Decision details

Purpose of report: to put before members the background to the opportunity to bid for capital funds (branded m"myplace") which the government is making available to develop iconic new facilities for young people. The report will outline young people's views on what facilities are needed in York, and we will offer an oral update on the building options that will have emerged by this point. If the bid is successful, building/refurbishment work would most likely being in 2010.

Members are asked to: comment on the need for youth facilities in York as articulated by young people, and on the specific building options that we will present to the meeting. This will then inform production of the final bid, which will be put to CMT and the Executive later in the month - the deadline is 30 September.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)           That the views of the young people who had been working on the project be noted;

(ii)         That the submission of a bid to secure “myplace” monies to develop centrally-based facilities for young people in York be supported in principle;

(iii)       That the site options available be noted and the young people’s preference for the city centre site be supported;

(iv)    That further officer-led work through the rest of the month be supported, to establish the detailed site and partnership options, so as to enable final appraisal nearer the deadline as to the relative merits of submitting a bid now, or deferring it until a further bidding round;

(v)     That Members be kept informed of progress with this work.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:To secure additional investment in youth facilities in the city in line with corporate priorities, and the views of residents and young people themselves.