Purpose

Following the Council's recent acquisition of the Jack’s Key green space and lodge, this report seeks authorisation for capital funding to address essential infrastructure, safety, and ecological maintenance at the site; and to confirm the capital funding for the acquisition. Originally an 1800s reservoir, the site has been transformed into a thriving 16-hectare ecological hotspot and stands as a flagship nature reserve in Darwen. A recent walk-over survey identified significant investment needs to maintain public safety, accessibility, and the site's ecological integrity. Immediate capital works require an investment of £101,000, with an additional recurring funding requirement of £19,000 identified for the medium term (2027–2030). Furthermore, it is advised that two flanked parcels of council land are transferred to the Environment portfolio to unify site management.

Decision

Decision made:

That the Executive Member:

1)    Approved the capital funding request of £94,000 for immediate infrastructure and safety works at Jack’s Key Nature Reserve (Autumn to Winter 2026) to be funded from a virement from a deferred capital scheme (procurement of software burial/cremation system) and a virement from the asset management strategy scheme.

2)    Approved the one-off revenue funding request in 2026/27 of £26,000 for required surveys and revenue maintenance costs as detailed in the financial implications, to be funded from the Council’s contingency budgets.

3)    Approved the requirement for £19,000 in recurring costs for ecological and infrastructure maintenance, to be funded from the Council’s contingency budgets.

4)    Authorised the transfer of the two flanking parcels of council land incorporated into the reservoir/lodge site to the Environment and Communities portfolio.