Leisure plans for the future

The centre has been blighted in the past by enforced closures, but plans have been drawn up to ensure the area has a facility fit for the new millennium.

Bromsgrove District Council's cabinet members have been invited to comment on and formally adopt the business plan for 2001 to 2004 for the Dolphin Centre, in School Drive.

The document for discussion reflects the council's core mission plan for the venue which is to "enhance the quality of life for residents of Bromsgrove District, as well as visitors to it, by promoting quality and cost effective services which are valued by the public it serves."

Also set out in the plan is the way in which the centre pursues and achieves a number of aims set out by the authority.

A table in the plans shows the centre's financial performance over the past four years.

The report also points out that careful consideration should be given to the fact that the centre was closed in 1999 for four months so asbestos could be removed -- and it was closed for nine weeks in 2000 following a fire. It makes it clear the figures don't include cash likely to be received from the council's insurers.

These notes outline why the centre "has not performed as well as might have been expected."

Because of a staff retention problem the report also indicates the training of workers "has suffered", and steps have been taken as part of the development plan.

Staff costs for the Dolphin Centre make up 69 per cent of expenditure.

Weaknesses highlighted include a lack of a planned maintenance schedule and the absence of a marketing strategy. Strengths include the centre's location, a loyal customer base, future improvements through Best Value and upgrade of the cardio-vascular suite.

The report's vision sees the establishment striving to provide a leisure facility which meets the needs and wants of the community in terms of customer care, cleanliness, pricing, programming and quality of service.