Agenda item

This report provides an update on progress in identifying suitable city centre facilities that could be developed for young peoples use and made the subject of a bid for myplace Government funding

Members considered a report which updated on the progress in identifying a suitable city centre facility that could be developed for young people’s use and made the subject of a bid for MYPLACE government funding.

Following a consultation with young people over the summer, it became clear that the city centre would be the preferred location for such a facility. A possible site was identified along with partners with whom to pursue the idea. However, due to the unique nature of central York the site in question presented officers with some difficulties. A series of planning issues came to the forefront along with other issues such as the deployment of existing tenants on the site and the ability to secure a long enough lease on the building in time for submitting the bid. Upon consultation with officers experienced in submitting bids through the Big Lottery Fund, it was with some reluctance, agreed to withhold making a bid for the deadline of 30 September. Instead, a bid for the second deadline of 30 March is likely to be made. This will give officers the chance to work in more detail on the technical obstacles which prevented a bid being submitted in September. Officers commented that although the bid had not gone ahead, progress had been made on the consultation and a clear picture of what is required had now been established.

Members commented on the importance of a city centre site, as this is what young people have asked for. They understood the difficulties faced by officers in trying to secure a site in central York in a relatively short timescale and queried if enough resources were available to the officers involved.

Members present who represent the city centre wards commented that no facility for young people exists in the centre of York. Somewhere for young people to go is the top priority for many residents when asked what they would like to see put in place in the city centre and stated that it was important that officers made this a high priority.

The possibility of devising a back up plan was discussed in the eventuality that a viable city centre location could not be found. It was the general consensus that a facility in an outlaying area would be better than not having one at all. In light of the difficulties experienced by officers in attempting this bid, it was agreed that it may be useful for officers to look into a less complex site.

Members queried if this funding would be the last of this type, Officers advised that if the Government keeps to its 10 year strategy then there would possibly be more funding made available in the future.

RESOLVED:             1) That the progress in consultation with young people on the facilities they would like to see be noted, along with the difficulties faced in bringing forward a suitable site in the timescales available.

                                    2) That officers look into an alternative plan of action, including the possibility of a less complex site and that additional resources to support a successful bid be made available if possible.¹

REASON:                  To advise the Executive of the continued need to develop such facilities for young people.

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