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.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Wards affected: (All Wards);