Meeting documents
Executive (I)
Friday, 1st March, 2013
| REPORT TO: | 65 |
| DECISION NUMBER: | PH/29/2013 |
| EARLIEST DATE FOR DECISION: | 1st March 2013 |
STANLEY PARK - CAR PARK DEVELOPMENT | |
| Matter for Consideration: To consider a proposal to develop the former Stanley Park Greenhouse site to provide additional car parking for visitors to Stanley Park and the surrounding area | |
| Information: Stanley Park Greenhouses were managed via a partnership agreement with Myerscough College to deliver a plant nursery and training centre. Myerscough College withdrew from the partnership in 2009/2010 due to financial considerations, as a result of investment required and business performance. A structural survey identified that the greenhouse frame was unsafe and this part of the building was demolished for health and safety reasons. A number of options were considered by officers with regards to the tropical glasshouse (public conservatory) including: commercial lease of the building for a plant nursery and also for a community interest group to take over the facility and develop a visitor attraction with an events programme. Evaluation of these options concluded that no financially viable model could be progressed without serious financial risk to Blackpool Council. Deterioration and vandalism to the structure led to the demolition of the remaining building in late 2011 and 2012. In relation to the site as it now stands, the area lends itself to developing into additional car parking for Stanley Park and the surrounding area. Consultation with colleagues from NHS Blackpool, responsible for management of Whitegate Drive Medical Centre has resulted in a pledge of £100,000 toward additional parking at Stanley Park, in order to alleviate parking pressures at the recently opened health centre on Whitegate Drive. Also, Stanley Park and Blackpool Sports Centre are nationally and regionally significant and attract visitors from both Blackpool and further afield, particularly when the sites host large events and parking is a key issue. In summary, it is recognised that at times there is insufficient car parking in the area and this has a detrimental impact on local residents and visitors to the facilities, including residents wishing to exercise at the Sports Centre. With funding support from the NHS, the opportunity exists to develop the site into a car parking area using a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS), which will alleviate traffic congestion, improve access to the facilities on Stanley Park and present a visually attractive replacement to the area as it currently stands. A sustainable urban drainage system is in effect a grid placed on top of pre-prepared ground which is then in-filled, in our case with soil, and gives the visual appearance of a grassed area. SUDS comply with European Water Framework Directive principles in that rainwater is allowed to soak away and returns storm water to the water table as close as possible to where it falls, removing pressure on the sewerage system. In relation to the future maintenance of the area, this will be managed by the team of gardeners that maintain Blackpool Sports Centre car park. | |
| Does the information submitted include any exempt information? | NO |
| Legal Considerations: The Council’s Legal Services Section and Estates Section will establish a user agreement with NHS Blackpool. | |
| Personnel Considerations: The decision will result in increasing accessibility for all. | |
| Financial Considerations: Development of a car park, with associated costs, is estimated to cost in the region of £150,000, with the work being in two distinct phases. The first phase is expected to cost £125,000, with £100,000 being invested by the NHS and the balance funded by support from local ward councillors and Leisure Services. The second phase involves lighting for an area of the car park at an estimated cost of £25,000, and will only be completed if funding can be identified within Leisure and Operational Services at that time. | |
| Performance Management Considerations: Monitoring and evaluation will take place in relation to the usage of the car park. | |
| Risk Management Considerations: To not develop the area into a car park will only add to the parking pressures and issues within the area and not help in relation to large events. | |
| Relevant Officer: John Hawkin - Head of Leisure and Catering Services | |
| Relevant Cabinet Member: Councillor G. Cain | |
| Consultation Undertaken: Consultation with ward members, Blackpool Sports Centre users and NHS Blackpool. | |
| Background Papers: None | |
| Is this a key decision? | NO |
| Is the decision required in less than 5 days? | NO |
| Recommendations: To agree to the development of the former Stanley Park Greenhouse site to provide additional car parking for Stanley Park and the surrounding area. | |
| Reasons for Recommendations: To progress the proposal in order to develop plans and submit a planning application. | |
| Is the recommendation contrary to a plan or strategy adopted or approved by the Council? | NO |
| Is the recommendation in accordance with the Council’s approved Budget? | YES |
| Other alternative options to be considered: Not to proceed with the scheme which would leave the site unoccupied | |
| Policy, Overview, and Scrutiny Committee Chairman (where appropriate) Date Informed: N/A Date Approved: N/A | |
| DECLARATION(S) OF INTEREST (if applicable) None | |
| Decision: The Cabinet Member agreed the recommendation as outlined above namely: To agree to the development of the former Stanley Park Greenhouse site to provide additional car parking for Stanley Park and the surrounding area. | |
| Date: | 1st March 2013 |
| Reason for Decision: To progress the proposal in order to develop plans and submit a planning application. | |
Date of Publication: | 1st March 2013 |
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