Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Finance and Assets

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The objections to the S123 Notices be considered;

2.    Subject to consideration of the objections, authority be delegated to the Executive Director Finance and Assets to:

a) secure vendors for the opportunities 2 - 4  via public advertisement  and  with a view to the commencement of the new agreements on 1st March 2021;

b) offer trial periods (not longer than 9 months) for sites 5 and 6 on appropriate temporary legal agreements, at these locations subject to the consultation and due diligence work being completed;

3.    That for those opportunities listed that there is not a requirement to come back to a Cabinet meeting to conclude the lettings, and that the Executive Director Finance and Assets or appropriately delegated officer allows completion via an Officer Decision Notice in consultation with Cabinet Members Finance & Assets and Clean & Green Environment.

The Cabinet Member Finance and Assets presented the report, praising Cheltenham’s parks and gardens as a shining light of the Covid crisis. The increased footfall in parks was a real positive, and this proposal sought to build on that and provide a better service, boost the struggling hospitality sector and deliver extra income. In each case, there would be a pilot to test the waters and uncover any issues, some of which had been in place since October. He cited the Hatherley Park site as a particular success, and the report recommended putting in place a 3-year lease after the completion of the tender process in March 2021.

He added that the proposals had been opened for consultation with the local community, compiled in Appendix 3. He noted that there had been 19 objections, though some of these objected to greater use of the park in general rather than the kiosks specifically. Over 600 comments in support were received from residents, as well as support from local councillors. Pilots were being brought in in other areas, including Leckhampton Hill, the Burrows and the Beeches, while Brizen and Swindon Village were being considered too. He praised the project as a win for the whole community, and hoped it could be put in place by March.

The Cabinet Member Housing added that Cheltenham’s parks were jewels in its crown, and that it was good to see people using them more recently. He added that he lived close to one of the kiosks and had seen its positive social and economic effects first-hand.

The Cabinet Member Economy and Development praised the proposal as a fantastic opportunity to support business resilience and help vendors gain experience. The Leader of the Council echoed this, adding that the kiosks were helping to create a safe, social space at a time when this was needed more than ever.

The Leader moved to a vote, where it was unanimously:

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The objections to the S123 Notices be considered;

2.    Subject to consideration of the objections, authority be delegated to the Executive Director Finance and Assets to:

a) secure vendors for the opportunities 2 - 4  via public advertisement  and  with a view to the commencement of the new agreements on 1st March 2021;

b) offer trial periods (not longer than 9 months) for sites 5 and 6 on appropriate temporary legal agreements, at these locations subject to the consultation and due diligence work being completed;

3.    That for those opportunities listed that there is not a requirement to come back to a Cabinet meeting to conclude the lettings, and that the Executive Director Finance and Assets or appropriately delegated officer allows completion via an Officer Decision Notice in consultation with Cabinet Members Finance & Assets and Clean & Green Environment.