Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Humphrey) and Councillors Corr, Kyle, Mac Giolla Mhín, McCarthy and McVeigh.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information:

      The committee will recall that its meeting in December 2010 it agreed to hold a special meeting to discuss the future of the City of Belfast Golf Course at Mallusk.

      Members are reminded that the council purchased part of the lands which now form the City of Belfast Playing Fields Golf Course in a series of transactions in 1960.  While the precise reason for the procurement is not clear it is our understanding that it was, at least in part, motivated by a shortfall in playing field provision within the city.  Subsequently the playing fields opened around 1975 and the golf course was opened a decade later around 1985.

      The playing fields remain under the sole management of BelfastCity Council whilst the golf course has been under a facilities management agreement since 2005.

      A review of committee decisions regarding the golf course, dating back to 2000 has been undertaken and an outline is presented. Members will note that between 2001 and 2005 there had been significant discussion regarding the issue of the future of the facilities and how they could best be managed.  The main report would appear to be that which was presented in August 2004 and an extract from the minutes of that meeting is attached.   Within the report a range of options regarding the future management of the facility were considered.  At that time it was agreed to proceed with a facilities management agreement relating to the administration and management of the golf course, maintenance of the club house, the car park area plus part of the grounds maintenance work.   

Facilities Management Agreement

      In 2005 the Council entered into a facilities management agreement with the City of Belfast Golf Club.  Under the agreement the club would undertake the general management of the facilities on behalf of the council in accordance with the provisions of the agreement.  This would include the acceptance of bookings, collection of cash, organising of events, provision of security, utility charges incurred in connection with the use of the facility and other maintenance operations as detailed in the schedule of works appended to the agreement.  The agreement made reference to additional issues such as access, development of the site, public use etc.  The agreement sets out the requirements for the provision of information to the council in respect of financial records and usage. 

      The agreement was to run for a period of 5 years with provision for a further 2 years providing there had been no breach.  The current position is that the agreement will run to 31 July 2011 and will thereafter be extended on a month by month basis until the end of March 2012.

      In return the council, in line with facilities agreements across the city, would pay a maintenance fee to the club which would reduce over the duration of the agreement.  In addition, the club would be permitted to retain the income.  Any profits accruing would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.