‘Unrealistic’ increases at Dundee hub

DUNDEE: Sports organisations say it is unrealistic of council to expect clubs to pay higher hall rental fees

Price hikes at a new Dundee sports centre have been blasted by a sport’s governing body.

Basketball Scotland said it has concerns over the “unrealistic” increase and lack of consultation around the £13 million Menzieshill Community Hub.

Sports clubs will have to pay £34 per hour, compared to the current rate of £13.50, to rent out either of the centre’s halls.

A spokesperson for Basketball Scotland said: “In an economically disadvantaged area, we are concerned as to where the council believe the users can find this extra finance on a weekly basis.”

Basketball’s governing body in Scotland says it is “unrealistic” to expect clubs in Dundee to meet the increasing costs of a new community facility.

Basketball Scotland hit out after it was confirmed fees at the £13 million Menzieshill Community Hub will more than double from April.

Sports clubs will have to pay £34 per hour, compared to the current rate of £13.50, to rent either of the centre’s halls.

Madsons Basketball and Discovery Netball are among the clubs that will be affected.

A Basketball Scotland spokesman said: “We are disappointed that there is no consultation planned, as previously promised, to determine the impact on clubs and communities when the new pricing model comes into force.

“Effectively, the community users have been given an additional six months for the sport users or the clubs to find 152% an hour increase in hall hire fees.

“In an economically disadvantaged area, we are concerned as to where the council believe the users can find this extra finance on a weekly basis.

“Young people in their sports kit and dedicated volunteer coaches sent home, ignored with their clubs facing ruin.

MICHAEL MARRA

“Increasing household incomes within a whole community in a short space of time is difficult and, in this case, unrealistic.”

It has been claimed children and coaches at the two clubs were “silenced” after arriving at a meeting of the policy and resources committee on Monday.

The centre is being transferred to the management of Leisure and Culture Dundee and prices will be brought in line with those at other facilities.

Councillor Michael Marra tried to have this halted pending consultation with the local clubs.

However, councillors voted against suspending standing orders, meaning the topic could not be discussed and the prices will come into effect on April 1.

Mr Marra said: “I’m appalled that all the SNP councillors in Dundee voted to silence local people.

“Sports clubs face 100% to 500% increases in hall costs. Young people in their sports kit and dedicated volunteer coaches sent home, ignored with their clubs facing ruin. They arrived at City Square ready to speak, but I told them they wouldn’t be able to.”

Council leader and convener of the committee John Alexander said the issue should not be discussed as the increases had already been agreed.

He previously acknowledged the changes are “far from ideal” but said the cost of the new building must be met.

The building is made up of multiuse community facilities built over two storeys.

This includes two sports halls, a library, a community centre with multipurpose rooms and areas, as well as a café.