Following on from the Sports Facilities Strategy 2009, which is based on the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) housing growth projections, and in light of the financial pressures facing the community pools in Torbay, it is considered that a detailed look at swimming provision in Torbay is now required. The strategy will look specifically at usage of the existing provision against capacity, the state and quality of facilities including any capital requirement for the next ten year period to meet the need, and assessing the future need based on the revised housing growth figures.

The criteria for the consideration of the strategy will include:

¨       Examining how we can provide cost effective provision within Torbay that benchmarks positively nationally and regionally.

¨       Demand management – how can we make better use of available swimming capacity to make more effective use of the available swimming resources.

¨       Examine how, recognising the varying quality and condition of swimming infrastructure across Torbay, we can create an affordable medium to long-term plan for the maintenance of an acceptable level of swimming provision.

¨       Examine how we can work with, support and encourage independent community providers to improve the long-term sustainability of their facilities.

¨       Fully consider the on-going revenue and capital impacts of the proposed strategy, including the identification of external funding sources, and ensure that all recommendations can be supported financially by the Council subject to endorsement by the Council.