Allerdale Borough Council

Executive – 20 June 2012

Rugby League World Cup 2013 – Derwent Park Proposal

The Reason for the Decision In order to secure the opportunity for West to provide a venue in the World Cup 2013, Derwent Park has been put forward as the replacement for Pow Beck in Whitehaven.

A number of enhancements are required to the venue if it is to meet the standards required by the RLWC2013 if it is to host a venue.

Summary of options considered This option has be en offered following the decision of the RLWC2013 to withdraw from the Pow Beck stadium as a potential venue.

Recommendation s It is recommended that: -

• Allerdale Borough Council underwrites the capital enhancements works at Derwent Park up to a maximum of £50,000 subject to satisfactory completion of the works schedule.

• This grant is financed from the capital receipts reserve.

• Members work closely with BEC on minimising the costs associated with the upgrades required to the stadium, whilst still achieving the RLWC 2013’s expectations and timeline.

Financial / Resource Implications A capital grant of up to £5 0,000 to be provided to BEC to enable the completion of the necessary works.

Legal Implications None directly

Community Safety Implic ations N/A

Health and Safety and Risk The works need to be completed up to the Management Implications standards required and within the timescales as set by the RLWC2013.

Equality Duty considered / Impact This has been consid ered. Assessment completed

Wards Affected All

The contribution this d ecision would The hosting of 2013 make to the Council’s priorities matches at Derwent Park would contribute to the Sports, Arts and Leisure priority by facilitating and supporting sporting events across West Cumbria.

Is this a Key Decision Yes

Portfolio Holder Councillor Alan Smith, Leader

Lead Officer Catherine Nicholson, Financial Services Manager Tel: 01900 70 2503 Email: [email protected]

Report Implications (Please delete where applicable).

Community Safety Y Employment (external to the Council) N Financial Y Employment (internal) N Legal N Partnership N Social Inclusion N Asset Management N Equality Duty Y Health and Safety N

Background papers - None

1.0 Introduction

1.1 The 2013 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC2013) will be staged in four countries with matches played across a number of venues in England, Wales, Ireland and France.

1.2 RLWC2013 have given a commitment to stage matches in West Cumbria. Initial proposals to stage Scotland’s matches against Tonga and Italy at the Pow Beck Stadium are no longer being progressed leaving an opportunity to secure a venue at Derwent Park in .

1.3 The Britain’s Energy Coast (BEC) Board has ringfenced funding for the necessary works required to the stadium in order to meet the standards required by the World Cup organisers.

2.0 Content

2.1 RLWC2013 have reiterated their commitment to hold matches in West Cumbria if an appropriate venue can be found.

BEC have considered and approved a detailed proposal to fund a capital scheme centred on improving Derwent Park to a standard capable of holding World Cup matches. Final confirmation of the cost of the required works is still to be clarified, but the current estimate stands at between £400,000 and £450,000. The BEC Board have ringfenced £350,000 for the scheme subject to any necessary balance of funding being provided through external sources including Allerdale Borough Council.

2.2 RLWC2013 is a highly prestigious event which will bring profile and trade to the area and strongly aligns to Allerdale Borough Council’s published commitment to support festivals and events across West Cumbria.

3.0 Finance/Resource Implications

3.1 BEC have affirmed their commitment subject to Allerdale Borough Council underwriting the potential shortfall in the scheme of up to £100,000. This would require provision to be made within the Council’s capital programme and would take the form of a capital grant to BEC.

3.2 Currently there is approximately £460k of uncommitted capital receipts available. A grant of £100,000 would represent over one fifth of available funding and restrict the opportunity for much needed investment in other Council priorities.

The lower estimate of works (£400,000) would leave a shortfall of £50,000 in the scheme which would be a more acceptable contribution and should still enable the works to be carried out but also better protect the Council’s scarce capital resources.

4.0 Recommendations

4.1 It is recommended that:-

• Allerdale Borough Council underwrites the capital enhancements works at Derwent Park up to a maximum of £50,000 subject to satisfactory completion of the works schedule.

• This grant is financed from the capital receipts reserve.

• Officers work closely with BEC on minimising the costs associated with the upgrades required to the stadium, whilst still achieving the RLWC 2013’s expectations and timeline.

Harry Dyke Chief Executive