Agenda item

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Wellbeing and Culture introduced his report, saying that overall the 2024-25 Cheltenham Ice Rink was a fantastic overall success, thanks largely to Helen Mole and her team who secured more sponsorship than before.  He also thanked Lidl GB, the main sponsor, S3K, the operator, and the 22 locally-recruited staff.

He ran through the highlights as set out in the report, including:

-       the positive economic impact, calculated at an additional £530k spent in the town;

-       the environmental impact, with 98% less greenhouse gas emissions than 2021 through sustainable fuel and electric power – despite a slight glitch towards to end which impacted the financial goals;

-       the social impact, with 500 free tickets, and special sessions for a wide range of users, making it more inclusive and accessible than before;

-       the financial impact, which after the UK Prosperity Fund was deducted, was just £24k;

-       most importantly, a lot of people had a lot of fun, and the event has become part of Cheltenham’s calendar. 

He confirmed the recommendations as set out in the report, and hoped that Members would be happy to approve.

Members thanked the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Wellbeing and Culture and congratulated all involved.  They made the following comments:

-       the reduced environmental impact, in line with CBC’s Net Zero targets, is especially welcome, with an update on further progress anticipated, which will totally remove the need for a generator for all festival events;

-       the dialogue and consultation between Marketing Cheltenham, CBC and local residents to ensure their needs were considered and concerns addressed was very welcome;

-       the ice rink is huge fun to visit and a highly enjoyable experience, and its economic benefits are really pleasing.  Its social value and support for NCLB is superb, and as is its vital contribution to making Cheltenham a better destination town for Christmas shopping;

-       although it didn’t quite hit its budget target, there can be no price tag on the joy and fun it brought, particularly for people not otherwise able to access it;

-       the impact of the ice rink is incredible, for businesses and for people young and old.  It is pleasing and humbling, a great benefit to Cheltenham, and hopefully will get even better over the next three years and provide even more children with the opportunity to take part;

-       the dedicated sessions for people with a wide range of accessibility requirements is a particular highlight, and not offered by many places;

-       it is great to have something extra to offer Christmas shoppers, and the ice rink is a prime example of what CBC is doing to increase business income and make the town more viable. 

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Wellbeing and Culture thanked Members for their positive comments and support, saying that Helen Mole and her team make every effort to align with the council’s goals and ensure positive engagement with local residents, and agreed that it is impossible to put a price on fun. 

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the information about the outputs of the 2024/25 ice rink is noted;

2.    the decision by Councillor Martin Horwood, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture and Wellbeing, for Cheltenham Borough Council to apply for planning permission to run a Christmas Ice Rink for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 Christmas periods is noted;

3.    the decision by Councillor Martin Horwood, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture and Wellbeing, to approve an extension to the contract with S3K Limited for 12 months (to 02 July 2026), if planning permission is awarded, to enable delivery and management of the 2025-26 Christmas Ice Rink, is noted;

4.    a total potential financial commitment for 2025/26 as set out in section 4 of this report is approved;

5.    officers are progressing new procurement activities and, subject to planning permission, authority is delegated for appointments of contractors to the Director of Communities and Economic Development, as per section 5 of this report.