Purpose

To seek approval to accept the award
of grant funding from the FCC Communities Foundation Limited, and
the commencement of a procurement process to deliver the play area
refurbishment.
 

Decision

That the Deputy
Leader grants approval for delegated authority to be given to the
Deputy Chief Executive and s151 Officer to accept the offer of
grant funding from the FCC Communities Foundation Limited in the
sum of £100,000, together with the third-party funding from
the Rotary Club of Grantham in the sum of £5,000 in order to
fund the replacement of play equipment at Beeden Park Grantham.

Reasons for the decision

The reason for the recommendation is whilst the play park
equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, it is of an age
where it is not meeting the needs of the local
community.

 
The grant funding available will provide much-needed investment
at the play park and increase usage within the local community in
line with the Council’s corporate vision.
 

Alternative options considered

The
Council’s Corporate Plan 2024 to 2027 contains the key
priorities of Connecting Communities by encouraging sport and
physical activity to support healthy lifestyles and reduce health
inequalities. Ward Members from the Earlesfield Ward initially
identified a need for improved facilities at Beeden Park in
Grantham, an asset owned by the Council. It was considered
refurbishment of the play area, would provide local residents with
more opportunities to enjoy being in the open air and taking part
in informal activity.

 
Working with the
local community to recognise the need for improved play park
equipment, a survey was undertaken to establish the views of the
local community.

 

·      
92.11% of respondents agreed improvements to the park were
necessary

·      
92.68% said they would use the park more often if improvements were
made.

 
Support was also received
from local schools and nurseries in the area.

 
As a result of
the work undertaken, a funding application was submitted to FCC
Communities Foundation Limited to support the project costs of
improving the play equipment in the park.

 
On 15 March 2024,
confirmation was received from FCC Communities Foundation Limited,
the grant application of £100,000.00 had been successful and
allocated towards the eligible costs of the project, subject to
payment of £10,750.00 third party match funding by the
Council.

 
In addition to
the grant award (mentioned above), the Rotary Club of Grantham were
approached to seek further funding towards the overall project to
maximise the opportunity for play equipment improvements in the
park. Agreement in principle was given on 10 January 2024 to
provide a grant of £5,000, as the project aligned with their
aims of Community, Health and Youth.

 
As a consequence,
the Council will cover the £10,750.00 third party funding
required, which will be paid to FCC Recycling (UK) Ltd as per the
grant conditions.

 
Additional
funding of £22,345 towards the project will be covered by the
Council from funds held on the balance sheet for works in the
vicinity of Dysart Road. This results in an overall combined
funding amount of £127,345 towards the project.