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"Consultants in £92k review into city leisure"

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  1. chdot
    Admin

    "

    A COMPREHENSIVE review of council leisure facilities in the Capital has been ordered in a bid to ensure those in areas of greatest social need are properly provided for.

    Consultants have been appointed at a cost of £92,000 to undertake the review which will cover swimming pools, sports centres and other facilities run by the council’s arms-length trust Edinburgh Leisure, as well as city schools’ pools and gym provision.

    Council chiefs hope the upsurge in public interest in sport generated by the Commonwealth Games will help give a boost to the review.

    Recommendations are expected within a year.

    "

    http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/consultants-in-92k-review-into-city-leisure-1-3438675

    I wonder if it will include the velodrome at Meadowbank or the (planned) facilities at Hunters Hall

    Posted 11 years ago #

  2. Charlethepar
    Member

    "
    Council chiefs hope the upsurge in public interest in sport generated by the Commonwealth Games ...
    "

    This is a myth. Major events lead to sitting on sofas watching major events. Local sports facilities, park, paths and sports coaches boost participation.

    See

    "Significantly fewer people now playing sport regularly than before last year's Olympic Games "

    Posted 11 years ago #

  3. wingpig
    Member

    Every time my wife fills in a comment card at the end of a term of swimming lessons she advises Edinburgh Leisure to have a look at what Inverness council can do: my sister-in-law can get a monthly pass for her entire three-child household to do anything at any council activity facility (including inactivity facilities like bowling greens and golf courses) for a mere £26ish, which will barely get one Edinburgh person one activity's facilities' usage for a month.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  4. kaputnik
    Moderator

    on the odd occassion I go for a swim, I sometimes suck in the air through my teeth and go "How much?!" when paying.

    Then I remember it's not much more than a pint of beer, and probably better for me (if I don't drink it).

    Sometimes after the swim I then go for a pint, regardless.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  5. Rabid Hamster
    Member

    Does anyone remember a 'temporary' outdoors velodrome for the Scottish climate?

    Posted 11 years ago #

  6. Rabid Hamster
    Member

    Instead of hiring 'consultants', why doesn't the Toon Cooncil 'consult' the local residents and deliver on demand? Embra is for Embra people!

    Posted 11 years ago #

  7. chdot
    Admin

    Been sent this -

    "

    Last report on budget that went to committee last week included money for departments to buy in design expertise.

    "

    It was in response to complaints about the recent chicanes/tactiles/slippy surfaces issues, but perhaps it's the start of council-wide changes(?)

    Though perhaps "buy in design expertise" actually means more consultants!?

    Posted 11 years ago #

  8. acsimpson
    Member

    I'd love to think that buying in expertise meant training courses or people who use the types of facilities they are designing... but it does sound like council speak for outsourcing to some guy in an office so they can pass the blame later.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  9. chdot
    Admin

    "but it does sound like council speak for outsourcing to some guy in an office so they can pass the blame later"

    Well yes - except that they already outsource a lot (e.g. Halcrow) so I don't understand will be different.

    As for blame - well it depends partly on the brief - 'please design world class cycling infrastructure' BUT 'don't touch the parking'.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  10. SRD
    Moderator

    So it is design that's at fault. Not contractors?

    Posted 11 years ago #

  11. Cyclingmollie
    Member

    Sustrans are working with the Council to develop the Family Network element of the Active Travel Action Plan and that should be using the Sustrans "Handbook for Cycle Friendly Design" and Transport Scotland's "Cycling by Design". So the external expertise and design guidelines in that case are clear. Contractors seem to be responsible for misplacing signs and using the wrong types of surfacing etc. etc.

    IME working in H&SC we had lots of great guidelines and intentions but they were often at odds with the catering and transport providers who were intractable when challenged to provide healthier meals or less stressful transport arrangements for people.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  12. PS
    Member

    I can't help thinking that the designing and the installation will not improve until those doing the designing and the installation actually have a stake in, and therefore an understanding of, the infrastructure.

    Ergo, the Cooncil deigners should be made to cycle on this crap infrastruture everyday until they understand why it's crap, what needs to be done to sort it and then get to enjoy the benefit of it once done properly. Likewise, contracts to do it should be restricted to contractors using cargo bikes. The latter will have the knock-on effect of meaning we won't have to dodge vans and flat-bed trucks on the NEPN and other cyclepaths.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  13. Cyclingmollie
    Member

    I don't think the blame for poor planning can be laid at the door of the Council or Sustrans. I've a bit of experience of signage assessment, design and installation and interviewed for the recent Sustrans Project Officer, Signing post. I had to walk around a section of the NCN in Haymarket for half an hour to assess the signs then deliver a presentation to the interview board outlining the improvements I'd make to them. My personal view that I made to the board was strongly tipped towards the NCN as an accessible facility for all and I made my points by referencing not just cycling but years of working with adults with disabilities. Still didn't get the job though.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  14. chdot
    Admin

    "

    The Council’s Contract Standing Orders require Committee approval for the appointment of most consultancy services over £25,000.

    £150,000 has been set aside from the Council’s Cycling Capital budget in 2014/15 to develop two major cycling/walking infrastructure projects. This is being matched by £150,000 awarded from a Sustrans “Community Links” fund. The projects are key links in the Family Network, which is an important element in the Active Travel Action Plan.

    The work planned for 2014/15 includes additional business case studies, feasibility, engineering investigation works, consultation and preliminary designs. The Council does not currently have the capacity, or for some aspects the necessary skills base, to develop these projects internally in 2014/15. It is for this reason that appointment of consultancy support, via a competitive tendering process, is recommended.

    "

    http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/43371/item_78_-_development_of_major_cycling_and_walking_projects

    Posted 11 years ago #

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