Issue - meetings

This report presents a summary of recent investment in the parks infrastructure at Barham Park, and provides options for future investment, for consideration by the Trust.

RESOLVED:

i)     That the extent of recent investment in the park and options  for longer term investment be noted; and

ii)    That approval be grated for the appointment of a project officer, on a fixed term basis, to oversee the development of the park, manage budgets and seek external funding, and take the proposed projects forward over the coming 18 months.

Robert Anderton (Head of Environmental Improvement) and Sarah Chaudhry (Head of Property Services) presented a report to the committee summarising recent investment in park infrastructure for Barham Park and proposing the appointment of a project officer to oversee the development of the park, manage budgets and seek external funding. Members heard that Barham Park had benefited from over £400,000 of infrastructure investment and maintenance works between April 2015 and March. The report set out the improvements achieved as a result of this investment and detailed potential options for future investment including drainage and planting improvements. The committee was advised that any future plans for park development should take into account the investment need identified in the Building Condition and Mechanical and Electrical survey appended to the report, though it was highlighted that a detailed analysis of the required works would be necessary before a final recommendation could be made. The proposed project officer post, the costs of which were estimated to be £60k, would be responsible for taking forward investment projects in the park and ensuring the Trust achieved best value for money.

Responding to questions raised by the committee, Sarah Chaudhry advised that the building condition survey had been commissioned and funded by the Barham Park Trust. Chris Whyte (Operational Director Environment Services) confirmed that the responsibilities and estimated salary of the project officer post were consistent with a PO4 position within the council. A job description had not yet been created but it was anticipated that the duties of the position would be many and varied and would include providing an interface with customers and key stakeholders. Members discussed the benefit of having a dedicated resource for the park and highlighted the importance of ensuring that projects were progressed in a timely manner.

RESOLVED:

i)     That the extent of recent investment in the park and options  for longer term investment be noted; and

ii)    That approval be grated for the appointment of a project officer, on a fixed term basis, to oversee the development of the park, manage budgets and seek external funding, and take the proposed projects forward over the coming 18 months.