Decision

Background / Decision Summary:

In January 2025 approval was given to use the 14 New Lane insurance funds to improve West Bank Park. https://democracy.york.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=1060&MId=14518.

Since then, two phases of extensive consultation on possible investment options and projects have been undertaken by Friends of West Bank Park on behalf of the Council. To move to the delivery phase this officer decision allocates funding to the three most supported projects. The current value of the funds available is £85,823.87

The most supported ideas / theme from the 1st phase of consultation (August and December 2025) were

Renewal of north playground area
A pump bike track in the woods
New biodiversity and pollinator planting
Large multi-use play equipment (south playground)
Replace existing pond with one lined with concrete
Make space for girls’ zone
A new concrete lined pond in marshy area
Contained dog park
Tea coffee hut improvements

A second phase of consultation with the Friends during 2026 which resulted in several ideas and themes were amalgamated, resulting in four projects.

A single concrete lined pond with associated biodiversity and pollinator planting within the current wildlife area

Renewal of north playground area, catering for a diverse range of users

Make space for girls’ zone independent from but close to the junior play area

A pump / bike track in the woods

It is therefore proposed to allocate funding as follows

• Project 1 £20k towards a new concrete pond capable of supporting varied wildlife habitats and a refresh of surrounding pollinator planting. Direct Award to identified contractor w/c 26th October 2026
• Project 2 £30k to renew the north playground. This will be accompanied by landscape changes to make the area more welcoming by removing hedging and old over dominant signage; these changes will be funded from the repair and maintenance budget. A contractor is drawing up a design for this scheme. The Friends approve the proposal, Direct Award to identified contractor w/c 26th October 2026.
• Project 3 £25k to create a Make Space for Girls zone. Friends group meeting to take place in November 2026 to establish content of the scheme, based on consultation results. The Friends will consider whether to apply for external funding to increase the available budget or if £25,000 is sufficient. The Public Realm Project Manager will work with them to navigate the scheme development and procurement. If the Friends decide to pursue external funding, the procurement process will take place after the finalised funding project budget is known.
• Project 4 £10k towards a bike track / bmx area in the woodland. This scheme is still in an investigation stage. The Friends have offered to raise funds to enhance this project.

The Friends will also consider fundraising options for other schemes that have not been selected to progress.

Comments/Observations:
There are no financial implications, as we have sufficient budget (£85,823.87) available to deliver the planned works.

Decision: To approve the allocation funds as detailed below

• Project 1 £20k towards a new concrete pond
• Project 2 £30k to renew the north playground.
• Project 3 £25k to create a Make Space for Girls zone.
• Project 4 £10k towards a bike track / bmx area in the woodland