Decision - The Level – Heritage Lottery Bid and Master Plan

(1)         That the Cabinet Member for Environment & Sustainability endorses the Masterplan for The Level and notes the extensive consultation undertaken.

(2)         That the Cabinet Member for Environment & Sustainability endorses the match funding requirements for the HLF bid from existing budgets to a maximum value of £200,000. 

(3)         That the Cabinet Member for Environment & Sustainability endorses the allocation of funding for the skatepark from existing budgets to a maximum of £53,000.

(4)         That the Cabinet Member for Environment & Sustainability delegates authority to the Strategic Director, Place to oversee the completion of the final details of the bid, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, ready for submission by 31^st August 2011.

(5)         That the Cabinet Member for Environment & Sustainability agrees that, in the event of the bid being unsuccessful, the Masterplan be used to inform the long term development of the park, and notes that delivery would be dependent on funding.

The reasons for the recommendations are set out throughout the report.  The Level is in a very poor state of repair, suffers from antisocial behaviour and is not considered to be a safe place by many residents.  It is in an area of high housing density where open space is limited.  Without significant funding it will continue to deteriorate.

This funding bid provides a potential opportunity to transform The Level leveraging in £2.17 million worth of external funding.  The requested match funding from existing budgets will strengthen the bid.

The skatepark redevelopment is not included in the bid. Current funding is not sufficient to build the skatepark to the size set out in the Masterplan and further funding is being pursued.  The funding requested from existing budgets will help contribute to the funding shortfall.

The deadline for the submission of the bid is the 31^st of August.  Most of the evidence base for the bid has been completed, but some detail has yet to be finalised, and it is requested that the Director of Place has the authority to sign off the final bid.  There will be no changes significant changes to the Master Plan and no increases to the council’s proposed financial contribution through match funding.

Throughout the development of the Master Plan and the development of the bid various design options have been considered.  Submission of the bid was delayed to allow alternative options to be explored in further detail.  The final consultation considered two final design options, and the preferred option has been recommended in light of this consultation, previous consultation and engagement work.