Agenda item

Councillor Learney introduced the report as Cabinet Member and on behalf of the Climate and Open Spaces Informal Group, setting out the details of the Neighbourhood (Town) CIL application proposals to improve the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) at St Matthews Field in Weeke. She welcomed the opportunity to propose funding for a major upgrade in the provision for young people in North Winchester. The MUGA provided enhanced facilities in line with council plan priorities and had received significant local support.

In addition to funding for the MUGA, it was also proposed that £6,000 be used for focussed engagement with local young people to help identify the design and explore what additional facilities may be required across the town area. Furthermore, engagement would include targeted sessions with girls, in line with the ‘Make Space for Girls’ approach.

If approved, approximately £100,000 would remain in the town community levy fund. Whilst some of these funds had been tentatively earmarked for the provision of speed indicator devices in the town, there was no guarantee that remaining funds would be passed onto any newly formed town council or be spent in Winchester. An additional cycle of CIL distribution was planned during the summer, with the opportunity to allocate funding for not only further improvements to open spaces, but to other schemes across the town wards.

Forum members were encouraged to identify potential schemes to bring forward as opportunities within their local communities, that could offer a good use of the outstanding CIL funds available.

The forum proceeded to ask questions and comment on the following matters which were responded to by Councillor Learney and the Corporate Head of Economy and Community.

(a)           A question was asked regarding the form of consultation that would take place to ensure the design of the Multi-Use Games Area was appropriate for various activities. In response, it was noted that additional capacity would be brought in with the £6,000 funding to engage specialists. These specialists would use techniques and contacts to reach as many people as possible. The findings would then help to shape the design and identify additional requirements.

(b)           Further clarification was sought on whether the "Make Space for Girls" group was consulted as part of the design process. It was noted that a range of officers from the natural environment and recreation, cultural, and community teams attended a briefing and training session from the group. The approaches and techniques from this group would be utilised.

(c)           An enquiry was made as to whether further community infrastructure levy (CIL) applications would be supported once work was identified through the consultation. In response, it was confirmed that a further round of applications planned for the end of the summer would provide an opportunity for the forum to look at requirements across the town.

(d)           A question was raised concerning plans to publicise the facility once it was built to ensure it was used by local residents. It was reported that press publicity and social media would be used to promote the facility. It was also anticipated that information would spread among young people interested in these facilities.

(e)           Further clarification was sought on how the consultation would be structured between a broader discussion on youth facilities and the functions of the North Winchester site. In response it was explained that the focus would be on engagement with particular groups. The process of making changes and seeking planning permission would also generate issues for consideration.

(f)             An enquiry was made as to whether there were plans to make the entrances to the field available and attractive to the public. It was noted that this would be part of the work resulting from the consultation. It was acknowledged that the entrances were hidden and there was a question as to whether these should be highlighted.

(g)           A question was asked regarding the timescale for delivery and whether the project would be completed within the current financial year. It was emphasised that the intention was to deliver the project before the end of the financial year. Furthermore, it was noted that discussions within the officer team regarding the work programme and timescales had commenced.

At the conclusion of the debate, the forum wholly supported and welcomed the new MUGA which provided a safe, welcoming and active place for all young people across the city for the future. The Chairperson thanked Councillor Batho and Councillor Learney for leading the CIL funding and enabling this to be used to deliver the MUGA and much needed youth provision facility for the town and district.

RESOLVED:

1.             That the comments of the forum, set out above, be noted;

2.             That the allocation of £110,000 Town CIL funding to the North Winchester Youth Provision project to improve the facilities at St Matthews Field for the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), be approved; and

3.             That the allocation of £6,000 Town CIL revenue funding, and supplementary revenue budget for youth engagement and consultation, be approved.