Decision details

The purpose of this report is to brief and seek endorsement from Councillor’s on the work undertaken by Officer’s and T3 an external consultancy in the development of a new Parks & Open Spaces – Commercial Sustainability Plan; and subsequent to that agreement, support delivery of activities and interventions which align with the plan and will contribute towards the overall aim of providing a financially sustainable service.

This report also provides background on the current financial position and cost to the Council of operating the Park’s and Open Spaces service and thus the key drivers behind the creation, development and proposed delivery programme of the new Commercial Sustainability Plan aimed at removing the operating cost of the service to the Council. 

Detail is given on the approach undertaken by Officer’s and T3 in the development of the Commercial Sustainability Plan. The plan includes a fully costed investment plan with a creative overview of commercial opportunities spanning five key sites across Parks and Open Spaces.

The report outlines the key principles of the plan with the aim of enhancing the visitor experience for visitors and how if approved it can support the delivery of the Corporate Plan, Place Strategy and overall service and financial objectives and improvements. 

The report includes the recommendations identified by T3 during their work, and their conclusions that if adopted by the Council the plan will enhance and further improve the visitor experience, footfall to our open spaces, dwell time (how long residents stay) and income across our sites.

This report will set out clearly the proposed capital investment plan for Phase 1 – which is now included within the Councils agreed Capital Programme and the plan for delivery; and outlines that a wider development plan for Phase 2 that will be put forward and submitted as an extra capital investment bid in the 2027-2028 budget process.

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. 

To create and launch a new Parks and Open Spaces Commercial Sustainability Plan

To utilise this plan to reduce the operational cost of £848,000 (2026-2027) to the service by March 2028.

To allow the Head of Leisure, Health & Environment to deliver the Phase 1 capital investment programme outlined within this report to support point 14.2.

To seek approval from Council that the Head of Leisure, Health & Environment can continue to progress and develop investment plans for the Phase 2 programme delivery and submit these for approval as part of the 2027/2028 budget process.

To use the new Commercial Sustainability Plan to support the wider Council corporate strategic priorities set out within the Corporate Plan and Place Strategies.

As outlined within the report.

As outlined within the report.