Decision details

For the Head of Programme Management – Regeneration and Economic Development to approve the contract award and implementation under Contract Standing Order (CSO) 8.02 for delivery of the Play Area Launch and Activation Programme. The contract is for the sum of £9,999 excluding VAT.

The Estate Regeneration Fund aims to cultivate a strong and healthy community, with a focus on building positive activities for young people. This also aligns with the Council's ambition outlined in the Corporate Delivery Plan (2023/24) under the theme for Children and Young People, aiming to 'enable children to achieve health and wellbeing outcomes.'

The Play Area Launch and Activation Programme contributes to the objectives by offering a range of health and wellbeing activities to create safe and inviting environments for local youth, promoting play and social interaction. Given the scarcity of play spaces in Northumberland Park, activating this area offers crucial opportunities for socialising, integration, and addressing health and wellbeing issues. Additionally, it includes experiences related to mindfulness and mental health, fostering stronger community connections.

This work is wholly funded from the Estate Regeneration Fund budget allocation.

The following options were considered:

Option 1: ‘Do Nothing’ - This would limit the council’s ability to work with and empower local communities, particularly young people and those young people that would directly benefit from a targeted health and wellbeing intervention, which is a key objective of the Estate Regeneration Fund and Corporate delivery Plan (2023/24).

Option 2: ‘Secure alternative funding’ - Due to the alignment of this project with the completion of a new play area in May 2024, there is limited opportunity to secure alternative funding within the timeframe necessary to implement the proposed programme. Consequently, securing alternative funding would not be a viable option, and the possibility of project non-delivery would need to be considered.