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 DJ Academy youth development project. The contract is for the sum of £9,999 excluding VAT.

The Estate Regeneration Fund aims to cultivate a strong and healthy community, particularly focusing on building robust social networks for young people. Media and arts have proven effective in achieving this objective by empowering local communities, especially youth, to foster community cohesion, ownership, and celebrate diversity. This aligns with the Council's ambition outlined in the Corporate Delivery Plan (2023/24) under the theme for Children and Young People.

The DJ Academy youth development project directly addresses this objective by providing space and skills development opportunities for young people to connect and advance their talents in music. This innovative initiative aims to empower youth by offering opportunities to develop skills in lyric writing, poetry, DJing, mixing, mastering, and music production, emphasizing collaboration, creative thinking, and empowerment. It provides targeted intervention pathways and a secure space for talent nurturing, fostering partnerships with organizations such as the NHS, Haringey Works, Conel, and Haringey Sixth Form. Additionally, it supports career pathways and work placements, employing an entrepreneurial business model. By focusing on local youth and maintaining a community-centred approach, the project aims to create a lasting impact and strengthen connections between Northumberland Park and the wider community.

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 are Not in Education or Training (NEETs), to become invested in their area and connected with each other through cultural activities, which is a key objective of the Estate Regeneration Fund and Corporate delivery Plan (2023/24).