Issue - meetings

Report of Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Tourism and Wellbeing, Councillor Max Wilkinson

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the information about the outputs of the 2023-24 ice rink is noted;

2.    in advance of planning permission being considered by the Planning Committee and noting the costs and risks set out in this report, Cabinet approves that Cheltenham Borough Council leads the delivery of an ice rink in Cheltenham for the 2024-25 Christmas period;

3.    Subject to planning permission, extension to the contract for delivery and management of the Christmas Ice Rink at Imperial Gardens, Cheltenham for 12 months is approved;

4.    a total potential financial commitment as set out in section 4 of this report is approved;

5.    Cabinet notes that officers are progressing procurement and delegates appointments of contractors to the Director of Communities and Economic Development, as per section 5 of this report. 

In the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Tourism and Wellbeing’s absence, the Leader read out his introduction, saying that the 2023-24 ice rink set new standards in the town and wider events industry, , welcoming  31k visitors, bringing £1.6m to the local economy (including £860k additional spend as a result of the ice rink), creating new jobs and supporting others.

In addition, the council kept its pledge not to use diesel generators, using vegetable oil and battery-powered method instead, provided by a business based in Imperial Square.  This reduced the carbon footprint by 98% compared with 2021, and is being shared as an example of best practice with other event organisers.

If approved by Cabinet, the planning committee will need to consider varying the condition on last year’s permission to allow the use of this technology again, until electric power is installed in the Gardens.  Cabinet is also asked to approve a financial commitment to this year’s ice rink, and delegation of responsibility to officers charged with managing the project.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Safety thanked the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Tourism and Wellbeing and all those who made it possible for 600 children and young people who would otherwise have been excluded to share in this experience in 2023.  She said the council runs the town for the benefit of the people, and hoped this would be repeated this year.

The Cabinet Member for Housing noted that there were no complaints from neighbours about noise from generators, which had been an issue in the past.  She said the innovative technology really is a great step forward, resulting in a vast reduction in emissions. 

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the information about the outputs of the 2023-24 ice rink is noted;

2.    in advance of planning permission being considered by the Planning Committee and noting the costs and risks set out in this report, Cabinet approves that Cheltenham Borough Council leads the delivery of an ice rink in Cheltenham for the 2024-25 Christmas period;

3.    Subject to planning permission, extension to the contract for delivery and management of the Christmas Ice Rink at Imperial Gardens, Cheltenham for 12 months is approved;

4.    a total potential financial commitment as set out in section 4 of this report is approved;

5.    Cabinet notes that officers are progressing procurement and delegates appointments of contractors to the Director of Communities and Economic Development, as per section 5 of this report.