Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Climate Emergency

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The final concept design for Clarence Fountain as described in the report and included in Appendix 2 be approved;

2.    CBC contract rules be waived as described in the report, and the appointment of Cotswolds Estate & Gardens Ltd be approved to construct the approved design;

3.    Responsibility for agreeing a construction contract with Cotswold Estate & Gardens Ltd be delegated to the Head of Property, Finance and Assets in consultation with the Townscape Manager, Project Manager and the Borough Solicitor;

4.    The allocation of up to £95k to deliver the scheme be approved.

The Cabinet Member Climate Emergency presented the report, noting that residents and visitors had really enjoyed using the Clarence Fountain as a community hub, as well as a spot to enjoy food and drinks and a break while in the town centre. The temporary seating had been well-received but the plastic grass was not, so they were retaining the former and replacing the latter and creating a new pocket park where people could do all the things they were doing before and more. There would be accessible seating for those using wheelchairs, and it would be a green area with trees and shrubs planted to cool the area in the summer and boost biodiversity. They were working towards a spring 2022 launch, meaning it should be ready just as the weather improves.

He cited this as an important piece of the puzzle in the wider context of the work the council was doing in the town centre, and in tackling climate change.

The Cabinet Member Cyber and Strategic Transport noted that the existing facilities had been implemented while he was the responsible Cabinet Member, and that this project would take advantage of the best elements of that. The temporary facilities were originally only supposed to last 9 months but this was extended due to the pandemic. At the time, they did not fully anticipate how well used the area would be, and it had become a real focal point of the town centre. The new design would be more in keeping with the area.

The Leader praised the wheelchair accessibility as a key part of making it a genuinely inclusive space for people with disabilities, as well as people with pushchairs.

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

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The final concept design for Clarence Fountain as described in the report and included in Appendix 2 be approved;

2.    CBC contract rules be waived as described in the report, and the appointment of Cotswolds Estate & Gardens Ltd be approved to construct the approved design;

3.    Responsibility for agreeing a construction contract with Cotswold Estate & Gardens Ltd be delegated to the Head of Property, Finance and Assets in consultation with the Townscape Manager, Project Manager and the Borough Solicitor;

4.    The allocation of up to £95k to deliver the scheme be approved.