Purpose

The purpose of the report is to provide an
update on progress with the Fareham Park Vision, outline the next steps in
awarding the tender for the Design and construction stage of the new community
facilities, and propose delegated authority for awarding this tender.

 

The report also reviews the funding allocated
towards this corporate priority and recommends options for addressing the
predicted financial shortfall, while setting out the anticipated timescale for
the project’s completion.

 

In 2022, the Government launces the £2.6
billion UK shared Prosperity Fund as part of its Levelling Up agenda, with the
intention of reducing inequalities between communities.

 

Following a successful application and the
submission of a detailed proposal, Fareham Borough Council was allocated £1
million of the Fund.  Of the Council’s
allocation, £700,000 was to be used on the creation of a community-led
Masterplan for much needed affordable housing alongside first phase works on
improved community and leisure facilities for Fareham Park.

 

This allocation was to be combined with £1.75
million in Section 106 contributions to provide a substantial budget to kick
start the ‘Fareham Park Vision’.

 

Initial works to install a new children’s play
area that is suitable for all ages and abilities, improve the sports pitches on
site, engage with the local community regarding their requirements for
community facilities and the subsequent submission of an Outline Planning
Application for these facilities have all been successfully completed.

 

The Outline Planning consent identified several
factors that require further consideration in the Reserved Matters stage of the
Planning Application.  These were:

 

·        
lighting,
particularly in relation to pétanque terrain;

·        
final
designs of the internal layout and external appearance of the new community
centre;

·        
confirmation
of car parking availability due to the lack of clarity regarding the timeframe
within which the Henry Cort College car parks will be returned to the Council;

·        
a
comprehensive drainage strategy due to the inherently poor drainage in this
area; and

·        
confirmation
of the Biodiversity Net Gain from the alterations / consideration of the
quantity of Biodiversity Credits required to be purchase from a registered
site.

 

All of these matters are being progressed,
alongside the consideration of the energy supply requirements of both the new
community centre (Phase 2) ad the affordable housing scheme (Phase 3) that will
follow.

 

The draft internal layout and external
appearance designs are marked Appendix A and B.

 

This report seeks the Executive’s approval to
progress with the tender for the Design and Construction stage of the
project.  He successful contractor will
work with the Council on the details for the final design, which will provide
the final key information required for the Reserved Matters stage of Planning
and ultimately enable the construction of the new Community Centre.

 

This report also requests approval to delegate
authority to the Director of Community and Corporate Services, following
consultation with the Executive member for Leisure and Community, to award this
contract.  The delegation ensures there
are no unnecessary delays to the completion of this phase of the project, which
is scheduled for Spring 2028.

 

Phase 2 of the Fareham Park Vision, which will
see the final design and construction of the new Community Centre, has been
identified as requiring a budget of £4.2 million.

 

The Council has been successful in a further
application to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for £50,000 towards the survey and
design costs of Phase 2.  In addition,
due to the prudent use of the previous UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation to
fund all the improvements and preliminary works that have taken place to date,
the full £1.75 million of the Section 106 funds allocated towards the Fareham
Park Vision is available for Phase 2.

 

In collaboration with Bid Writers Moneytree,
the Council has identified four potential grants suitable for the Fareham Park
Vision, as detailed in Confidential Appendix C. 
However, given the significant rise in competition for funding in recent
years, the success of these applications cannot be guaranteed.  Accordingly, this report seeks Executive
approval for the award of up to £2.4 million to cover any shortfall and ensure
the successful completion of Phase 2 of the Vision.

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive approves that:

 

(a) 
officers
proceed with the tender for the Design and Construction stage of the new
Fareham Park Community Centre;

 

(b) 
delegated
authority is designated to the Director of Community and Corporate Services,
following consultation with the Executive Member for Leisure and Community, for
the award of the contract for the Design and Construction works; and

 

(c) 
a
maximum of £2.4 million is allocated from unallocated capital receipts and/or
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions to cover the financial
shortfall (once known following the funding application results as set out in
Confidential Appendix C) and to ensure the successful completion of Phase 2 of
the Vision.