Decision Maker: Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 2, 2026

Purpose:

Content: 9.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services, which set out the current position of the PlayZones project in Ecclesfield Park. The report outlined how this had been subject to cost increases and issues which had led to the project being potentially unviable, and so approval was sought from the Committee to withdraw from the PlayZones Programme and re-assign the match funding to other community-focused improvement priorities within Ecclesfield Park.     9.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:- (a)  Notes the contents of the report and the options appraisal of the Playzone project for Ecclesfield Park; (b)  Agrees to the Council terminating the offer and grant agreement with the Football Foundation in relation to this PlayZone Programme; and (c)  Agrees to re-assign all remaining match funding (currently £70,293.50) to alternative improvements in Ecclesfield Park that align with the Active Park vision.         9.3 Reasons for Decision     9.3.1 The recommendation to withdraw from the PlayZones programme and reinvest the match funding into other improvement priorities in Ecclesfield Park is due to a combination of factors including: ·       Successive scope alterations ·       Significant increases in cost of the scheme that are expected to be met by the Council with funding currently unavailable which means the current scheme is not deliverable ·       The scheme no longer represents value for money ·       The PlayZones programme model was unable to accommodate multiple requests and community requirements that came out of the community consultation ·       Feedback received from other local authorities about difficulties with delivering the programme ·       Concerns about the model and whether it meets the needs of the communities it is targeting. ·       Emerging opportunities to deliver Active Park’s ambitions for Ecclesfield Park which may provide greater community benefits and impact. ·       Concerns about the activation of the site and pricing likely to be required which mean it is unlikely to generate the revenue required to ensure the facility is sustainable.   Whilst there is a small risk to relationships and reputation it is felt that benefits of withdrawing from the scheme outweigh the risks of continuing. Committee is also asked to support the re-assignment of the Public Health match funding to other identified priorities within Ecclesfield Park that align with the Active Park vision following further consultation with key stakeholders.         9.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     9.4.1 Alternative Option considered: Continue with the delivery of the PlayZone including sourcing the additional £51,293.5 match funding required due to project cost increases.     9.4.2 Advantages: - ·       Delivery of the agreed PlayZone project which has been publicly consulted on and supported by members will be delivered on site. ·       Furthers the development of Ecclesfield Park as an ‘Active Park’. ·       Enables SCC officers to further ‘test and learn’ the PlayZones programme delivery on site.     9.4.3 Disadvantages: - ·       Significant project cost and need to identify a further £51,293 of funding which is not currently available will cause further delays and cost increases and potentially risk another project not progressing if funding is taken from elsewhere. ·       Delivering a project which does not appear to provide value for money and represents a reputational risk. If delivered, this would be the most expensive Multi Use Games Area-type development delivered in Sheffield which would also still require users to book and pay to use for casual and group use. This would likely result in opposition and cause concern relating to restricted use of public green space. ·       There are concerns that the project will not be sustainable as interest following design development in paying for this type of facility is low. - Ongoing requirements in terms of officer capacity due to 10-year annual use report requirements. ·       Given experience with the programme to date, we would be unlikely to progress any further PlayZones so it no longer a test and learn opportunity.