Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
02
Jun 2021
Final cost for Ripon leisure scheme remains 'unknown'
The final cost of Harrogate Borough Council's delayed multi-million pound leisure centre project in Ripon remains unknown.
In December, following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by the Stray Ferret, the council said that the information was 'confidential'
It did, however, confirm that:
Last week, senior councillors on the authority’s cabinet approved additional spending on the scheme estimated to cost £110,000.
This is required to investigate a 'void in the ground' and is necessary in order to retain the council's business insurance on the building.
The 'void' was discovered last year near the entrance to the leisure centre.
The centre is being refurbished and will be attached to the new six-lane pool.
Responding to a second FOI request in March, the council said:
Now, after conducting an internal review of the FOI responses, Joanne Barclay the council's acting chief solicitor (corporate services) said:
Read more:
Discovery of the 'void' follows a separate incident in February 2018, when a sinkhole opened up on the leisure centre car park.
At a June 2019 planning meeting, three members of the eight-member committee abstained rather than support the project, after ‘deep concerns’ were expressed about the sinkhole risk in an area of Ripon known for widespread gypsum deposits.
In November of that year, construction company Willmott Dixon, was awarded a £10.2 million contract for delivery of the swimming pool/leisure centre scheme.
The 17-month contract had a completion date of 21 May 2021.
Last November, Councillor Stanley Lumley, cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, said the project had been ‘slightly delayed’ by covid.
In a press release dated November 13, he added:
Grouting is a method used to stabilise unstable ground.
In our FOI requests, we enquired about the additional costs involved in extension of the contract with Willmott Dixon.
We also asked what proportion of additional cost has arisen through the need for extra ground remediation works.
To date, the council has been unable to answer either of these questions
In its response to our first FOI request, it stated:
0