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The Committee scrutinised an update on the International Sports Village (ISV), covering car parking, the energy strategy, a short-term lease of the Toys R Us building and leasing land for an electricity sub-station. The Committee agreed that the Chairperson will write to the Cabinet Member with its observations and plans to scrutinise a future Cabinet report on the energy strategy. It also approved the draft Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/2025 for presentation to full Council on 17 July 2025.
Apologies had been received from Cllr Margaret Lewis.
None received.
The minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2025 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairperson.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting at this point during consideration of this item as the Committee discussed exempt information of the description contained in paragraph 14, 16 and 21 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Action 1972. The public may be excluded from the meeting by resolution of the Committee pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during discussion of this item. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
The Chairperson advised that this report provided Committee with an update on the ISV development, and specifically details regarding proposals for car parking, the energy strategy, a short-term lease for the Toys R Us building, and leasing land to assist delivery of an electricity sub-station. Committee has the opportunity to explore these and how risks and implications for the Council have been identified and mitigated. Members were reminded that Appendices 2, 5, 7, 9 and 10 contain exempt information and were asked not to refer to these until Committee goes in to closed session. For this item, the Chairperson welcomed Cllr Russell Goodway – Cabinet Member, Investment & Development; Neil Hanratty – Director of Economic Development; Chris Barnett – Operational Manager, Major Projects and Jo Anne Phillips – Project Manager. The Cabinet Member was invited to make an opening statement after which Members were provided with a presentation from Officers. The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members. Members noted that the Council had a responsibility to provide 600 parking spaces for users of existing sport and leisure facilities. However, it was acknowledged that future demand could rise to around 1,000 spaces, taking into account anticipated residential, commercial, and leisure developments in the area. Members asked for clarification on how this estimated demand had been calculated and raised concerns about how such an increase in car parking aligned with the Council’s One Planet Cardiff sustainability goals. It was noted that any additional parking provision would be subject to the planning process, which would include consideration of these environmental objectives. Members also noted the Council’s commitment to enhancing active and public transport options at the International Sports Village (ISV), including improvements to bus services and the introduction of water taxi links. It was reported that additional parking capacity had already been made available to support event days at the ISV. Plans for a new car park charging system were outlined, with the likely use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. Customers would be able to enter their vehicle registration details at terminals located inside venues to activate a two-hour free parking period, similar to systems currently used at Better Leisure Centres. Officers advised that to ensure safety and security, the car parks would be upgraded with improved lighting, resurfaced with tarmac, and monitored by CCTV. Members expressed a strong interest in ensuring that the proposed charging system would be inclusive and accessible. They requested further information on the Council’s current approach to offering alternatives to cashless and app-based payments, and whether such options could be implemented at the ISV. Members also asked about the availability of Blue Badge spaces and whether Blue Badge holders would be entitled to extended free parking to accommodate their additional needs. In addition, they inquired whether concessionary rates would be available for specific groups such as frequent users and volunteer sports coaches. In relation to the Energy Strategy, Members were informed that the Council’s financial exposure would be limited to initial procurement costs, with the private sector expected to fund the estimated £15 million required to build, maintain, and operate the energy centre. The Council was leading the procurement process due to the market’s requirement for its covenant and because the lease for the energy centre would be longer than those held by existing sports and leisure providers. The procurement process would determine the duration and terms of the Council’s energy offtake agreement. Officers anticipated that the Council’s financial liabilities would be limited to the equivalent of standing charges. Members were informed that a further report on this matter was expected to be brought before Cabinet. Members agreed to allocate time in their work programme to scrutinise the forthcoming Cabinet report. They wished to fully understand the potential risks and implications for the Council and to explore the proposed mitigation measures. Discussing the primary sub-station, Members sought clarification on why the application was being made through a third party rather than directly by the Council to National Grid. It was explained that the Council was taking advantage of a developer’s offer to progress the application for a sub-station at the ISV site. This facility would serve both the ISV and the developer’s site in East Cardiff. The lease of five acres for the sub-station was confirmed to be a property transaction, with the land value yet to be determined. Members requested an update on progress with resolving local residents’ issues, discussed at a previous committee meeting in January 2025. Officers explained that the Leader has met with local residents and that they believe the issues regarding the boardwalk are resolved. Regarding the outline planning application, this is now being withdrawn. Councillor Goodway has requested there be regular communications and meetings between the developer and residents, with council staff also in attendance to keep them abreast of discussions. Members sought clarification as to whether the masterplan will ensure that there is sport and leisure on the ISV site, even if there were a change in political administration. Officers explained that planning permission gives the right to develop and a land deal secures this, with the developer then having the right to draw down land in accordance with the masterplan and to seek formal planning permission in line with this. RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting at this point during consideration of this item as the Committee discussed exempt information of the description contained in paragraph 14, 16 and 21 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Action 1972. The public may be excluded from the meeting by resolution of the Committee pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during discussion of this item. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: To approve that the draft Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/2025 be presented to full Council on 17 July 2025 for approval.
The Principal Scrutiny Officer advised Members that this was an opportunity for them to see the draft Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/2025, before it being presented to full Council on 17 July 2025 for approval. This was a combined report across all Scrutiny Committees, Members had previously agreed the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee section, this was an opportunity to review and if necessary, amend the complete report. RESOLVED: To approve that the draft Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/2025 be presented to full Council on 17 July 2025 for approval.
None received.
A joint meeting with the Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee was scheduled at 5.45pm to follow on from this Committee meeting. The next meeting of the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 16 September 2025 at 4.30pm.
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