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Agenda item
Foreshore Trust Playground Renewal Scheme 2024/25
- Meeting of Charity Committee, Monday, 18th September, 2023 6.00 pm (Item 21.)
- View the background to item 21.
(Victoria Conheady, Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Place)
Minutes:
The Resort Services Manager reported to the committee on the proposed playground renewal scheme for the main play area at Pelham. A budget is allocated and for a renewal scheme for several of the larger items within the playground. It is recommended to proceed with a contractor on the framework that's available through Sussex Procurement Hub. Annual maintenance takes place but some of the larger items are approaching the end of their serviceable life. The playground was designed over 10 years ago and the renewal of the playground will make the playground as usable as possible to all the members of the Community that would use it.
The Chair highlighted this is good news and the Foreshore trust assets must be looked after. The play park is a popular attraction in Hastings and accessibility is an important part of the refurbishments. The Chair highlighted having a budget for maintenance but also redevelopment of the play park in future years.
Councillor Hilton asked regarding the risks that were identified within the play park earlier in the year. Aaron Woods answered any substantial or intolerable risks have been fixed. Councillor Hilton also requested for different markings for different sports to be marked out in the multi-use games area.
The committee discussed the importance of inclusivity as well as accessibility and for the play park to be used by people together. The committee discussed the time frame for the refurbishments. The Deputy Chief Executive explained that plans are for work to begin before the end of the financial year.
The Deputy Chief Executive explained there is sufficient surplus within the reserves to be able to cover the cost of up to £250k
RESOLVED (Unanimously)
Amended recommendation 1)
1. That for the 24/25 financial year the Foreshore Trust allocate a budget of £250,000 (225 for playground improvement and a £25k budget for staff resources) for a renewal scheme for the play equipment at the main Pelham playground.
2. To proceed to direct contract award for a playground contractor on a framework available through the East Sussex Procurement Hub.
Reasons:
1. Pelham playground is a popular facility and important asset to the Trust. The playground and some play items are now of an age and design where replacement and renewal is required, over and above general upkeep.
2. The cost of replacing individual items varies, but products supplied by the current provider are typically in the range of £15k to £25k per item including installation. The cost of replacing one item can exceed the entire annual maintenance budget for all play equipment.
3. The first objective of the charity is to “hold and maintain the charity’s land for the objects set out in the trusts of the charity, namely for the common use, benefit and enjoyment of all his majesty’s subjects and of the public”.
4. In the trusts use of income and capital it must “firstly apply the charity’s income and, if the charity thinks fit, expandible endowment, in meeting the proper costs of administering the charity and of managing its assets (including the repair and insurance of its land and buildings). After payments of these costs the trustee must apply the remaining income in furthering the objects of the charity”
5. Improvements to the playground, including improving the accessibility of the facilities for users, are a priority for the Trust.
Supporting documents:
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