For further details of the Petition, please see the documents below:-
Petition – The Roundhouse – Construction Fees, Equipment, Special District
Appendix 1 – Interim Financial Report
For further details of the Petition, please see the documents below:-
Petition – The Roundhouse – Construction Fees, Equipment, Special District
Appendix 1 – Interim Financial Report
LATEST NEWS ABOUT THE ROUNDHOUSE FROM BRADDAN COMMISSIONERS :-
LANDMARK LEISURE COMPLEX SET FOR WINTER OPENING
Work to create a flagship multi-purpose leisure development in Braddan is moving ever closer to completion.
The Roundhouse, a concept by Braddan Parish Commissioners to bring together community, family, friends, fitness and health in one modern facility, is set to open to the public this winter. As well as providing a range of new leisure, health and community facilities for all ages Island-wide, the complex will create in the region of 25 local jobs.
The local authority has recently presented a petition seeking approval from the Department of Infrastructure to borrow up to £3.4 million from HSBC, as required under Section 51 of the Local Government Act, to conclude the scheme which will comprise a cafe with a children’s soft play area, large multi-use sports hall, gym and exercise studio, along with a nursery, pharmacy, dental practice, therapy suite, treatment room, beauticians and activity classes for babies and children.
In addition, there will be a striking state-of-the-art outdoor inclusive children’s playground, along with an extensive village green incorporating a 500-metre long walking and exercise track, and sensory garden, as part of two acres of open green space.
Chairman Andrew Jessopp said: ‘Excitement is starting to ramp up as we approach the completion of The Roundhouse.
‘It has been several decades since a local authority undertook a scheme of this scale and, having been on site recently, it is truly wonderful to see it all coming together. We have no doubt our
modern leisure and community complex will have a huge positive impact on the outlook, health and wellbeing of Island residents.’
Located at The Strang, adjacent to Palatine Health Centre and Noble’s Hospital, The Roundhouse will have good parking provision and excellent public transport links.
As well as being an ideal venue to meet friends and family, take advantage of essential services and exercise, its modern, comfortable facilities will also be available to hire for a range of
functions and events.
The sports hall, with its pull-out seating, can double up as a performance or exhibition space and conference facility.
Designed by local architects Kay Associates and constructed by Cedar Developments Ltd, Mr Jessopp added: ‘Since the outset, this has been very much a team effort involving local architects, contractors and craftsmen to match the aspirations of the local authority. The scheme has created jobs in the construction industry, as well as at the completed complex itself, and when open will increase footfall to the area and give a boost to local businesses.
‘Regrettably, schemes of this nature take a long time to come to fruition, and inevitably, since it was first planned, the cost has risen. The island has suffered the consequences of the coronavirus
pandemic, Brexit and the Ukraine war. They brought with them material price increases and labour shortages, both of which the entire building industry on and off the Island is experiencing.
‘There were also some unexpected issues with the building design that has slowed its progress, but I am delighted we can now see the finishing line and we are all looking forward to seeing how
residents in the parish, and Island wide, can enjoy the first-class facilities at The Roundhouse for generations to come.’
To keep up to date with the latest news about the Roundhouse, please see our dedicated Facebook page – The Roundhouse
Please see the link below to our new online newsletter for 2023/2024:-
Braddan Parish Commissioners has announced that it’s local authority rate for the next financial year will be set at 257p – an increase of 11.7%.
The domestic refuse charge has also increased by £6.00 (7.3%) to £88.00.
Mr Jessopp, Chairman commented:
“Given the economic climate over the past 12 months and the inflationary pressures currently being experienced, this was one of the most difficult rate setting exercises in a decade. We considered all of the costs for the forthcoming financial year over several meetings and weighed all the options available to us.
In common with other local authorities, there are many external costs outside our control which have seen significant increases over the last 12 months, including borrowing, staffing and refuse disposal costs.
For example, the increase in the domestic refuse charge is as a direct result of increase in the EFW gate fee of 7.2%, imposed by central government.
Additionally, the cost of Braddan’s contribution to the purchase and construction of the new Eastern Civic Amenity Site, currently being built, equates to a 4p increase in the rate (£25k). However, this is a much needed facility which will benefit everyone in the east of the island.
The Commissioners also continue to invest for the future in their new leisure facility near Nobles Hospital, now christened the Roundhouse.
The exciting new development will provide much needed modern leisure and health facilities for all ages and is due to open later this year”.
Mr Jessopp added – “The Roundhouse represents the largest investment our authority has ever undertaken and we are looking forward to moving there in Autumn 2023. Despite this large financial commitment to the parish, careful planning has meant that the impact on the rates has been kept to a minimum.
The Board, in coming to its decision, acknowledged the current financial pressures on sections of the island’s population, but felt it would be imprudent to set a lower rate knowing that it would in all likelihood, result in a shortfall in income, thereby just carrying over any increase to the following year.
The Commissioners are committed to investing in the services and facilities for the benefit of our community and are satisfied that the decision they have made still represents excellent value when compared to the level of rates in other places”.
Information Facts:
1p on the rate equates to £5,614.91 in income.
The average domestic property in the parish has a rateable value of £149:
2022-23 £342.70 pa £6.59 pw
2023-24 £382.93 pa £7.36 pw
An increase of £40.23 or just 77p per week.
Braddan Commissioners issue and collect their own rates, they have minimal rate arrears – the current rate arrears stand at £1,114 and we are continuing to pursue the outstanding debtors.
Please see the link HERE for more information:-
Issued by Braddan Parish Commissioners on 31 January 2023.
Beach Buddies volunteers at Port Soderick beach and glen
Braddan Commissioners would like to say a huge thank you to Beach Buddies Isle of Man and their fantastic volunteers for another excellent effort on Sunday. In total they cleared away a bulk bag’s worth of rubbish from the beach and glen at Port Soderick.
The latest Audited Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2022 can be viewed here.
Statement from Andrew Jessopp, Chairman of Braddan Parish Commissioners:-
We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Lord of Mann. Her steadfast service and dedication to duty during the last 70 years is an inspiration to a great many people, not just on the Island but across the world.
On behalf of the Commissioners I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the King and the Royal Family on their sad loss.
Braddan Commissioners were delighted to welcome His Excellency Sir John Lorimer and Lady Philippa Lorimer to Union Mills on Wednesday 10 August to formally open the new apartments at Mullen Doway.
