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For the Head of Programme Management –
Regeneration and Economic Development to approve the contract award
and implementation under Contract Standing Order (CSO) 8.02 for
delivery of the Play Area Launch and Activation Programme. The
contract is for the sum of £9,999 excluding VAT.

Reasons for the decision

The Estate Regeneration Fund aims to cultivate
a strong and healthy community, with a focus on building positive
activities for young people. This also aligns with the Council's
ambition outlined in the Corporate Delivery Plan (2023/24) under
the theme for Children and Young People, aiming to 'enable children
to achieve health and wellbeing outcomes.'

The Play Area Launch and Activation Programme contributes to the
objectives by offering a range of health and wellbeing activities
to create safe and inviting environments for local youth, promoting
play and social interaction. Given the scarcity of play spaces in
Northumberland Park, activating this area offers crucial
opportunities for socialising, integration, and addressing health
and wellbeing issues. Additionally, it includes experiences related
to mindfulness and mental health, fostering stronger community
connections.

This work is wholly funded from the Estate Regeneration Fund budget
allocation.

Alternative options considered

The following options were considered:

Option 1: ‘Do Nothing’ - This would limit the
council’s ability to work with and empower local communities,
particularly young people and those young people that would
directly benefit from a targeted health and wellbeing intervention,
which is a key objective of the Estate Regeneration Fund and
Corporate delivery Plan (2023/24).

Option 2: ‘Secure alternative funding’ - Due to the
alignment of this project with the completion of a new play area in
May 2024, there is limited opportunity to secure alternative
funding within the timeframe necessary to implement the proposed
programme. Consequently, securing alternative funding would not be
a viable option, and the possibility of project non-delivery would
need to be considered.