Meeting documents
Executive (I)
Tuesday, 10th September, 2013
| REPORT TO: | 65 |
| DECISION NUMBER: | PH/93/2013 |
| EARLIEST DATE FOR DECISION: | 10th September 2013 |
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF REVOE PARK | |
| Matter for Consideration: The creation of a vision and plan for the future development and use of Revoe Park. | |
| Information: The central corridor of Blackpool has limited open space and parks provision, resulting in Revoe Park being extremely important within the area and to the community. Although unfortunately, the park is looking tired and to some extent neglected. The multi use games area and play provision requires attention and investment. The disused bowling green area needs a purpose and the general park area needs to be better defined in look and feel. Unfortunately, a park that should be vibrant and a hub of community activity is not being used to anywhere near its potential and at some times of the day a potential no go area. The deprivation issues within the wards of Bloomfield and Victoria are considerable, with poverty and deprivation, children's outcomes, employment and benefits, health and lifestyles and housing all conspiring to create a cocktail resulting in low aspiration, ambition and attainment in life. A reinvented and rejuvenated Revoe Park has the potential to provide and contribute positively to the people of the area, in particular in relation to family involvement, sports and leisure participation of all ages and physical and mental health and wellbeing. It is proposed that a community and partner consultation exercise is entered into in order to establish people’s needs and aspirations to create a vision and plan for the park. Central to the process will be the exploration of funding and investment opportunities. In relation to the multi use games area, it is proposed that this area of land, which may include part of the disused bowling green, is passed over to the Blackpool FC Community Trust, which is a charity, under a lease agreement. The Trust, supported by the Council, would have the opportunity to apply for Premiership legacy funding which will be required to be match funded, to provide a state of the art 3G all weather floodlit facility for football and many other sports. This would be a huge boost to the park and area and provide opportunities for community, school and sports education and training use. | |
| Does the information submitted include any exempt information? | NO |
| Legal Considerations: An appropriate lease agreement will be required to be entered into for the multi use area transfer. If any of the land to be leased/transferred is "open space" then the provisions of section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 in respect of advertisement and consideration of objections would need to be complied with - as would the further provisions of that section in relation to best value and length of term of any lease. | |
| Personnel Considerations: The Council's Leisure, Neighbourhoods and Communications sections will work together in developing the vision and plan. A full equalities analysis and evaluation will take place in relation to the park. | |
| Financial Considerations: The lease agreement with Blackpool FC Community Trust will be at a peppercorn rent on the expectation that the Trust will generate funding to put additional investment into the park, and that on the understanding that the Trust will be responsible for the maintenance and upgrading of the facility. A range of funding sources and programmes will be considered and explored. The expectation is that the Trust will obtain funding outside of The Authority’s budgets. | |
| Performance Management Considerations: The process is being managed by a steering group, including officers, ward councillors and Blackpool FC Community Trust. | |
| Risk Management Considerations: Ultimately the park will go into disrepair, with limited usage and value if this process is not entered into. | |
| Relevant Officer: John Hawkin, Head of Leisure and Catering Services | |
| Relevant Cabinet Member: Councillor G. Cain | |
| Consultation Undertaken: Public consultation exercise will be entered into. | |
| Background Papers: None | |
| Is this a key decision? | NO |
| Is the decision required in less than 5 days? | NO |
| Recommendations: To agree to the creation of a vision and plan through community and partners consultation for the future development and use of Revoe Park. Subject to 2.1 (above), to include in this approval (subect to the outcome of any required processes) the granting of a lease to Blackpool FC Community Trust charity for an area the size of a football pitch, in order that the charity can apply for Premiership funding to develop a state of the art, all weather flood-lit multi sports facility. | |
| Reasons for Recommendations: In order to develop a vision and plan for Revoe Park. | |
| 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: To do nothing, all information from local residents and stakeholders is that this not desirable. | |
| 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 recommendations as outlined above namely: 1. To agree to the creation of a vision and plan through community and partners consultation for the future development and use of Revoe Park. 2. To include in this approval, (subject to the outcome of any required processes) the granting of a lease to Blackpool FC Community Trust charity for an area the size of a football pitch, in order that the charity can apply for Premiership funding to develop a state of the art, all weather flood-lit multi sports facility. | |
| Date: | 10th September 2013 |
| Reason for Decision: To develop a vision and plan for Revoe Park. | |
Date of Publication: | 10th September 2013 |
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