Alderney centre may not get States cash

PLANS for a new leisure centre in Alderney could fail because of a lack of funding. The people behind the centre are bullish about success, but current plans require '800,000 of States' funding.

A newly-formed trust will raise '1m. through debentures, corporate sponsorship, local fundraising and a possible donation from Sport England.

Richard Willmott, trustee and management committee chairman, is confident they will secure the '1.8m. they need.

'We believe it's a reasonable request. If they say no then we'll consider plan B.

'We are confident we can raise the '1m.

'People need to understand the deal we've made with Guernsey. We have ring-fenced our gambling revenue in return for freezing our annual allocation for four years.'

But the Guernsey politician holding the purse strings has issued a clear warning about the funding implications of the project.

Treasury and Resources minister Lyndon Trott said: 'No further allocation for capital expenditure or additional revenue expenditure will be considered until after the corporate prioritisation is debated by the States at the end of the year.

'Nothing is considered in isolation. Everything will be considered corporately and at the same time at the end of the year.

'Alderney will not be treated any differently to Guernsey, but the States of Alderney need to have their own prioritisation debate. Will the leisure centre be number one, or other infrastructure improvements? They cannot consider these things until they know.'

A public meeting on the proposals last night heard that the plans were affordable and that the centre could operate at break-even.

The proposers said that a '1.8m. leisure complex, which could open in January 2007, was vital for the health and well-being of the island as well as for attracting and retaining young people.

The Alderney Community Sports and Health Charitable Trust has come up with plans that include a three-lane swimming pool, a five-court sports hall, gym, squash court, dance studio and a treatment room.

'It would be the simplest and most straightforward construction that would blend in the landscape. The main roof would be covered with plants native to the island,' said architect David Pimm-Smith.

The General Services Committee has agreed in principle to leasing land at York Hill and the new Land Use Plan has been changed to incorporate a sports centre at the site. An environmental impact assessment and site survey has been carried out.

Running costs should be controlled.

Trust member David Stalker is a former managing director of Leisure Connect Plc, a UK leisure and health industry operator. He moved to Alderney three years ago.

'I was more than keen to get involved because I felt Alderney lacked facilities. There had been a lot of initial drive that needed to come together with facts, figures and achievable goals,' he said.

'There has been concern that it will end up like Beau Sejour and lose money, but there's no reason why a small community should not be able to offer something without it being a cash-losing set-up.

'I've operated sports centres all over the UK and the most successful ones were in small communities. Maybe not as small as Alderney, but small enough for people to support and be proud of it ' it would become a focal point for the island.'

Mr Stalker added that the running costs have been considered very carefully.

'We understand the issues and have been very cautious with what we've put forward. For example, the swimming pool is the most expensive part of a sports facility. But this would be open at limited hours to reduce costs such as paying lifeguards and heating.'

Mr Willmott added that the proposed plans were in no way comparable to Beau Sejour. Estimated running costs have been set at '74,000 a year, with income reaching around '80,000.

'We believe we can operate at a small break even.'

n'Mr Willmott, along with States members Sue Phillips, Bill Walden and Barbara Benfield, lodged a requete last week asking the island's government for an '800,000 contribution.

It is hoped the issue will be debated within the next two months. They suggest the money could come from the online gaming industry profits. Mr Willmott led the Vision Alderney survey last year, which showed a desire across the board for better leisure facilities.

'The younger age groups in particular were keen for better leisure facilities. These are the people we need to be careful about and these are the ones we need to attract and retain.'