Agenda item

The Managing Director of Rubicon Leisure Limited presented the Quarter Two Performance Monitoring Report 2025-26.

In doing so, he began by outlining the key risks that impacted on Rubicon Leisure Limited.

In discussing the risks, Members commented on the following points:

• As Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) was approaching and Rubicon Leisure Limited was an arm’s length business of the Council, Members questioned whether this was on the risk register. It was confirmed that it did feature.

It was reported that Abbey Stadium was on budget for Quarter Two.

Public Heath had funded support for health and fitness (H&F) vouchers to tackle obesity.

A number of Health and Well-being events had been attended to support partners including Heart of Worcestershire (HOW) College’s Careers and Fresher fair, and Redditch Borough and Bromsgrove District Councils’ staff events.

In discussing the update on Abbey Stadium, Members commented on the following points:

• Members welcomed the new furniture which had been installed in the café to increase capacity. It was felt this was a positive step and further supported resident’s health and wellbeing as it encouraged parents to take their children to sports clubs.
• The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme was welcomed, and Members were pleased with the number of children attending.

In terms of the Arrow Valley Countryside Centre site, Members were informed that there had been an outstanding first half of the year. Food and beverage performance had been very positive.

The Committee was advised that water activities had been impacted by the bloom of blue green algae which resulted in a reduction in income for August.

Members were very pleased to hear that Arrow Valley Countryside Centre had been shortlisted for the Worcestershire Tourism Award in the category for best new tourism business.

In discussing the update on the Arrow Valley Countryside Centre, Members commented on the following points:

• Thanks were given to everyone involved in the Redditch Commonwealth Link event.
• Members raised a query regarding the sluice gate inlet being closed and the impact this had on the growth of blue green algae. It was confirmed that this would be followed up with the Council’s Parks team.
• Members welcomed Rubicon Leisure Limited’s partnership with HOW College and praised the team for the excellence award they received at a West Midlands Supported Internships awards event.
• A query was raised regarding work taking place with the Renew Team. The Managing Director advised that he sat on the Steering Group and that Rubicon Leisure Limited would play a part as this was a direct business objective.

In terms of the Palace Theatre, there had been several sell out shows in Quarter Two including the Drifters, ELO Experience, the Phantom starring Lee Mead, and Jonny Cole.

It was reported that customer satisfaction (NPS) was 74 against national average of 34, and the Palace Theatre had been crowned Business of the Year at the Redditch Business Awards.

The Chair praised the diverse range of events at the theatre and the work which was being done to ensure continued success.

Pitcheroak Golf Course was reported to be up on budget and had hosted the Kingfisher Open and two junior county golf tournaments.

Members were also informed that capital works had been completed to fix a drainage issue on the second green and the refurbishment of the male changing room and toilets had been programmed.

In regard to Forge Mill Needle Museum, there had been several successful exhibitions including the Titanic: Honour and Glory Exhibition.

The events programme had been strong. The children’s trail guide was launched in July 2025.

Forge Mill Needle Museum had scored an outstanding 83 on the NPS compared to an industry average of 43.

Members praised the staff for their work in improving engagement at the site.

Finally, an update on community centres was provided to Members. The Committee was informed that as a whole, they were performing on target.

RESOLVED that

the report be noted.

[During consideration of this item, Members discussed matters that necessitated the disclosure of exempt information. It was therefore agreed to move to exclude the press and public prior to any debate on the grounds that information would be revealed that included information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).]