Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Culture, Leisure and Tourism.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve:

(1)   in principle for up to £1,222,707 of CIL and Section 106 funding towards the development of the Pinhoe Community Hub once full external funding is confirmed;

(2)   that officers to continue working with Trustees for the funding to be released, subject to confirmation of the provision of full funding. Should this not be possible the matter will be brought back to Council; and

(3)   that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) be developed with the Pinhoe Community Trustees to confirm the above.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

Councillor Wood declared a non-pecuniary interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

The Executive received the report to approve in-principle funding to the Pinhoe Community Hub, providing that full external funding outlined in the business case was achieved. The report sought Members’ support to approve up to £1,222,707 towards the capital programme, as identified in the Pinhoe Community Hub Trustees business case.

The Director of Culture, Leisure and Tourism advised that a feasibility study had been undertaken to support the commitment to in-principle funding to assist the Trustees in applying for support from external funding sources.

Councillor Jobson, as an opposition group leader, spoke on this item and, whilst supporting the concept and referring to the amount raised to date by the Trustees asked how realistic it was that the Trust could raise £765,000.

During the discussion reference was made to the value of new community facilities in other areas of the city and that a Hub for Pinhoe would be particularly beneficial given the significant amount of new housing built in the area in recent years. Members also noted that the report showed that the Council was willing to support neighbourhoods, despite any risk involved.

The Director Finance in responding to the question raised, advised that the Trustees had identified a range of options, which were credible, but it remained to be seen if they could be successful. The report made it clear that Council funding was dependent on the success of the fundraising. However, the contribution for the Council should also provide comfort to potential granters of capital and that there were matched funds available.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve:

(1)   in principle for up to £1,222,707 of CIL and Section 106 funding towards the development of the Pinhoe Community Hub once full external funding is confirmed;

(2)   that officers to continue working with Trustees for the funding to be released, subject to confirmation of the provision of full funding. Should this not be possible the matter will be brought back to Council; and

(3)   that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) be developed with the Pinhoe Community Trustees to confirm the above.