Issue - meetings

This report asks the Cabinet Member to approve a bid to the Nesta Rethinking Parks programme for the West Bank Park.  The project will look at future parks management using the community café and heritage centre project as a starting point.

Resolved:  That the bid to the Nesta Rethinking Parks programme for the West Bank Park based around the community café and heritage centre project be approved.

Reason:     To seek funding for business planning and development work to improve facilities and community management of the park.

The Cabinet Member considered a report which asked her to approve a bid to the NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) Rethinking Parks programme for the West Bank Park.

The Cabinet Member complimented Officers for all their work on the project and bid and felt that it could be used as a template for other Council parks in the city. It was noted that although the deadline for Stage 1 bids was on Friday 28 February, York’s bid would be submitted on Thursday 27 February.

Officers explained that the NESTA money would not fund actual physical works in the park, but would provide the Council with an opportunity to think about plans for the development of the park. For example, in relation to buildings it was suggested that those located on 14 New Lane were too far away from play areas, and one idea for its usage would be as a business hub.

The Cabinet Member was informed that the Friends of West Bank Park had been informed of the bid and were very enthusiastic about it. Officers felt that the enthusiasm of the community groups involved in the bid had driven the project forward.

Resolved:  That the bid to the NESTA Rethinking Parks programme for the West Bank Park based around the community café and heritage centre project be approved.

Reason:     To seek funding for business planning and development work to improve facilities and community management of the park.