Issue - items at meetings - Options for Preston Park Cycle Track

Joint report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing and the Assistant Chief Executive (copy attached).

That the Economic Development and Culture Committee.

(1)      Authorises officers to prepare and submit a grant application to British Cycling for a grant to carry out upgrades to the cycle track to return it to a state suitable for competitive use.

(2)      Authorises the Director of Environment Development & Housing and the Director of Finance and Resources to sign off the grant funding application.

(3)      Agrees that £100,000 of s106 contributions for Preston Park will be allocated as match funding for the scheme, representing up to 35% match funding.

(4)      Authorises subject to a successful grant funding the procurement of a contract for works to upgrade the perimeter fencing as set out in the report; 

(5)      Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing to award the contract following the recommendations of the evaluation panel and the results of the tendering process.

(6)      Agrees to increase the hourly rental for the track for events organised by commercial operators to £50/hour from 1^st November 2015.

(7)      Notes that any future decisions on the expenditure of Preston Park parking surplus and the remainder and any s106 funds for Preston Park are informed by the Management Plan for the park, which falls under the remit of the Environment, Sustainability & Transport Committee.

20.1    The Chair noted that there were two deputations in relation to the report; he called forward the first deputation from Tony Benton on behalf of the Friends of Preston Park.

20.2    Tony Benton addressed the Committee with his colleague Sue Sheppard. He stated that for the avoidance of doubt the Friends of Preston Park were not opposed to the refurbishment of the cycle track, and the welcomed this in terms of the benefits for cyclists, general health and wellbeing and heritage; however, they believed there were other projects and improvements in the park that had merit. The report only set out the scheme for the cycle track, but lacked information on the benefits of other schemes that could be funded through the use of s106 money. Mr Benton argued that the Committee should have the opportunity to look at all potential schemes and balance the benefits of each before a final decision was made.

20.3    In response to a query from Councillor Druitt the Chair highlighted that this matter had come before the Committee as it had the remit for leisure and sports; the others matters raised by the deputation in relation to park maintenance would fall under the remit of the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee. He added that with ongoing development along Preston Road there was the potential for some of the schemes mentioned by the deputees to come forward in the future and he offered assurance that this would be looked at by the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee, Councillor Barradell also offered to look into this matter as the Deputy Chair of that Committee.

20.4    RESOLVED – That the Committee note the deputation.

20.5    The Chair then called forward Anthony Roger to present the second deputation on behalf of the users of the Preston Park Cycle Track.

20.6    Anthony Rogers addressed the Committee and stated that the position of the users of the track largely aligned with the points made in the Officer report. The users of the track recognised the position put forward by the Friends of Preston Park, but they highlighted there were potentially greater economic opportunities from the refurbishment of the track. Testimonials were provided form other users of the track in particular from women and children; the track had served as a means to not only improve physical health, but also mental health through improved self-esteem.

20.7    In response to Councillor C. Theobald it was explained that the nearest similar facility was in Herne Hill. It was also clarified that the match funding had been driven by the national body, which had stepped in to prevent the facility falling into disuse.

20.8    RESOLVED – That the Committee note the deputation.

20.9    The Committee considered a report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to Options for Investment to Preston Park Cycle Track. Following the introduction the Chair added that the facility was unique and historic; he added if the recommendations were agreed then work on the fence design should be undertaken in close consultation with the Friends of Preston Park and the cricket club. The proposals in the report were a strong example of using Council funding to unlock other areas of funding as an important means to keep facilities operational. It was appropriate that the fees and charges should be updated to ensure the track could work towards becoming self-funding.

20.10  It was confirmed for Councillor Peltzer Dunn that the management plan for the park would fall under the remit of the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee. Assurance was provided that with the new fence and other ongoing repairs to the track the facility would have a reasonable lifespan going forward, as well as remaining fit for the current use. The changes to the fees and charges would allow a small reserve to be used for ongoing maintenance.

20.11  In response to Councillor Druitt it was clarified that the proposed charges had been benchmarked against similar facilities, and would provide enough to build up a small reserve.

20.12  In response to Councillor C. Theobald assurance was provided by Officers that the park management plan would be used to prioritise other projects in the park for future.

20.13  In response to Councillor Nemeth it was clarified that the national body had reviewed all fences on tracks across the country following a fatal incident.

20.14  Councillor Robins noted his support for the report and echoed the importance of working closely with the cricket club; however, he did query the proposed charging level.

20.15  Councillor Morris welcomed the report as a means to support sport within the city, provide an important facility and potentially boost tourism.

20.16  Councillor O’Quinn and highlighted that the funding would allow the facility to be used for regional competitions.

20.17  Councillor Barradell noted this was a means to protect the important and historic site; she also considered the proposed level of fees and charges to be appropriate.

20.18  The Committee agreed to a minor textual amendment to recommendation 2.8 to highlight that the management plan for the park was the remit of the Environment, Sustainability & Transport Committee.

20.20The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.

20.20  RESOLVED: That the Economic Development and Culture Committee.

(1)      Authorises officers to prepare and submit a grant application to British Cycling for a grant to carry out upgrades to the cycle track to return it to a state suitable for competitive use.

(2)      Authorises the Director of Environment Development & Housing and the Director of Finance and Resources to sign off the grant funding application.

(3)      Agrees that £100,000 of s106 contributions for Preston Park will be allocated as match funding for the scheme, representing up to 35% match funding.

(4)      Authorises subject to a successful grant funding the procurement of a contract for works to upgrade the perimeter fencing as set out in the report; 

(5)      Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing to award the contract following the recommendations of the evaluation panel and the results of the tendering process.

(6)      Agrees to increase the hourly rental for the track for events organised by commercial operators to £50/hour from 1^st November 2015.

(7)      Notes that any future decisions on the expenditure of Preston Park parking surplus and the remainder and any s106 funds for Preston Park are informed by the Management Plan for the park, which falls under the remit of the Environment, Sustainability & Transport Committee.