partnership funding, so the focus of efforts should be on generating c.£50k + from sponsorship / donations / in-kind support, which can then provide a foundation on which to submit detailed funding applications for the remainder of the money;

• Feedback from consultation has been clear in suggesting that it will be difficult to access financial support from the Council or British Cycling, given existing constraints and commitments. However, both parties are willing to support applications in principle (via letter of support etc.), which will be needed if other applications are to be successful;

• From a revenue perspective, further work is required on the business plan before partners can be confident of a sustainable development. In particular, consideration

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needs to be given to management and maintenance of the facility, both in terms of costs and manpower required;

• It is clear from consultation that the track would need to be fenced in, which adds to the cost and to planning issues. For information, the two recently developed tracks in the West Midlands (Redditch and Perry Park) are currently being managed / maintained by the local Council’s, as the Clubs are insufficiently developed to deliver their own facilities –impacting on risk, sustainability and affordability.

Conclusions

7.2 Tamworth BMX Club have aspirations to develop a sustainable, successful club that has its own facilities in the heart of Tamworth. It has developed a 5-year plan, which includes developing coaches, increasing participation, achieving Clubmark accreditation and developing a race team. Supporting club development is a core aim for British Cycling, Tamworth Borough Council and the County Sports Partnership, who are all keen to support the club in achieving their aspirations.

7.3 In addition to the Club aspirations, a wider opportunity for consideration would be the ‘branding’ of Tamworth as a venue for a number of adrenalin sports, given the existing skate park, existing snow dome and potential BMX track – this could be used to develop economic activity and provide a marketing ‘hook’ for the town.

7.4 In relation to the original objectives of the study, there is a demonstrable strategic need for provision of a BMX track in Tamworth, based on current provision levels, participation statistics, consultation feedback and competition analysis.

7.5 Further to this, a number of potential locations for the new track have been assessed, albeit with deliverability issues noted for all potential sites. Of those sites, the TORC campus site offers an opportunity for a coordinated ‘sports hub’ development, along with a new community leisure facility. Further work is therefore required to ascertain whether alternative sites exist adjacent to the Borough boundary that could provide a more deliverable solution.

7.6 Financially, the report has established a funding parameter of c.£160k being required to meet up front development costs, and the focus now needs to be on generating sufficient partnership funding to support any future grant applications. However, grant aid is unlikely from either the Council or British Cycling, based on existing commitments and priorities.

7.7 In revenue terms, further work is required to establish a robust business plan with associated sensitivity analysis, to confirm the ongoing sustainability of the development.

Next steps

7.8 The strategic need and support for the track development is clear, therefore, the next steps are focused on the concerns regarding affordability and sustainability, particularly in light of British Cycling and Tamworth BC confirming they would not have any funding available in the short term.

7.9 Acknowledging that the key stakeholders are keen to support the Club, there is perhaps a medium term plan, to build up the club in the next 3-4 yrs, resulting in a sustainable volunteer infrastructure and a greater number of qualified coaches, following which a track can be pursued and by which time British Cycling may have their 2013-2017 funding cycle confirmed. Track use in this interim period would need to be the play track being developed and perhaps use of the regional track at Nuneaton.

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7.10 Specific actions in this time period would include:

• Review of alternative sites adjacent to the borough, to ascertain whether other sites exist for development, given the planning and deliverability issues with the existing shortlist of sites;

• Achievement of Clubmark accreditation, as most grant funding agencies will require this to be in place as part of any award;

• Development of a comprehensive coaching plan and programme, to demonstrate sustainability of membership levels and develop links with local schools / youth organisations;

• Development of the business plan to set out more detailed management / maintenance costs associated with the track;

• Agreement of procurement strategy with Tamworth BC, so that VAT implications on build costs can be considered appropriately.

7.11 The Club have already set out their intention to form a sub-committee focused on some of these areas, and additional input from the Council / British Cycling / County Sports Partnership should be encouraged where possible.

Further information

7.12 Further information relating to this project can be obtained from Andy Farr at FMG, 07971 837531 or [email protected]