This report seeks approval for the appropriation of land owned by the Council for planning purposes to form part of the Milton Pavements development which is then to be developed by Wirral Growth Company.  The appropriation is in accordance with the Option Agreement between Wirral Borough Council and Wirral Growth Company.

That the Director of Regeneration and Place approves the appropriation of land comprising part of the Milton Pavements, Birkenhead  development, as identified in paragraph 3.3 of this report,  for planning purposes.

Resolved – That

1)  the progression of the award to notice for Local Healthwatch and Independent Health Complaints Advocacy be approved.

2)  the award of contracts to the provider outlined in Appendix 1 be approved.

3)  the progression to notice of the award of the contracts be approved.

At the meeting of the Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee (TCCL) on 16th June 2021 a decision was taken to reopen Europa Leisure Pool for the 2021 school summer holiday period 19/07/21– 05/09/21 (inclusive) subject to there being no covid restrictions imposed by the Government during that period.

Wirral continues to experience an increasing number of new cases of Covid19. Owing to the rapid increase in new infections, dominated by the Delta variant, Liverpool City Region was designated, by HM Government, as an area of Enhanced Response on 14th June 2021. The current rate of infection in Wirral is fourth highest in the Liverpool City Region and as at 14th July 2021, in the top 20 nationally. Further detail on Wirral infection rates is provided in section 3.5 of this report.

This report therefore recommends that the decision of the Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee on 16 June 2021 is not implemented as the opening of this facility at the capacity required to ensure the protection of public health and financial viability would be unsustainable in light of these local conditions.

The provision of a Leisure Pool offer is a non-statutory function of the Council.

Not to reopen Europa Leisure Pool during the school summer holiday period from 19/07/21 - 5/9/21 and authorise the utilisation of the space within the facility for an alternative provision of sport and activity.