Issue - meetings

To receive a report briefing and seeking endorsement on the work undertaken by Officers and T3, an external consultancy in the development of a new Parks & Open Spaces – Commercial Sustainability Plan.

The Cabinet has

1)  endorsed the principles put forward in the T3 Commercial Opportunities Report (Appendix 1), which will be adopted in seeking to support activities to reduce the costs of the service to the Council and provide a commercially sustainable approach for the service; and which will continue to contribute to the Councils wider strategies and outcomes for the District;

2)  supported the principles set out can be used in connection with the identified sites, but also applied  in relation to other sites which the Council is or may become responsible for; including those falling within the remit of the Head of Leisure, Health and Environment to support wildlife and conservation, health and wellbeing, physical activity and the introduction of new commercial opportunities;

3)  approved the outline recommendations put forward by T3 Commercial Opportunities Report (Appendix 1), by external consultants, the proposed Phase 1 capital investment plan and wider direction of travel as outlined within this report;

4)  approved the proposed Phase 1 programme of investment utilising the capital bids (£1m) which have been included within the 26/27 budget; and which have subsequently been agreed as part of the Councils Capital Programme;

5)  acknowledged and supported that the Head of Leisure, Health & Environment continue to develop plans for Phase 2 and will submit capitals bids as part of the 27/28 budget setting process – or earlier if possible and supported by the Corporate Director (Finance and Resources) and Section 151 Officer; and

6)  delegated authority to the Head of Leisure, Health & Environment all necessary activities required to deliver the capital expenditure plan (Phase 1), and within the agreed budgets enable the development, finalisation and delivery of new programmes, events and attractions which align with the principles agreed, and which will contribute to the commercially sustainable approach agreed.