Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: July 21, 2025

Purpose: This report sets out the options for the scope and budgetary considerations of the Fenland Inspire! play areas project, asking for Cabinet decisions regarding the scope and also delegations necessary to move the project forward.

Content: AGREED that Cabinet:   1.1         Notes the report and the current comprehensive offer to the community in terms of play areas, skate parks, a splash pad and MUGA’s across the District.   1.2         Notes the General Fund Budget Estimates and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) Report, agreed by Cabinet and Council in February which projects a financial shortfall for 2025/26 of £1.432m increasing year on year amounting to around £3.4m by 2027/28.   1.3         Instructs officers, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to assess requirements for new play areas on FDC land close to residential areas, or in the event that there are limited options available, to suggest enhancements to existing play areas with a rationale for the play areas selected.  Any final decision on these new or enhanced play areas is to be made in the future by Cabinet.   1.4         Approves the development of a new play area to replace the existing poor quality play area at Westmead Avenue in Wisbech, to an adjoining position in the same open space, with a maximum budget of £60,000 from the Fenland Inspire! capital project.   1.5         Instructs officers to develop a database of current play equipment with an assessment of the useful life left in each piece of equipment, and that any equipment with a life of less than three years is replaced as part of this project, with the capital funding coming from the Fenland Inspire! capital fund.   1.6         Notes that the refurbishment of the Manor Leisure Centre will mean the necessary movement of the skate park at Manor Field in Whittlesey, and that Cabinet notes that this work will form part of this play area project in conjunction with other proposed works. The budget will be from the Fenland Inspire! programme but will form part of the overall Manor Leisure refurbishment project costs.   1.7         Authorises the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Fenland Inspire! and the Leader of the Council, in his role as Portfolio Holder for Finance,  to execute and complete all requisite legal and governance documentation in relation to Cabinet decisions made regarding the matters outlined above, and that Cabinet authorises the Section 151 Officer to make all necessary financial arrangements within the Fenland Inspire! capital budget to carry forward decisions made by Cabinet as a result of this report.