Purpose

The Mayor has pledged in his manifesto to “Arrange a Winter Ice Rink in the town centre – to support local businesses and offer residents and visitors an additional activity in the town.”
The project aims to enhance the festive offer, increase footfall, support local businesses, and provide an inclusive seasonal experience for residents and visitors.
The rink will cost approximately £300,000, inclusive of a 20% contingency.
The Mace Foundation has agreed to sponsor the event jointly with WBC on a 50/50 cost sharing basis. A Memorandum of Understanding is currently being prepared to formalise its sponsorship commitment.
WBC will fund its 50% share using CIL. £150,000
All ticket sales revenue—estimated at £128,000 based on current revenue modelling—will be allocated to charitable organisation(s) jointly selected by the Mace Foundation and WBC.
This report is to agree the allocation of WBC CIL monies to fund 50% of the costs.

Decision

To approve the request to allocate £150,000 of CIL and proceed with the collaboration with Mace foundation to provide an ice rink in December 2026.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - To approve the funding allocation and proceed with the ice rink.
Option 2 - To refuse the funding allocation and look to source the funds elsewhere.
Option 3 - To refuse the funding allocation and not provide the ice rink.