Decision Maker: Charity Trustee Sub-Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 20, 2026

Purpose: To seek approval from this Committee to proceed with a marketing exercise to seek licence offers for the children’s rides.

Content: 10.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services which asked for approval of the commencement of a marketing exercise to select a new children’s rides operator within Hillsborough Park.     10.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Charity Trustee Sub-Committee: - (a)  Notes the contents of?the report; (b)  Agrees that approving the commencement of a marketing exercise for a new children’s rides operator is in the best interest of the Hillsborough Park Charity, and therefore approves the commencement; and (c)  Notes that a further report will be brought to this Committee following the marketing process, seeking approval to enter into new licence agreements with the recommended operator effective from 29th April 2026.         10.3 Reasons for Decision     10.3.1 The children’s rides within the park contributes to the objects of the charity - “The provision and maintenance of a public park and recreation ground in Sheffield for the use of members of the public resorting thereto with the object of improving their conditions of life” - providing amenities within recreation/pleasure grounds for use by the public. It has also become an expected part of visitor’s park experience.     10.3.2 Generating an income allows the Council as sole trustee to support the management and maintenance of the park and in turn contribute to the charity objects. Offering this prospect to the market allows the Charity the opportunity to assess what offer and income might be available to it.     10.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     10.4.1 Alternative Option 1 – Do nothing Reasons for Rejection: There is the option to not market the facility and allow the current licence to end on the 28 April 2026. This would mean there would be no provision for this type of offer within the park, reducing the options for recreation for children and negatively impacting the rental income for the charity. This income contributes directly to the charity’s object for ‘the provision and maintenance of a public park and recreation ground in Sheffield’. A reduction in income would therefore compromise the quality of the recreational offer, visitor experience and the overall upkeep of the park. For these reasons, this option has been rejected.     10.4.2 Alternative Option 2 – Not to market and the Charity to provide same or similar services Reasons for Rejection:  An alternative option would be for the Charity to operate the facility directly rather than marketing it to a third-party operator. This approach would require the Charity to invest in its own equipment and cover ongoing costs including (but not limited to) staffing, insurance, and maintenance. Due to the substantial upfront costs and operational demands, this option was not considered to be in the best interest of the Charity.