Purpose

The decision seeks permission
for officers to proceed to Phase 3 of the Football Foundation Hubs
Programme for Jackey Bakers Recreation Ground. This phase involves
producing an outline design for the site to include a new community
pavilion, car parking, and floodlit 3G pitches.

Decision

Cabinet agreed the following:
 
1. 
The progression to phase 3 of the Football Foundation Hubs
Programme for Jackey Bakers Recreation Ground which will produce an
outline design for the site, at a cost of up to £333,000;
 
2. 
The acceptance of a grant of up to £200,000 from the Football
Foundation to pay for 60% of the costs of undertaking phase 3;
 
3. 
Funding by the Council of up to £133,000 to pay for 40% of
the costs of undertaking phase 3;
 
4.  The recruitment of a Sports Facilities
Project Manager on a fixed term contract until 31 March 2028, to
provide project management resources to this key Council project.
The costs of this post shall be assigned to the project and funded
from within its budget;

Reasons for the decision

Thanet is a priority area for the Football
Foundation, and the Hubs Programme aligns with the Council's
ambition for a multi-sport site. A Local Football Facilities Plan
identified a specific need for at least two floodlit 3G pitches and
a new pavilion at this location. Progressing to Phase 3 allows the
Council to secure significant external grant funding (60%) for both
design and future construction. There is a recognized need to
address inequalities by providing safe, inclusive facilities for
women, girls, disabled people, and lower socio-economic groups.

Alternative options considered

The option to not undertake any further
improvement of Jackey Bakers Recreation Ground was considered. This
was rejected as it is not in the best interests of the local
community or the wider users of the sporting facilities.