Issue - meetings

Report attached.

The Portfolio Holder for Education, Leisure and Arts submitted a report on progress made in relation to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Parks for People funding bid for Rhyddings Park, Oswaldtwistle.  A Customer First Analysis was appended to the report.  Approval of the report was not deemed a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

(1)        On 3^rd December 2013, Cabinet agreed that the Council work with Newground Together to secure Parks for People Funding for refurbishment works at Rhyddings Park, Oswaldtwistle, at no cost to the Council.  The funding bid had been successful and the works allowed for were set out in Paragraph 3.8 of the above report.

(2)        As Newground Together were co-applicant with the Council in relation to the successful Heritage Lottery Fund Stage 2 Bid, the Council intended to continue to work in partnership with that Organisation to implement and complete the Project.  Newground Together would jointly act as project manager with the Council for the duration of the Project and would employ two staff, funded by the Lottery Fund, to facilitate audience development and improved horticultural skills within the Park.

(3)        The Council would take on the responsibility of accountable body and the delivery stage work would commence on site once all permissions had been finalised and secured.

Alternative Options Considered and Reasons for Rejection

The delivery stage of Parks for People Heritage Lottery Fund funding could be discontinued and the Council could try to undertake improvements to the Park via a piece meal approach.  That was not recommended as grant funding had now been secured and work could be undertaken as one project over the next two years.

Resolved                           (1)   That the refurbishment and improvement of Rhyddings Park, as outlined in the report (“the Project”), be supported and receipt of the Heritage Lottery Funding be welcomed;

                                (2)   That it be agreed that the Council be the accountable body in respect of the Project and in accordance with the Heritage Lottery Fund’s terms and conditions in connection with the Project;

                                (3)   That authority be delegated to the Acting Head of Community Services to take all reasonable steps to implement and complete the Project, including entering into the necessary agreement with the Heritage Lottery Fund, entering into any necessary agreement with Newgound Together, engaging consultants and contractors as required to deliver the Project and obtaining all necessary permissions and consents;  and,

                                (4)   That a further report be received by Cabinet in due course for its consideration and approval in respect of the proposed terms of the lease to the Friends of Rhyddings Park of the Coach House in Rhyddings Park and the proposed arrangements for the management and operation of the Coach House.

The following item was submitted as urgent business with the Chair’s agreement in accordance with Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the reason being to ensure the latest up to date information was included in the report.